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Senior Inventory Planner

Job Description

The Senior Inventory Planner will be responsible for delivering a best-in-class customer experience through the strategic management of inventory for our fast-growing greenery & decor categories. You will partner with the Merchandising, Purchasing, eCommerce, and Operations teams to maximize sales and in-stocks, identify trends and opportunities, optimize inventory efficiency, and drive profitable growth. You will also have significant interactions with our large vendor network, building relationships to help us sustain our long-term growth.

This full-time position reports to the Manager of Inventory Planning and is expected to work in a hybrid model, which currently includes Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in-office.

What you’ll do:

  • Create pre-season, item-level sales plans that align with company financial goals and open-to-buy constraints
  • Design inventory strategies that balance the composition of new and core, carry-over merchandise, and support in-stock and inventory level targets
  • Determine item level order quantities and flow strategies and partner with Procurement to ensure timely and accurate execution of purchase orders and track on time shipments
  • Leverage historical data to identify key learnings around product, pricing, and inventory and apply learnings to future seasons
  • Present strategies, investments, risk analysis and recommendations to cross-functional partners and senior leaders
  • Perform in-season, item level forecasting and ad-hoc analysis to identify inventory-related risks and opportunities for chase
  • Develop strong cross-functional partnerships with Merchandising, Sourcing, E-commerce, Operations, and external vendors
  • Provide critical thought partnership to functional leads within the teams you support
  • Regularly meet with managers and leaders to understand team landscape, diagnose issues, and brainstorm potential solutions, and generally support team health and pathways forward
  • Navigate interpersonal and team dynamics, with comfort and experience managing conflict and difficult conversations

What you bring to the table:

  • 5+ years of work experience, with at least 3+ years in an inventory planning or forecasting role
  • Bachelor’s degree in Math, Finance, Accounting, Business, or Statistics preferred
  • A passion for drawing insights from data
  • Excellent business acumen
  • Comfort with ambiguity
  • Strong Excel skills
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to partner with and influence internal partners and external vendors
  • Strong attention to detail when identifying data relationships, trends, and anomalies
  • Proficiency in retail math and experience managing a traditional open-to-buy
  • Creative problem solver
  • Ability to take initiative and deliver tangible results within deadlines
  • Ability to take direction from several individuals and be self-directed
  • Experience in retail or e-commerce strongly preferred
  • Experience with direct vendor negotiation preferred

About Us: Balsam Brands is a global, eCommerce retailer with roots in holiday and home décor. We strive for excellence in everything we do and present a unique opportunity for those seeking to have a meaningful impact in a people-first company that values relationship building, authenticity, and doing the right thing. We have steadily growing teams in Boise, the Bay Area, Dublin, and the Philippines.

The company's mission is to create joy together. We empower our team and partners to love what they do, provide products and experiences that inspire meaningful moments with family and friends, and give back to our families and communities in impactful ways. When you join Balsam Brands, you'll find a culture of caring people doing challenging work and building a welcoming workplace.

At Balsam Brands, we strive to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. For permanent, full-time team members, our current package includes:

  • Competitive compensation, including a cash-based incentive plan; salary is reviewed yearly and may be adjusted as part of the normal compensation review process
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, with 100% of monthly premiums covered for team members, and 85%+ employer-paid premiums for other coverage tiers that include dependents
  • Up to $2,000 annual funding toward HSA accounts
  • Medical, transit, dependent care FSA
  • Infertility coverage offered on all medical plans
  • Generous parental leave program and flexible return options
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Company-paid short and long-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to $4,000 per calendar year
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and other mental health and wellness perks
  • Paid holidays, annual shutdown week, PTO, and volunteer time-off (VTO) packages
  • Paid 5-week sabbatical leave after 10 years of employment
  • Annual continuous learning benefit up to $1,000 per person, per fiscal year
  • Up to $300 flexible reimbursement to support setup of new team member's work-from-home environment
  • Generous team member merchandise discount
  • Valuable extras: identity theft protection, subsidized parking, monthly wellness, pet insurance, accident & critical illness insurance

The base pay range for this position is: $90,000-$103,000. Where an individual falls within that range will vary based on several factors including geographic location and may vary depending on candidate qualifications and experience, applicable skills, and other job-related factors. We benchmark our pay ranges against current external data sources and regularly review compensation for our team members. Balsam Brands is committed to providing our team members with an internally fair, externally competitive, and fiscally prudent total compensation package administered in a simple and consistent manner.

At Balsam Brands, we strive to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team to fulfill our purpose to create joy together. Balsam Brands is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or caregiver status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application and interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

#LI-Hybrid

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Average salary estimate

$96500 / YEARLY (est.)
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$90000K
$103000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Inventory Planner, Balsam Brands

Are you a data-driven professional with a knack for optimizing inventory? Balsam Brands is looking for a Senior Inventory Planner to join our vibrant team in Redwood City, CA. In this exciting role, you'll be at the heart of managing inventory across our fantastic greenery and decor categories. As a Senior Inventory Planner, you'll work closely with various teams, including Merchandising, Purchasing, eCommerce, and Operations, to ensure we maximize sales and maintain inventory efficiency. Your insights will be vital in shaping our inventory strategies, determining order quantities, and driving profitable growth. You'll leverage historical data to spot trends and opportunities, present analytical findings to senior leaders, and cultivate strong vendor relationships that are key to our continued success. This is a hybrid role, giving you the flexibility to work from home while enjoying collaboration in the office three days a week. If you have over five years of experience in inventory planning, a passion for data insights, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, Balsam Brands would love to have you on board. Join us and make an impact in a people-first company that values authenticity and teamwork!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Inventory Planner Role at Balsam Brands
What are the responsibilities of a Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands?

As a Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands, you'll create detailed sales plans that align with our company goals, design strategic inventory approaches, and determine optimal order quantities. You'll also collaborate with cross-functional teams and external vendors, ensuring timely purchase orders and analyzing inventory risk while identifying growth opportunities.

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What qualifications are required to be a Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands?

To become a Senior Inventory Planner with Balsam Brands, you should have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a field such as Math, Finance, or Business. Strong Excel skills, a good understanding of retail math, and the ability to analyze data trends are crucial for the role. Experience in retail or e-commerce is strongly preferred.

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How does Balsam Brands support their Senior Inventory Planner in their role?

Balsam Brands supports the Senior Inventory Planner role through a culture of collaboration and open communication. Regular meetings with management help identify challenges and brainstorm solutions. The company also provides various tools and resources to assist in developing effective inventory strategies and forecasts, fostering an environment for continuous learning.

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What is the work environment like for a Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands?

The work environment for a Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands is hybrid, allowing for flexibility in work-from-home arrangements while also fostering collaboration in the office. You'll be part of a supportive team culture that values insightful contributions and teamwork, creating a positive atmosphere for professional growth.

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What kind of impact does a Senior Inventory Planner have at Balsam Brands?

A Senior Inventory Planner at Balsam Brands plays a crucial role in shaping the company's inventory strategies, directly impacting sales and customer satisfaction. By optimizing stock levels and analyzing market trends, you help ensure that the right products are available at the right time, driving overall company growth.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Inventory Planner
Can you describe your experience with inventory management?

When answering this question, focus on providing specific examples of your inventory management experiences. Discuss the systems and strategies you used to optimize inventory and how you collaborated with other departments. Highlight any successes in reducing excess stock or improving in-stock rates.

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How do you approach forecasting inventory needs for new products?

Outline your method for forecasting, including conducting market research, analyzing historical sales data, and collaborating with merchandising teams. Mention how you adapt your strategies based on data insights and feedback received from stakeholders.

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What tools and software do you have experience with for inventory planning?

Discuss the specific tools and software you're proficient in, such as ERP systems or inventory management software. Provide examples of how you utilized these tools to improve processes and make data-driven decisions.

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How would you handle an inventory shortage during a peak season?

Explain your process for addressing inventory shortages, including how you'd communicate with stakeholders, analyze sales trends, and possibly work with vendors to expedite orders. Focus on your problem-solving abilities and proactive approach.

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Describe a time you used data to drive an important inventory decision.

Share a specific instance where you leveraged data analysis to influence inventory decisions. Discuss the data you examined, the insights you derived, and the impact your decision had on the company’s inventory performance.

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What strategies do you employ to maintain effective vendor relationships?

Elaborate on your strategies for building and maintaining vendor relationships. Mention the importance of communication, negotiation, and regular check-ins to ensure alignment on inventory levels and quality. Share any success stories of improved vendor performance that resulted from these relationships.

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How do you prioritize tasks in a fast-paced inventory environment?

Discuss your approach to task prioritization, emphasizing organization and adaptability. Explain how you assess urgency and importance, perhaps using a method like the Eisenhower Matrix, and be sure to provide examples of how this strategy has worked for you in previous roles.

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Can you give an example of how you resolved a conflict with a team member or vendor?

Describe the situation, the steps you took to resolve the conflict, and the outcome. Highlight your communication skills and abilities to negotiate win-win solutions, showcasing how you've contributed positively to team dynamics in the past.

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What metrics do you consider critical for tracking inventory health?

List key performance indicators (KPIs) you monitor, such as turnover rates, in-stock percentages, and order fill rates. Explain how these metrics inform your inventory strategies and decisions.

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How do you stay updated on industry trends affecting inventory planning?

Talk about your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, following relevant publications, or participating in professional networks. Emphasize how this knowledge influences your work and strategies at Balsam Brands.

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Balsam Brands is a multi-brand eCommerce retailer with roots in holiday and home décor. We strive for excellence in everything we do and present a unique opportunity to those who are seeking to have a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, high-energy...

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
December 18, 2024

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