Director of Planning and Allocation

About Filson

In 1897 C.C. Filson began outfitting prospectors headed for the Gold Rush with tools and apparel strong enough for the toughest spots on earth. More than 100 years later, Filson remains committed to providing pioneers of all fields around the world with unfailing goods made from the highest quality materials available. Filson recognizes that it takes a world-class team to make a world-class product. As we build on the Filson legacy of American craftsmanship, we are looking for individuals who share our dedication to innovation, excellence, and superior customer service. We don’t work in silos but rely on open collaboration. It’s a jackknife mentality – the ability to accomplish more than what’s asked of you – that defines our culture of versatility and perseverance.

Our outfitter mindset is deliberate and strategic. We are a small company, on purpose. We’re the ones doing the work, from product design and marketing, to cutting, sewing, and restoration. With more than 125 years under our belt, we still have a start-up mentality. Driven by an independent spirit and an uncompromising attitude that demands we lead with conviction. 

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Planning and Allocation to lead our omni-channel inventory and allocation efforts. This role is pivotal in driving sales, optimizing inventory performance, and ensuring seamless product availability across all channels—e-commerce, brick-and-mortar stores, wholesale and international distributor partners. Reporting to the Global Brand President, the Director will oversee a team responsible for demand forecasting, inventory allocation, and performance analysis, collaborating closely with merchandising, marketing, and operations to align business goals with customer demand.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities are designed to address the complexities of omni-channel retailing, ensuring inventory strategies support both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and execute comprehensive planning and allocation strategies to maximize sales, profitability, and inventory turnover across all channels. This involves aligning inventory levels with business objectives and market demands.
• Demand Forecasting: Lead the forecasting process by analyzing historical sales data, market trends, and customer behavior to predict demand and inform purchasing decisions. Integrate data from e-commerce, store sales, and third-party channels to ensure accuracy, reflecting the interconnected nature of omni-channel operations.
• Inventory Allocation: Oversee the allocation of merchandise to stores, online platforms, and other sales channels, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing overstock or stockouts. This is critical for maintaining product availability and avoiding lost sales opportunities.
• Merchandising Collaboration: Partner with the merchandising team to align inventory plans with seasonal assortments, promotional campaigns, and product launches, ensuring inventory supports marketing and sales initiatives.
• Financial Management: Manage the open-to-buy (OTB) process to ensure that purchasing decisions align with financial targets and inventory constraints, balancing investment with profitability.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sell-through rates, gross margin, and inventory aging, providing actionable insights to senior leadership to drive decision-making.
• Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement in planning and allocation processes, leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance accuracy and efficiency. This includes adopting advanced tools for better forecasting and allocation.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of planners and allocators, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment. This involves coaching, developing talent, and ensuring team alignment with organizational goals.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Collaborate with supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely replenishment and distribution of inventory, supporting seamless operations across channels.
• Channel Integration Strategies: Develop and implement strategies for channel integration, such as Buy Online, Pick Up In Store (BOPIS), ship from store, or other omni-channel initiatives, to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. These strategies are increasingly vital for meeting customer expectations for flexibility.
• Customer Experience Focus: Ensure that inventory and allocation strategies support a seamless and consistent customer experience across all channels, maintaining brand consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Adaptability: Adapt strategies to meet the unique needs of each sales channel while maintaining a cohesive omni-channel customer experience, addressing the diverse operational requirements of online and physical retail.

Qualifications

The qualifications reflect the need for extensive experience and expertise in retail planning, particularly in omni-channel environments:

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; MBA preferred, indicating a preference for advanced business education.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in merchandise planning, inventory management, or allocation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, ensuring deep industry knowledge and managerial capability.
• Omni-Channel Expertise: Proven track record in an omni-channel retail environment, balancing e-commerce and physical store demands, highlighting the need for experience in integrated retail operations.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with expertise in forecasting, demand planning, and inventory optimization, critical for data-driven decision-making.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in planning and allocation software and advanced Excel skills, reflecting the technological demands of modern retail. Experience with Toolio™ and NetSuite™ preferred.
• Leadership and Communication: Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and present insights to executives, essential for collaboration and strategic alignment.
• Strategic Mindset: Detail-oriented with a strategic mindset, capable of managing both big-picture goals and day-to-day execution, balancing short-term and long-term objectives.
• Adaptability: Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment, given the rapid changes in consumer behavior and retail technology.

Preferred Skills

• Data Visualization: Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to communicate performance metrics, aiding in reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of retail industry trends and omni-channel best practices, ensuring alignment with market developments.
• Supply Chain Familiarity: Familiarity with supply chain management and logistics operations, supporting integrated inventory strategies.
• Technology Experience: Experience with omni-channel inventory management systems or platforms, reflecting the need for advanced technological capabilities in retail operations.

Filson is an equal opportunity employer.  We believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings which are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination.  It is our policy that all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, veteran and military status, genetic information, political ideology or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.  Discrimina­tion and/or harassment based on any of those factors are totally incon­sistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated.

With regard to applicants or employees with disabilities, the company offers what the law refers to as "reasonable accommodation" to enable a person to perform their job.