• Own the centralized merchandise control function, including allocation and replenishment strategies across stores and digital channels. • Design inventory strategies that support merchandising and marketing plans while balancing service levels, margin, and working capital. • Establish and maintain inventory guidelines in coordination with the merchandise group. • Provide high-level locational guidance to the Allocation team to ensure optimal in-stock position by store and channel. • Ensure inventory levels support the business based on trend, forecast, and plan. • Forecast sales, receipt flow, inventory, and margin projections to maximize sales and profitability while minimizing risk. • Develop and establish annual and seasonal financial budgets by department, rolling up to company targets. • Provide financial expertise and decision support to Buyers, including sales opportunities, gross margin liabilities, and marketing risks. • Lead scenario modeling and risk/opportunity analysis related to demand volatility, supply constraints, and cost pressures. • Evaluate and analyze program effectiveness and make recommendations to improve inventory planning and merchandising processes. • Design and implement scalable, standardized planning processes that reduce manual effort and improve decision quality. • Lead continuous improvement initiatives across forecasting, allocation, replenishment, and in-season management. • Establish clear planning cadences, governance, and KPI frameworks. • Lead the development and use of advanced analytical and financial models for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and scenario planning. • Own the roadmap for AI adoption across the Planning & Allocation organization, partnering with the VP of Planning & Allocation to drive functional transformation. • Drive adoption of AI and automation to enhance forecasting accuracy, exception management, and replenishment decisioning. • Serve as Team Leader for cross-functional initiatives, providing clear direction while managing multiple seasons simultaneously. • Direct and develop inventory planning teams and internal support functions in execution of strategic initiatives. • Partner with Marketing, Merchandising, and Supply Chain to align inventory plans with promotional and strategic priorities.