Manager, Planning Operations

The Manager, Planning Operations at Warby Parker is responsible for overseeing product-related financials, developing gross margin reporting, identifying margin improvement opportunities, and collaborating on strategic analyses to drive topline growth. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams to ensure effective strategic planning and operations.

Candidates for the Manager, Planning Operations position at Warby Parker should have at least 5 years of experience in strategic planning, operations, or project management, along with a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a positive, collaborative attitude are essential qualities for this role.

The Manager, Planning Operations plays a critical role in Warby Parker's growth by developing financial oversight for product initiatives, enhancing product margins, and spearheading forecasting efforts for new launches. By analyzing performance metrics and identifying growth opportunities, this role ensures that the planning strategy aligns with the company's objectives.

In their daily responsibilities, the Manager, Planning Operations at Warby Parker may utilize tools like Anaplan and Oracle or similar ERP systems. Familiarity with these technologies will bolster their ability to support topline forecasting and optimize reporting processes that are crucial for strategic planning.

Warby Parker offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including health, vision, and dental insurance, a flexible vacation policy, retirement savings plans with company match, and parental leave. Other perks include education reimbursement and free eyewear, underscoring Warby Parker's commitment to employee well-being.

When approaching forecasting for a new product launch, I would start by analyzing historical sales data of similar products to identify trends and demand patterns. I’d collaborate closely with marketing and sales teams to align our strategies and consider market conditions, competitive analysis, and customer feedback to ensure our forecasts are accurate and effective.

In my previous position, I identified inefficiencies in our supply chain processes that were inflating costs. By renegotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing our inventory management, I was able to improve product margins significantly. I always focus on making data-driven decisions to back my strategy.

Key metrics for measuring planning success include gross margin percentage, forecast accuracy, inventory turnover rates, and customer satisfaction scores. By analyzing these metrics, we can gain insights into operational efficiency and make informed adjustments to improve overall performance.

I prioritize tasks by evaluating their urgency and impact, often using a matrix to categorize them accordingly. I ensure clear communication with stakeholders to align on deadlines and expectations, which helps facilitate focused and efficient project management.

Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams starts with establishing open communication channels. I make it a point to involve key stakeholders early in the planning process, conducting regular check-ins to align on objectives, share updates, and address any bottlenecks collectively.

I led a high-visibility project to launch a new product line, coordinating between marketing, production, and sales teams. By setting clear milestones and facilitating collaboration, we successfully launched the product on schedule, ultimately exceeding our sales targets by 20% within the quarter.

In my previous role, I was part of a team that implemented a new ERP system. I helped design a training program, to ease the transition and ensure all users understood the system's functionalities. Post-implementation, feedback from team members showed improved process efficiency, highlighting the effectiveness of our change management efforts.

In such a scenario, I would conduct a thorough analysis to determine the root cause – whether it be market changes, inaccurate data, or logistical issues. Following this, I would adjust our forecasting methods accordingly, and share insights with stakeholders to refine our approach for future forecasts.

Data analysis is crucial in planning operations as it provides actionable insights that guide decision-making. Leveraging data allows us to understand market trends, assess performance metrics, and enhance operational efficiencies, ensuring our strategies are both proactive and reactive to industry dynamics.

I’m inspired by Warby Parker’s mission to provide exceptional vision care while positively impacting society. I want to contribute my expertise in planning operations to help the company continue its innovative approach to business while ensuring strategic growth. The alignment of my values with those of Warby Parker fuels my desire to join the team.