Senior Manager, Operations Planning & Analytics

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