The Role
The Planning Manager develops merchandise and inventory plans, forecasts demand, manages purchasing and replenishment, and optimizes inventory productivity and profitability. The role oversees supplier relationships and performance, supports product launches and assortment decisions, collaborates cross-functionally on forecasting and cost savings, and improves fulfillment and planning processes. It also handles SKU rationalization, inventory reduction, customer escalations, and product availability for residential and commercial design projects.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Waterworks
When you see the world’s most inspiring homes and hotels, you invariably find Waterworks in the mix. For over 40 years, our designs have elevated the bath and kitchen experience, with exquisite fittings, fixtures, hardware and more. We strive to be participants in exceptional design moments not just through our products, but through how our company name shows up in the world at large.
What We Provide
What gives us an edge over our competitors is our people. We work in a highly collaborative, creative environment that values each team member’s contributions to our mission. We empower our associates with extensive training, career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, bonus potential and a comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, and 401k retirement savings plan. We offer a generous PTO program (vacation, personal and sick time) with additional perks like some summer half days and a volunteer day. The company observes at least 8 federal holidays throughout the calendar year plus a floating holiday that associates can use at their discretion.
The Role
As a Planning Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping inventory strategy and driving business performance across our portfolio of luxury kitchen, bath, tile, and home design products. This position is responsible for merchandise planning, inventory optimization, purchasing, and supplier management, ensuring the right products are available at the right time to deliver an exceptional customer experience.
Working cross-functionally with Merchandising, Product Development, Operations, Finance, Sales, and Customer Experience teams, you will help balance customer demand, inventory investment, and profitability while supporting key business initiatives and strategic growth.
This is a hybrid role that requires onsite presence a minimum of 3 days per week. Other days may be required based on business need.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute merchandise and inventory plans that support sales, margin, inventory turn, and service-level objectives.
- Analyze demand trends, inventory performance, and business metrics to drive data-based planning decisions.
- Manage purchasing activities and inventory replenishment across stocked, special-order, and direct-ship product categories.
- Monitor product costs and pricing trends, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international suppliers, ensuring high levels of performance, quality, and delivery reliability.
- Track supplier performance through key metrics, scorecards, and regular business reviews.
- Partner with Product Development and Merchandising teams to support new product launches, product transitions, and assortment optimization initiatives.
- Collaborate with Finance and Operations on forecasting, inventory investment strategies, and cost-savings opportunities.
- Support large-scale residential and commercial design projects by ensuring product availability and timely fulfillment.
- Partner with Sales and Customer Experience teams to address inventory issues, improve order fulfillment timelines, and resolve customer escalations.
- Lead SKU rationalization, inventory reduction, and liquidation initiatives to improve inventory productivity.
- Identify and implement process improvements that enhance planning accuracy, supplier performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, merchandise planning, supply chain, purchasing, or a related discipline.
- Strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Experience working with ERP, inventory management, or planning systems.
- Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and cross-functional business initiatives.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and business results.
- Experience sourcing or managing suppliers across domestic and international markets preferred.
- Ability to travel up to 20%.
Our Values
Be Authentic: Engage in real conversations. Communicate honestly with respect and professionalism.
Raise The Bar: Share ideas to uphold our standard of excellence. Never settle for less than the best.
Own It: Be responsible for your results. Empower yourself and others to step forward and lead.
Partner For Perfection: Collaborate with peers and teammates to deliver superior service to our clients.
Love What You Do & Do What You Love: Generate excitement and enthusiasm for our brand and company.
Waterworks is committed to promoting pay equity. Rate of pay is determined based on each individual's experience, qualifications, and the geographic location of the role. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate's experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
Waterworks is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, merchandise planning, supply chain, purchasing, or a related discipline
- Strong analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Experience working with ERP, inventory management, or planning systems
- Demonstrated success managing supplier relationships and cross-functional business initiatives
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to exceptional service and business results
- Experience sourcing or managing suppliers across domestic and international markets
- Ability to travel up to 20%
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The Company
What We Do
Waterworks is a luxury brand specializing in high-end bath and kitchen products, including fittings, fixtures, hardware, lighting, surfaces, and cabinetry. Founded in 1978, the company is recognized for its commitment to artisanal craftsmanship, rigorous engineering, and timeless design. Waterworks collaborates with accomplished designers and architects to provide a complete, proprietary vision for the most valuable rooms in the home, serving both residential and commercial projects globally.
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