Inventory Planner, The Citizenry

As an Inventory Planner at The Citizenry, you'll oversee building and improving procedures for data-driven SKU-level inventory plans, managing historical sales trends, and developing forecast models. This role requires collaboration with Supply Chain, Product Development, and Merchandising teams to facilitate purchase order recommendations and ensure optimal inventory levels that meet our customers’ expectations.

To excel as an Inventory Planner at The Citizenry, you should have a BA/BS degree or equivalent experience, along with a minimum of 3 years in inventory planning. Experience in DTC/Consumer Good is preferred, especially in Home Goods. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel, and familiarity with SQL or other tech tools will give you a competitive edge in this role.

At The Citizenry, Inventory Planners utilize various tools including e-commerce platforms, ERPs, and BI tools like Shopify, Netsuite, Looker, and Tableau. Advanced proficiency in Excel is essential, as you'll need to manipulate and manage data efficiently to ensure accurate inventory forecasting and reporting.

The Citizenry values professional growth and offers opportunities for Inventory Planners to learn new technologies and tools. Working in a fast-paced startup environment encourages continuous learning, and you’ll have access to mentorship and collaboration across teams, boosting your skills and career trajectory.

The work culture at The Citizenry is dynamic and collaborative, where passion meets creativity. As an Inventory Planner, you will thrive in a supportive atmosphere filled with like-minded professionals who value quality, integrity, and innovation. With hybrid work options, the team promotes a healthy work-life balance while committing to driving results and setting new standards in retail.

When answering this question, focus on specific tools and techniques you've used in your past roles as an Inventory Planner. Highlight your analytical skills and any successful projects you've led that improved inventory management, such as developing accurate forecasting models or implementing a new strategy that enhanced stock levels.

Discuss your approach to reviewing sales data, detailing steps such as identifying seasonal trends, abnormal spikes in demand, and the impact of promotions. Emphasize your capability to translate that analysis into actionable insights that affect inventory buying decisions favorably.

Explain your experience with markdowns, sales promotions, or bundle offers to sell through excess inventory. You might also mention how you monitor inventory levels to proactively prevent excess in the first place, showcasing your ability to balance supply and demand effectively.

Provide examples of tools you have used, like SQL or Excel, and describe how you've utilized them to extract insights or forecast demand. Mention any specific projects where data analytics significantly improved inventory accuracy or reduced costs.

Share a specific example that illustrates your teamwork skills, detailing how you worked with other departments to align inventory strategies with marketing or product launches. Highlight your communication skills and how you navigate diverse perspectives to achieve common goals.

Discuss techniques you use to prioritize effectively, like maintaining a clear view of deadlines, assessing the urgency and impact of each task. Mention tools or methodologies you employ, such as Kanban boards, to manage your workload and stay organized.

Highlight the significance of accuracy in forecasts, the careful management of data inputs, and regular physical inventory counts. You can also mention the importance of consistent communication with Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment and avoid discrepancies.

Explain your approach to industry research, whether it’s through reading industry reports, following relevant influencers, or attending trade shows. This indicates your dedication to staying informed, which is essential for making strategic inventory decisions.

Discuss your comfort level with calculations like sell-through rates, gross margins, and turn rates. Provide specific examples of how you've used retail math to optimize inventory levels and prompted strategic decisions regarding purchasing.

Express enthusiasm for The Citizenry's mission and values. Connect your career goals with the company's vision, highlighting how you can contribute to the team with your skills and passion for innovative design and ethical sourcing.