R2net - James Allen & Blue Nile is a jewelry company with a technology soul. R2Net Inc. is an innovative technology company that provides e-commerce and supply chain platforms to connect the entire span of the diamond industry's ecosystem, including manufacturers, retailers, and consumers.

We are seeking a strategic and data-driven Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics to lead forecasting, inventory planning, and business analytics initiatives. This high-impact role sits at the intersection of operations, finance, and merchandising - acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and orchestrating the evolution of our planning capabilities in an increasingly digital landscape.

In this role, you will oversee executive-level planning deliverables, lead a high-performing analytics team, champion digital transformation initiatives, and drive the integration of AI/ML capabilities into our planning processes.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Forecasting

Lead Demand and Inventory Fulfilment Planning within the S&OP process across departments, integrating data driven drivers and business insights into cohesive business strategies
Develop rolling forecasts (weekly, monthly, quarterly) using advanced statistical methods and AI/ML models to achieve >85% forecast accuracy
Design scenario planning frameworks for supply chain disruptions, incorporating risk assessments and mitigation strategies
Partner cross-functionally with merchandising, finance, operations, manufacturing, and commercial teams to align business plans with revenue targets and margin goals
Lead inventory optimization strategies balancing service levels with working capital efficiency across our global distribution network
Manage seasonal collection planning and limited edition releases unique to luxury markets

Advanced Analytics & Business Intelligence

Translate complex data into executive-ready insights, delivering strategic recommendations to C-suite leadership
Build and maintain real-time dashboards tracking KPIs across sales performance, inventory health, forecast accuracy, and operational metrics
Implement predictive analytics for demand sensing, customer behavior modeling, and trend identification
Lead competitive intelligence analysis and market trend monitoring to inform strategic planning
Develop pricing and promotional effectiveness models in collaboration with commercial teams
Champion data governance standards and ensure data quality across planning systems

Digital Transformation & Technology Leadership

Drive AI/ML integration into planning processes, serving as orchestrator of human-AI collaborative workflows
Lead technology selection and implementation projects for planning systems (SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder)
Partner with IT and Engineering teams to automate reporting and scale data infrastructure (Snowflake, Tableau, Power BI)
Champion transition from manual Excel-based processes to integrated, cloud-based planning platforms
Develop and monitor AI model performance, ensuring continuous improvement and value realization
Build organizational capabilities in digital tools and advanced analytics methodologies

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Serve as primary planning liaison to executive leadership, presenting monthly business reviews and strategic recommendations
Consolidate inputs from planning, merchandising, finance, and operations into unified strategic narratives
Facilitate weekly S&OP meetings and monthly integrated business planning sessions
Manage relationships with key technology vendors and external partners
Drive change management initiatives supporting digital transformation and process optimization

Team Development & Organizational Capability Building

Lead and develop a team of 2-3 professionals including demand planners, supply planners, business analysts, and data scientists
Set clear OKRs, drive execution of high-impact projects, and foster culture of continuous learning
Develop team capabilities in AI/ML tools, statistical modeling, and advanced planning methodologies
Support career development through mentoring, cross-training, and stretch assignments
Build succession planning pipeline for critical planning roles

Risk Management & Business Continuity

Develop multi-scenario contingency plans for supply chain disruptions
Lead crisis response planning and execution during disruptions
Implement early warning systems for demand volatility and supply constraints

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to enhance forecast accuracy through emerging technologies
Lead lean/six sigma initiatives improving planning cycle time by 20-30%
Deploy strategic evolution of KPIs and performance management frameworks
Champion best practice sharing across regional teams and business units

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Research, or Analytics

MBA or relevant Master's degree preferred
APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) strongly preferred
Additional certifications in data science, project management (PMP), or Lean Six Sigma valued
5-8+ years in operations planning, supply chain analytics, demand planning, or related functions
2-3 years in leadership roles with direct report management experience
Proven experience in luxury goods, premium consumer brands, or high-end retail preferred
Demonstrated success in S&OP process leadership and cross-functional program management
Track record of digital transformation initiatives and technology implementations

Technical Competencies

Advanced Excel modeling including VBA, complex formulas, and large dataset manipulation
Statistical software proficiency: R, Python, or SAS for predictive modeling preferred
BI/Visualization tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar platforms
Planning systems: Experience with SAP IBP, Anaplan, o9, JDA/Blue Yonder, or similar
Database skills: experience with SQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, or similar preferred
AI/ML understanding: Familiarity with machine learning concepts and applications in planning
ERP systems: SAP, Oracle, or similar enterprise systems

Core Competencies

Strategic thinking with ability to connect operational metrics to business outcomes
Executive communication skills with experience presenting to C-suite stakeholders
Change leadership driving transformation in complex, matrixed organizations
Analytical problem-solving using data-driven approaches to complex challenges
Cross-cultural competency for global team collaboration
Comfort with ambiguity and ability to navigate shifting priorities
Customer-centric mindset understanding luxury consumer expectations

At R2Net - James Allen & Blue Nile, many of our roles offer a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, paid time off, retirement planning and opportunities for career advancement. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, employment type, work schedule or location:

Hybrid Work Environment
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
Flexible Spending Account | Health Savings Account
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Discount
Parental Leave
Life Insurance

Why Join Us?

Impact: Shape the future of operations for an iconic luxury brand at the intersection of heritage and innovation

Growth: Clear career progression path to Director and VP-level roles with succession planning support
Innovation: Lead cutting-edge AI/ML integration in a well-resourced environment
Culture: Collaborate with world-class talent in a diverse, inclusive environment valuing creativity and excellence
Location: Work in the heart of New York City with flexible hybrid arrangements
Compensation: Competitive base salary ($) plus % bonus potential

Annual base pay: $120,000 - $160,000. Final pay rate shall be determined and is based on experience and qualifications.

At this time, R2Net will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

Additional Information: R2NET INC. is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, citizenship, immigration status, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law. R2NET INC. will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. #LI-WK1

Blue Nile

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