Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning at Designer Brands Inc.

Columbus, Ohio, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Merchandise Planning, Allocation, Financial Analysis, Buying, Team Leadership, Coaching, Talent Development, Inventory Strategy, Risk Assessment, Margin Protection, Profit Planning, Data Analysis, Excel, Business Objects, Arthur Planning Systems, JDA

Industry

Retail

Description

At Designer Brands, we are the proud parent company of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, operating nearly 675 stores across North America and a billion-dollar digital commerce business. We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, Lucky Brand, Mix No. 6, Crown Vintage, and others. With expertise in design, production, and sourcing, we create on-trend footwear and accessories, delivered through a robust omni-channel infrastructure and national wholesale distribution. At Designer Brands, we are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, where each employee’s unique perspective contributes to our success. Anchored by our core values of “We Love What We Do,” “We Own What We Do,” “We Do What’s Right,” and “We Belong,” we continuously drive forward together, building a future where everyone can put their best foot forward. SENIOR MANAGER, MERCHANDISE PLANNING Reports to: Director, Merchandise Planning THE OPPORTUNITY This role sits at the heart of how product comes to life across DSW. As Senior Manager, Merchandise Planning, you will shape how we invest in inventory, balance risk and opportunity, and turn insight into action. You’ll lead a team of planners who influence decisions every day—decisions that impact profitability, customer experience, and how our assortment shows up in stores and online. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who enjoys connecting strategy to execution, coaching talent, and partnering closely with Buying and other cross-functional teams to move the business forward. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING LEADING THE MERCHANDISE PLANNING TEAM * Guide and develop a team of Merchandise Planning associates, supporting growth through coaching, feedback, and hands-on development. * Build bench strength through thoughtful hiring, succession planning, and regular performance conversations. * Foster an environment where curiosity, accountability, and collaboration thrive. DRIVING FINANCIAL AND INVENTORY STRATEGY * Lead the development, analysis, and ongoing adjustment of sales, inventory, markdown, and profit plans. * Ensure strategies align with agreed-upon financial budgets and profitability goals. * Use risk assessment models to determine buy levels while protecting margin and inventory productivity. PARTNERING ACROSS THE BUSINESS * Collaborate closely with Buying, Store Planning, Allocation, Marketing, and Finance to align on strategy and execution. * Prepare for and participate in business reviews to ensure merchandise plans support overall business goals. * Hold buying partners accountable to adjust plans as needed to meet financial and business objectives. COMMUNICATING INSIGHTS AND IMPACT * Identify and elevate risks or opportunities that may affect financial performance. * Translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable insights. * Present recommendations and performance updates to senior and executive leadership. WHAT YOU’LL NEED EXPERIENCE * 8–10 years of experience in Merchandise Planning, Allocation, Financial Analysis, or Buying. * Experience leading and developing teams within a planning function. SKILLS * Strong analytical and statistical skills, with the ability to translate data into decisions. * Clear, confident written and verbal communication skills, especially when explaining financial concepts. * Proficiency in Excel, Data Warehouse/Business Objects, Arthur Planning Systems, and JDA. EDUCATION * Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. Perks and Benefits You’ll Enjoy! * Your Sole Well-Being: Our benefits package is crafted with our associates in mind! We support you with benefits like free virtual health care, robust family/fertility benefits, 401(k) w/ match, and more. Explore our offerings at https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi [https://mymobilewalletcard.com/dbi]. * Stride with Flexibility: We offer hybrid and remote work opportunities, giving you the freedom to stay connected, productive, and inspired—wherever you do your best work. * Stepping Up Your Career: Take advantage of training programs, professional development, and education assistance to advance your career with a company that celebrates bold ideas and fresh perspectives. * We are Shoe-Obsessed: Because we know a great pair of shoes can change your day, you’ll enjoy 30% off at DSW & com [https://www.dsw.com/], plus discounts across our family of brands.

Responsibilities

This role involves leading a team of Merchandise Planning associates to guide inventory investment, balance risk versus opportunity, and translate insights into actionable strategies impacting profitability and customer experience across DSW. The manager will drive the development and adjustment of sales, inventory, markdown, and profit plans while ensuring alignment with financial budgets.