Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics (Ref: 193585)

Title: Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid – 4 days onsite)

Salary: $145,000-165,000 base bonus

Industry: Jewelry

Contact: alley.williams@forsythbarnes.com

This is a full-time position, not eligible for C2C/C2H and not eligible for sponsorship/visa transfer.

About the Company

Our client is an industry innovator at the intersection of jewelry and technology, delivering advanced e-commerce and supply chain solutions. Their platform connects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to create a seamless, data-driven diamond buying experience.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics is a strategic leader who will bridge operations, finance, and merchandising. This role oversees high-level planning deliverables, leads an analytics team, contributes to digital transformation, and drives AI/ML integration into operational planning.

Key Responsibilities

Planning & Analytics Leadership

• Lead Demand & Inventory Fulfillment Planning within the S&OP framework.
• Apply advanced statistical methods and AI/ML models to build rolling forecasts (85% accuracy).
• Design scenario-planning frameworks with risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Translate complex data into executive-level insights and recommendations.
• Establish real-time dashboards for KPIs across sales, inventory, forecast accuracy, and operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with merchandising, finance, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to align plans with revenue/margin targets.
• Guide weekly S&OP meetings and monthly integrated business reviews.
• Synthesize inputs into cohesive strategic presentations for senior leadership.
• Work with commercial teams on pricing strategy and promotional performance analysis.

Technology, AI/ML, & Digital Transformation

• Direct the selection and implementation of planning systems (e.g., SAP IBP, Anaplan).
• Collaborate with IT/Engineering to automate reporting and enhance infrastructure.
• Lead the transition from Excel-based methods to cloud-based planning solutions.
• Advance AI/ML integration and monitor model performance.
• Uphold data governance standards and data-quality assurance.

Inventory & Supply Chain Optimization

• Implement inventory optimization strategies to balance service levels and capital efficiency.
• Plan seasonal collections and market-specific product releases for luxury segments.
• Conduct competitive intelligence and market trend analysis.
• Develop contingency plans, early-warning systems, and crisis-response protocols.
• Drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce planning cycle time.

People Leadership

• Manage and mentor a team of 2–3 planners, analysts, and data scientists.
• Set OKRs, oversee high-impact projects, and cultivate a culture of continuous development.
• Build organizational capabilities in advanced analytics and AI/ML applications.
• Support career development and succession planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s in business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, or related field.
• 10 years in operations planning, supply chain analytics, or demand planning.
• 3 years managing direct reports.
• Experience in luxury goods, premium consumer brands, or upscale retail (preferred).
• Strong S&OP leadership and cross-functional project management.
• Proven digital transformation and technology implementation success.
• MBA or related Master’s preferred.
• APICS/ASCM (CPIM, CSCP) strongly recommended; data science or Lean Six Sigma certifications valued.
• Advanced Excel skills (including VBA).
• Proficiency with R, Python, or SAS.
• Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent BI tools.
• Familiarity with SAP IBP, Anaplan, or JDA/Blue Yonder; SQL/Snowflake/BigQuery beneficial.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in global, fast-paced, and ambiguous environments.
• Customer-centric mindset aligned with luxury retail expectations.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• Generous PTO.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• FSA/HSA options.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee product discounts.
• Parental leave.
• Life insurance.

Why Apply

This position offers the opportunity to join a dynamic, tech-forward organization shaping the future of the jewelry industry. You’ll drive high-impact initiatives, mentor rising talent, and lead transformational planning capabilities in a fast-paced NYC environment.