Demand Planner

KNS BRANDS

Journee – We are dedicated to making the search for the perfect shoe effortless, empowering and celebrating women at every step. At the heart of our mission is the creation of footwear that seamlessly blends style and fit, honoring each moment and milestone.

Taft – Combines intentional design and a discerning eye to create footwear that stands out. Our ethos, “Boots & Shoes for the Bold,” speaks to our core belief in bold vulnerability—the courage to show one's true self, in all its unique glory, to inspire collective boldness.

Vance – Always delivering effortless style, all-day comfort, and unmatched wearability.

Birdies – A community-driven brand created for chic, comfort-obsessed women. Birdies blends luxurious materials with comfort-first design to create flats, slides, sneakers, and sandals that never compromise. Our mission goes beyond footwear—we’re here to lift women up, one stylish step at a time.

Join us as we redefine what it means to find the perfect shoe.

Role Summary

The role will be pivotal in optimizing visibility of risks and opportunities within and across channels and brands, supporting informed and timely strategic decisions. This highly cross-functional role involves close collaboration with Sales, Merchandising, Marketing, and Finance.

Planning

Key Responsibilities:

• Create demand forecasts for units & revenue, at multiple levels of aggregation based on micro and macro level market trends.
• Create merchandise 18 month rolling plans that align with finance objectives (sales/margin/turnover) as well as Brand Presidents. Provide transparency to the unconstrained plan as well as the final proposal.
• Develop robust merchandise seasonal and monthly plans at the brand, class and sub class level. Collaborate with merchandising team in the preparation of seasonal assortment plans.
• Review historical sales trends, research demand drivers, prepare forecast data, develop statistical forecast models, and evaluate forecast results.
• Ensure successful product and seasonal launch initiatives are planned and forecasted aligning with Brand Presidents.
  
  

Forecasting

• Closely monitor sales data to help drive an accurate forecast based on the latest retail trends.
• Responsible for mining data structures (BI and the data warehouse) that will facilitate a clean data history for forecasting.
• Monitor and Maintain appropriate inventory levels for wholesale channels, balancing supply and demand to meet financial and operational targets.
• Provide input in developing inventory strategies on existing items, new products launch, and product end of life strategies.
• Track and analyze inventory performance; identify slow-moving, excess, or obsolete inventory and propose actionable solutions to improve turnover and reduce risk.
• Drive monthly discussions on product and forecast needs with sales leaders and product teams.
  
  

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work cross functionally and participate in weekly/monthly review of sales and merchandising reviews to gather information related to market activity and incorporate in the forecast.
• Assist with design and implementation of an S&OP process across operations and sales teams.
• Assist in preparation and end execution of the monthly S&OP meeting with internal leadership.
• Assist with revenue and product forecasts across all channels and customers.
• Align with finance on top side of plan objectives, sale, margin, turnover.
• Support SKU optimization through analytics that are supported in the plan and forecast.
• Support sales in the monthly liability sku analysis that is supported through the markdown process.
• Collaborate with brand teams to ensure merchandise objectives are reflected in initial plans and rolling forecast.
  
  

Job Qualifications

• 2-5 years relevant experience or equivalent specialized education/training in supply chain and/or operations
• Strong Excel manipulation skills required
• Data analysis experience (including PowerBI) highly preferred
• Experience with organization and presentation of meetings with key stakeholders
• Organizational skills balancing the needs of ops, sales, and finance goals
• Excellent communication with external and internal customers around forecasting process
  
  

Benefits

PTO and Work-Life Balance:

At KNS International, we know the importance of recharging and spending time away from work. We offer generous Paid Time Off (PTO), 17 paid holidays, and a flexible work environment that supports balance. Our culture is built around fostering an environment where creativity thrives, and team members feel valued.

Healthcare

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage are provided to ensure you and your family are taken care of. We also offer short-term and long-term disability plans, along with maternity and parental leave.

Retirement

Plan for your future with our 401(k) program, including employer matching to help you meet your retirement goals. Plus, you'll be immediately vested.

Perks And Wellness

We provide a variety of wellness initiatives, including free gym memberships, monthly massages, and access to Impact Suites for mental health support. Employees enjoy a fully stocked kitchen with snacks and drinks, recreational areas for breaks, and a dog-friendly workspace. Plus, you’ll receive free shoes and discounts through our employee purchase program.

Growth And Development

We believe in rewarding talent and encouraging growth. Join a collaborative environment that values innovation and provides ample opportunities to advance your career.

Diversity & Inclusion Vision Statement

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all our associates, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which we live and conduct business.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating our associates and applicants without discrimination based on their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.

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