Item Planner

About the position

The Item Planner serves as a results-driven advocate focused on in-season item sales forecasts and inventory optimization. This role is responsible for updating inventory plans across distribution centers (DCs) and channels to support pre-season demand plans, as well as adjusting sales forecasts and bulk orders in-season to react to actual demand. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and efficient inventory management and develop strategies to achieve channel sales and inventory targets.

Responsibilities

• Pre-Season Partner with Channel Merchants and Allocation teams to confirm pre-season demand forecasts by DC to inform Supply Chain and Supply Planning activities.
• Input DTC bulk orders into D365 to protect pooled inventory for DTC channels.
• In-Season Update current season item/color DTC sales forecasts and replenishment plans monthly based on trend and inventory availability.
• Adjust bulk orders to align with updated sales forecasts.
• Facilitate cross-channel alignment for constrained inventory where supply is less than demand.
• Develop item-level discounts, promotional, and clearance strategies, including what-if scenarios, to achieve sales or end inventory plans.
• Weekly in-season DTC style/color reforecasts and insights.
• Monthly updates and summaries of DTC item/color sales and purchase/receipt forecasts and notation of bulk needs.
• Discount, promotional, and end-of-season clearance strategies and scenario planning.

Requirements

• College degree in a related field, Business Administration, Economics or Supply Chain Preferred
• Strong background in merchandise planning and inventory optimization, preferably within the retail industry.
• 3+ years of experience in managing demand forecasts / forecasting sales, optimizing buy quantities, and analyzing inventory trends within the retail consumer products sector.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with leadership and cross-functional teams including buyers, planners and allocators.
• A results-driven mindset, strong problem-solving skills to develop effective strategies and the ability to identify opportunities for sales and inventory optimization.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Expert knowledge of Excel is required with experience using demand forecasting and ERP inventory management systems (e.g., D365).
• Analytical: Strong Excel skills and experience with statistical forecasting.
• Accurate: Impeccable attention to detail and comfortable validating your own work.
• Effective Communicator: Able to consistently communicate and relay pertinent information clearly across internal and external teams.
• Collaborative: Enjoy working with cross-functional partners, building trust, and fostering a positive team environment.
• Flexible: Skilled at handling multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and adapting to shifting priorities.
• Proactive & Prescient: Anticipate opportunities and challenges before they arise and act without being prompted.
• Confident: Comfortable forming and sharing opinions while prioritizing effectively.
• Dynamic: Bring enthusiasm and passion for our mission-driven work to “Save Our Home Planet”.
• Resilient: Thrive in ambiguity and evolving environments.

Benefits

• Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans.
• Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.