Senior Director, Inventory and Merchandise Planning

Reports To: Chief Commercial Officer Location: Milwaukee, WI (Hybrid) Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried, Exempt About Wantable At Wantable, weu2019re redefining retail through personalization. Our membership-based model and proprietary technology empower us to curate products that help customers discover confidence and joy through style. As a data-driven fashion company, we combine human intuition with algorithmic intelligence to deliver personalized assortments u2013 balancing creativity, analytics, and operational precision. We're seeking a Senior Director of Inventory & Merchandise Planning who is obsessed with using AI, automation, and unconventional tools to reinvent how planning is done in modern retail. This role is perfect for a builder who knows planning fundamentals but is most energized by breaking old processes, experimenting with new AI-powered workflows, and scaling smarter, self-learning systems. About the Role As the Senior Director of Merchandise Planning, you will own Wantableu2019s end-to-end planning strategy, forecasting methodology, and inventory optimizationu2014but youu2019ll also push the discipline into the future, driving automation, rapid experimentation, and next-generation decision systems. Curiosity, hands-on innovation, and a willingness to rethink everything are more important than a traditional resume. This is a high-ownership role with direct impact on growth, profitability, and customer experience. You will work in a fast-moving, low-bureaucracy environment where independent decision-making is expected and where your build-what-you-need mindset is highly valued. What Youu2019ll Do Reinvent Planning Through AI & Automation + Build the next generation of Wantableu2019s forecasting and planning system using AI, ML-powered demand models, LLM-based decision tools, and automated workflows. + Prototype and test unconventional planning approaches such as agent-based simulations, predictive replenishment triggers, automated OTB updates, LLM-assisted scenario planning, and more. + Design AI-driven tools that increase forecasting accuracy, compression speed, and planner productivity. + Identify manual or repetitive planning tasks and aggressively replace them with automation or AI copilots. Own Inventory & Merchandise Planning + Lead and own all merchandise planning, allocation, and inventory management strategies to maximize revenue and margin. + Build and maintain financial and unit-level forecasts using AI-enhanced modeling to align merchandising, product development, and operations. + Oversee seasonal and long-range OTB plans and deploy predictive algorithms to balance growth with inventory productivity. + Drive in-season agility using real-time data and automated alerts for reorders, markdowns, and product flow adjustments. + Partner with Merchandising and Product Development to support Wantableu2019s expanding private brands using AI-powered sell-through forecasting and attribute-level demand modeling. Lead a High-Performing, AI-Fluent Team + Develop and coach a planning team that embraces experimentation, autonomy, and data-driven decision-making. + Promote a culture of curiosityu2014where planners feel empowered to build tools, run rapid tests, and challenge legacy processes. + Ensure the team is skilled in AI copilots, prompt engineering fundamentals, analytics tools, and automated reporting systems. Drive Wantable's Data & Insights Evolution + Oversee creation of AI-optimized dashboards, predictive analytics, and self-updating reporting tools. + Collaborate closely with Data Science and Engineering to deploy new algorithms and ensure model performance is measurable and stable. + Use AI-assisted analysis to uncover new opportunities to improve margins, reduce inventory waste, and accelerate product flow. Requirements What Weu2019re Looking For + Deep experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or financial planning paired with a genuine passion for AI innovation. + Strong analytical and financial skills; comfortable designing and evaluating AI-enhanced models. + Demonstrated ability to manage complex OTB plans, margin performance, and inventory strategy in dynamic, high-growth environments. + Hands-on familiarity with AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini), BI platforms (Tableau, Looker), and modern data workflows. + A builder mindsetu2014comfortable creating your own planning tools, KPIs, automations, and models when existing solutions are inadequate. + A bias toward action, independent decision-making, and low-bureaucracy execution. + A love for fashion, product, and the art + science of retail. Nice to have + Experience with ML forecasting frameworks or LLM workflow automation. + Experience leading teams through rapid tooling transitions or tech-driven process reinvention. + Comfort collaborating with data engineers and data scientists. How We Work at Wantable + High ownership. You are trusted to make decisions that directly impact customers and financial performance. + Hard-working and hands-on. We move fast, stay scrappy, and focus on impact. + Independent thinkers. We value leaders who confidently make data-driven decisions without layers of approvals. + Low bureaucracy. We avoid committees, long processes, and unnecessary steps. + Love of fashion & product. We combine data with intuition to create experiences customers love. + Results over pedigree. What youu2019ve built matters more than where youu2019ve been. Benefits Why Wantable? + Be part of a dynamic, fast-growing company that has innovation and creativity embedded in its DNA. + A chance to shape our customersu2019 journey and leave a lasting impact on their self-confidence, one order at a time. + Join a collaborative environment where your ideas matter, your efforts are rewarded and you can see results in real time. Wantable team members enjoy a 50% discount on food, coffee, and drinks in our HQ's beautiful Wantable Cafe. We have a laid-back, casual environment in a state-of-the-art HQ in Walkers Point. We offer flexible schedules, paid parental leave (mothers AND fathers), and a private room for nursing mothers. Even more exciting: paid vacation and seven paid holidays per year, plus a 50% discount on all merchandise. Youu2019ll be eligible for the discount on your first day. Important, but maybe less thrilling: we have ample parking, we offer medical (traditional and high deductible), dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 401K (both pre-tax and Roth options).

Created: 2025-12-05