We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics to lead forecasting, inventory planning, and business analytics initiatives. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of operations, finance, and merchandising - acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and orchestrating the evolution of our planning capabilities in an increasingly digital landscape.

In this role, you will oversee executive-level planning deliverables, lead a high-performing analytics team, champion digital transformation initiatives, and drive the integration of AI/ML capabilities into our planning processes.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

Lead Demand and Inventory Fulfilment Planning within the S&OP process across departments, integrating data driven drivers and business insights into cohesive business strategies
Develop rolling forecasts (weekly, monthly, quarterly) using advanced statistical methods and AI/ML models to achieve >85% forecast accuracy
Design scenario planning frameworks for supply chain disruptions, incorporating risk assessments and mitigation strategies
Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, finance, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to align business plans with revenue targets and margin goals
Lead inventory optimization strategies balancing service levels with working capital efficiency across our global distribution network
Manage seasonal collection planning and limited edition releases unique to luxury markets

Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence

Translate complex data into executive-ready insights, delivering strategic recommendations to C-suite leadership
Build and maintain real-time dashboards tracking KPIs across sales performance, inventory health, forecast accuracy, and operational metrics
Implement predictive analytics for demand sensing, customer behavior modeling, and trend identification
Lead competitive intelligence analysis and market trend monitoring to inform strategic planning
Develop pricing and promotional effectiveness models in collaboration with commercial teams
Champion data governance standards and ensure data quality across planning systems

Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership

Drive AI/ML integration into planning processes, serving as orchestrator of human-AI collaborative workflows
Lead technology selection and implementation projects for planning systems (SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder)
Partner with IT and Engineering teams to automate reporting and scale data infrastructure (Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI)
Champion transition from manual Excel-based processes to integrated, cloud-based planning platforms
Develop and monitor AI model performance, ensuring continuous improvement and value realization
Build organizational capabilities in digital tools and advanced analytics methodologies

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Serve as primary planning liaison to executive leadership, presenting monthly business reviews and strategic recommendations
Consolidate inputs from planning, merchandising, finance, and operations into unified strategic narratives
Facilitate weekly S&OP meetings and monthly integrated business planning sessions
Manage relationships with key technology vendors and external partners
Drive change management initiatives supporting digital transformation and process optimization

Team Development & Organizational Capability Building

Lead and develop a team of 2-3 professionals including demand planners, supply planners, business analysts, and data scientists
Set clear OKRs, drive execution of high-impact projects, and foster culture of continuous learning
Develop team capabilities in AI/ML tools, statistical modeling, and advanced planning methodologies
Support career development through mentoring, cross-training, and stretch assignments
Build succession planning pipeline for critical planning roles

Risk Management & Business Continuity

Develop multi-scenario contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
Lead crisis response planning and execution during disruptions
Implement early warning systems for demand volatility and supply constraints

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy through emerging technologies
Lead lean/six sigma initiatives improving planning cycle time by 20-30%
Deploy strategic evolution of KPIs and performance management frameworks
Champion best practice sharing across regional teams and business units