Manager, Inventory Planning

R2net - James Allen & Blue Nile is a jewelry company with a technology soul. R2Net Inc. is an innovative technology company that provides e-commerce and supply chain platforms to connect the entire span of the diamond industry's ecosystem, including manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Inventory Planning Manager to lead the strategy and execution of inventory management across our digital brands Blue Nile and James Allen. This role is central to shaping inventory policy and driving cross-functional alignment to balance availability, efficiency, and brand exclusivity.

In this role, you will own the inventory management strategy, leveraging advanced analytics to continuously challenge the asset vs. just-in-time SKU mix for optimal efficiency, margin, and customer satisfaction. You will partner closely with the Merchandise, Fulfilment and Manufacturing teams to ensure inventory strategies support commercial priorities, operational and manufacturing synergies.

Responsibilities:

Inventory Strategy & Optimization

• Lead the end-to-end inventory management strategy, balancing service levels, working capital, and margin objectives.
• Continuously assess and optimize the Asset vs. Just-in-Time SKU mix, using data-driven insights to challenge the status quo and enhance efficiency.
• Define SKU classification and stocking policies (ABC/XYZ), safety stock levels, and days-on-hand targets.
• Drive optimization of our inventory positioning across digital and stores channels.
• Collaborate with Finance and Merchandising to align inventory strategy with business growth and profitability goals.

Fulfillment Planning & Supply Execution

• Translate demand forecasts into executable fulfillment plans across a global network of vendors.
• Develop and maintain net requirement and replenishment models across the supply network.
• Support omnichannel fulfillment operations, ensuring alignment between stores, warehouses, and e-commerce.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Merchandise Collaboration: Partner with the Merchandise team to jointly manage vendor relationships, focusing on alignment, forecast accuracy, and delivery performance rather than transactional oversight.
• Work collaboratively on supplier capacity planning, delivery scheduling, and production readiness to support new launches and seasonal peaks.
• Manufacturing Partnership: Collaborate closely with the Manufacturing Inventory Director to align production planning, capacity utilization, and inventory positioning.
• Drive joint continuous improvement initiatives that maximize end-to-end supply chain efficiency, lead-time reduction, and flexibility.

Analytics & Performance Management

• Lead development and reporting of KPIs including fill rate, inventory turns, stockouts, and excess inventory.
• Provide insights into inventory health and root-cause analysis for deviations from target metrics.
• Drive the use of BI tools and predictive analytics to enhance planning accuracy and decision-making.

Seasonal & Risk Planning

• Oversee seasonal inventory build and transition plans for collections and high-volume periods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners on end-of-season strategies, markdowns, and lifecycle management.
• Lead risk assessment and contingency planning for potential disruptions in supply or demand.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field

• APICS CPIM, CSCP, or CLTD certification preferred
• Lean or Six Sigma certification valued
• 5+ years of experience in inventory management, supply planning, or operations (including at least 1 year in a leadership capacity)
• Experience in luxury goods, fashion, or premium retail preferred
• Proven ability to develop and execute inventory strategies aligned with financial and operational objectives
• Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration with Merchandising, Manufacturing, and Operations

Technical Competencies

• Advanced Excel and ERP/MRP system proficiency (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Experience with planning systems such as Blue Yonder, Kinaxis, or equivalent
• Strong BI and analytics skills (Tableau, Power BI, SQL
• Understanding of network optimization and multi-echelon planning
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with a data-driven decision-making approach
• Strong stakeholder management and collaboration skills
• Analytical problem solver able to manage complexity across global networks
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency and scalability
• Ability to communicate effectively across organizational levels

Benefits

At R2Net - James Allen & Blue Nile, many of our roles offer a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, retirement planning and opportunities for career advancement. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, employment type, work schedule or location:

• Hybrid Work Environment
• Paid Time Off
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Account | Health Savings Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount
• Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
  

Why Join Us

• Impact: Own inventory strategy across a $50M+ portfolio
• Leadership: Influence decisions across merchandising, manufacturing, and operations
• Innovation: Work with AI-driven and optimization-based planning tools
• Growth: Clear path to Senior Manager and Director roles
• Culture: A balance of operational discipline and creativity within a global luxury brand
• Location: Work in NYC with access to showrooms and flagship stores
• Compensation: Competitive salary ($K-$K) plus % performance bonus

Annual base pay: $110,000 - $130,000. Final pay rate shall be determined and is based on experience and qualifications.

At this time, R2Net will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Additional Information: R2NET INC. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. R2NET INC. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.