What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Planning and Allocation Manager position at Lola Blankets?
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking an Inventory Planner & Allocation Manager to oversee inventory planning, purchasing, and allocation across our fast-growing, multi-channel business. This role will be responsible for forecasting inventory needs, placing purchase orders, and managing both on-order and on-hand inventory to optimize sales, margin, and service levels across ecommerce, wholesale, international, specialty bulk orders, and other distribution channels.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical and detail-oriented with extensive experience in fast-growing DTC brands, adept at multi-channel, multi-category ladder plans, and skilled in leveraging virtual warehouses to maximize efficiency and flexibility.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Inventory Planning & Management
- Develop and maintain demand forecasts in partnership with cross-functional teams, incorporating sales trends, product launches, product lifecycles, and promotional plans to inform purchasing and financial planning.
- Maintain and optimize ladder plans across multiple channels and product categories, enabling daily thru annual sales and receipt unit needs at channel, category, style and SKU levels.
- Place purchase orders and manage on-order pipelines to ensure balance inventory levels and timely demand fulfillment while minimizing excess inventory.
- Monitor inventory levels and recommend replenishment strategies to maximize availability and reduce stockouts or overstocking.
- Identify risks and opportunities in inventory and recommend actions to support business growth.
Allocation & Distribution
- Allocate inventory across ecommerce, wholesale, international, specialty, and bulk channels based on demand forecasts and sales priorities.
- Manage virtual warehouse inventory strategies to support flexibility in fulfillment and optimize working capital.
- Partner with logistics and operations teams to ensure accurate distribution and inventory visibility across the network.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Merchandising, Operations, Marketing and Finance teams to align inventory strategies with assortment plans, sales goals, and margin objectives.
- Provide weekly and monthly reporting on inventory health, channel performance, and forecast accuracy.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience: 5 years of inventory planning, allocation, or related roles at fast-growing DTC brands, with proven success at the Manager or Senior Manager level.
- Expertise: Strong track record managing multi-channel, multi-category ladder plans and working with virtual warehouses.
- Forecasting Skills: Proven ability to deliver accurate daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual sales and receipt projections.
- Analytical Skills: Proficiency in forecasting, financial modeling, and inventory optimization; advanced Excel skills required, ERP experience a plus.
- Business Acumen: Deep understanding of DTC and omnichannel distribution dynamics, including ecommerce, wholesale, and international markets.
- Collaboration: Excellent cross-functional communication and problem-solving skills; ability to balance data-driven decisions with brand priorities.
Location: Remote-friendly, but ideally based in or near the Greater New York City Area. Minimal travel required.
COMPENSATION and PERKS
- Salary: Based on experience. 10% annual bonus based on company and individual performance (bonus prorated to % of year employed with company)
- Signing bonus (assumed to cover any WFH tech needs / computer)
- 21 days paid vacation all federal holidays (except parts of Thanksgiving 🙂)
- Full health benefits (health, dental, vision, mental)
- 16 weeks of paid birth parent leave available. 8 weeks non-birth parent leave
- 55% off Lola Blankets for friends and family
- Opportunities for career growth within Lola Blankets
WHY JOIN US?
This is a pivotal role that ensures our customers, partners, and channels are always in stock with the right products at the right time. You’ll have the opportunity to directly shape how our products move through the supply chain, driving growth and efficiency for a brand that is scaling rapidly.