Manager, Inventory & Demand Planning

Zenni Optical

. Drive optimal inventory planning and investment to support sales performance and margin execution .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $108,600 - $135,700 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in inventory planning, financial modeling, and demand forecasting, with a strong ability to synthesize data into actionable strategies. Proven experience in leading teams, managing planning software, and collaborating cross-functionally to optimize sales performance and inventory management.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Inventory PlanningFinancial ModelingDemand ForecastingEnterprise Planning SoftwareCross-Functional Collaboration

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Data SynthesisGross Margin AnalysisPromotional Lift UnderstandingSales Velocity AnalysisHistorical Trend ModelingAdvanced Microsoft ExcelFinancial PlanningCategory OwnershipAI IntegrationKPI Development

Soft Skills

Strong CommunicationTeam LeadershipStrategic ThinkingProblem SolvingPartnership Building

Tools & Technologies

AnaplanBlue YonderSAP APOSAP IBPOracle Retail

Industry Keywords

Merchandise Financial PlanningDemand PlanningOpen-to-Buy StrategyInventory PerformanceSales Performance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Oracle

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive optimal inventory planning and investment to support sales performance and margin execution
Blend strategic inventory financial and unit planning with operational demand forecasting
Drive subcategory in-stock position and guide a team of planners
Maintain governance over sales targets, gross margins, and inventory performance
Own end-to-end financial and demand planning for assigned product categories and subcategories
Lead deployment and continuous enhancement of planning systems, AI capabilities, and reporting and analytics tools
Review monthly and quarterly sales, margin, and inventory performance against targets and Open-to-Buy budgets
Balance inventory and Open-to-Buy strategy across Frames and Lens commodities
Direct stock reallocations, inventory consolidations, and safety stock adjustments across locations
Manage and coach Merchandise Planners and establish operational KPIs, workflows, and development plans
Lead planning software integration, algorithm tuning, analytical reporting, and AI utilization
Oversee item-level planning and location/factory-level forecasting for core best-selling SKUs
Lead weekly reviews of sales performance, forecast accuracy, out-of-stock risks, and New Product Introduction delivery timing
Oversee sell-through plans for discontinued items to minimize liability and write-off risk
Collaborate with Product Category, Marketing, Procurement, Warehousing, and Logistics teams
Work with Procurement to ensure timely purchases fulfill Open-to-Buy requirements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong ability to synthesize large datasets, translate numbers into actionable strategies, and present clear solutions to management
Expertise translating item-level demand into dollar projections, gross margins, and working capital requirements
Deep understanding of promotional lift, seasonal curves, sales velocity, and historical trend modeling
Proven ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships and integrate diverse input into a unified demand plan
Advanced Microsoft Excel expertise, including financial modeling, complex formulas, pivot tables, and data structuring
Ability to adopt artificial intelligence into functional requirements
Hands-on experience implementing, using, and managing teams within enterprise planning software such as Anaplan, Blue Yonder, SAP APO/IBP, or Oracle Retail
4–6+ years of progressive experience in merchandise financial planning or demand planning, including direct category ownership and supervisory experience
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual Bonus Program
100% premiums covered for medical, dental, and vision for employees; 50% for dependents
Basic Life and AD&D with option for additional voluntary coverage
Short and long term disability coverage
401k with up to 4% match
EAP and Spring Health access to free therapy and coaching for employees and dependents
Free access for you and your family to the Wellness Coach digital wellness platform
FTO (Flex Time Off)
Week of Zen between Christmas and New Year's
Fully Paid Parental Leave — 16 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
Family forming and fertility support and services through Maven
Annual Zenni Gift Card