Planning Manager

About the Role

The Planning Manager will lead end-to-end inventory management and supply chain operations to optimize product availability drive sales and margin and support overall company financial goals. This role partners closely with Purchasing merchandising and logistics teams to determine purchase quantities align inventory with demand forecasts and ensure efficient allocation across wholesale ecommerce and DTC channels.

You will own the full inventory lifecyclefrom initial planning through end-of-life strategieswhile proactively mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring operational excellence.

Youll Make a Difference By

• Developing seasonal sales margin and inventory plans across all channels to align with financial targets and ensure optimal stock levels
• Leading open-to-buy (OTB) planning and monthly inventory budgeting to control spend and maintain healthy inventory flow
• Setting replenishment strategies reorder points and monitoring key metrics such as sell-through weeks of supply and stockout risk
• Building detailed demand forecasts by SKU category channel and season using historical data and market trends
• Managing and executing purchase orders based on forecasts balancing bulk purchasing benefits with inventory risk
• Coordinating with Purchasing and logistics teams to track shipments and maintain accurate ETAs in ERP systems
• Acting as the source of truth for inbound inventory to support cross-functional planning and execution
• Strategically allocating inventory across ecommerce wholesale and retail channels to maximize revenue and availability
• Identifying and correcting inventory imbalances by reallocating stock to drive full-price sell-through
• Leading inventory control processes including audits reconciliations and discrepancy resolution to ensure data accuracy
• Managing end-of-life inventory strategies through markdowns promotions and liquidation to optimize DC efficiency
• Owning inventory reporting and ensuring timely accurate data for decision-making
• Developing contingency plans to respond to demand shifts and supply chain disruptions

• Assisting with other responsibilities based on business needs.

About You

• Bachelors degree in supply chain management Business Administration or a related field
• 47 years of experience in inventory planning demand planning or merchandising preferably in a high-growth or startup environment
• Advanced proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets with the ability to translate complex data into clear business decisions
• Experience with ERP or inventory management systems (e.g. NetSuite Shopify Cin7 SAP Microsoft Dynamics)
• Strong analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to move seamlessly between strategic planning and hands-on execution
• Proven ability to manage and interpret inventory metrics such as stock turn forecast accuracy and margin performance
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills across purchasing merchandising and logistics teams
• High level of accuracy in data management and operational processes
• Results-driven with a focus on optimizing inventory performance and supporting business growth
• Professional proficiency in English is required as it is the Companys primary business language

Core Competencies

• Inventory & Demand Planning Strategy
• Financial & OTB Management
• Data Analysis & Forecasting
• Supply Chain & Operations Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Problem Solving & Risk Mitigation
• Attention to Detail & Data Accuracy
• Decision-Making & Business Judgment
• Adaptability & Agility
• Results Orientation

About Ariat

Ariat is an innovative outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride work and play outdoors and care about performance quality comfort and style.

This contract position may be eligible for select benefits through the payrolling agency. Benefits may include medical dental and vision insurance options and 401k.

Ariat will consider qualified applicants including those with criminal histories in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex orientation national origin age disability genetics or any other basis protected under federal state or local law. Ariat is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process email

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Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment the absence of a signed Agreement Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter/agency placement the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes including those submitted directly to hiring managers are deemed to be the property of Ariat.