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Director, Planning (Lifestyle Brands)
Company : Centric Brands Inc.
Location : New York, NY, 10118
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 2 January 2026
About Us
Centric Brands is a leading lifestyle brand collective that designs, sources, markets and sells high quality products in multiple segments, including women’s, men’s and kid’s apparel, accessories, entertainment and beauty. Centric Brands is focused on our customers and our brands that will drive the company’s future growth. We are defined by innovation as we seize new opportunities and thrive in an environment informed by creativity and thinking that is both analytical and outside the box. Centric Brands reflects a team built on respect, for others and for the hard work it takes to achieve our goals and build our bright future together.
Specific Responsibilities Would Include
Position Summary:
The Director of Planning is responsible for leading the financial, inventory and retail planning functions for multiple brands within the Lifestyle Group. This role will be responsible for, in collaboration with Sales, critical thinking and execution of monthly financial forecasts and budgets by account, margin planning and managing inventory forecasts (pre-season and in-season). This role will partner with Sales on reacting to retail sales results and using data to make informed future business decisions. This individual will also collaborate with cross-functional partners in Production, Finance, Operations, and other Planning partners to ensure alignment and achieve business goals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial planning, retail planning, merchandise planning and inventory management. This individual will help to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the total Lifestyle planning team.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develop and execute financial budgets and forecasts for the division in collaboration with Sales and be capable of speaking to changes within the forecasts to budget and prior
- Collaborate with Sales and Production and Merch Planning to own and build out margin by category and account for new brands, looking to maximize opportunities for margin growth
- Update regular and ad hoc reporting and analysis to senior management or corporate
- Retail Planning
- Monitor retail selling results and partner with Sales on strategies to capitalize on opportunities and find ways to mitigate risk
- Partner with Demand Planning to make sure Retail Planning is aligned and utilizing forecasts in retail planning projections
- Work with Planning counterparts and VP Planning to execute cohesive, streamlined, retail planning reporting and processes across Lifestyle platform
- Partner with Sales to ensure we are prepared for market with OTB/zero out forecasts, bridge reports and necessary market presentations
- Lead the annual and seasonal planning processes, including assortment planning, inventory allocation, and sales forecasting
- Utilize data analytics and market insights to identify opportunities and risks, informing decision-making and driving continuous improvement
- Inventory Planning
- Actualize, maintain and build out inventory OTB flows by category by season based on the current forecast and identify areas of opportunity or concern and remaining aware of weeks of supply
- Prepare and manage inbound and outbound unit flow by location
- Monitor where we have issues with our available open to buy and work with Production on finding ways to mitigate risk
- Remain on top of excess ATS and partner with Sales on a sell-off strategy, making sure we are reflecting it in monthly estimates
Our Best Fit Candidate Would Have
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or fashion related field
- Minimum 8-12 years of experience in retail or financial planning
- Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, presentation and collaboration skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Knowledge of SAP and Tillerman a plus
In return, we provide an industry-competitive salary, along with a comprehensive benefits plan (medical, dental, vision) that includes a matching 401(k), Summer Fridays, generous PTO, merchandise discounts, excellent career development opportunities, and a work environment that reflects our industry leadership. Our social impact program, Centric Cares, focuses on volunteerism to make a difference in communities we live and work in and our D&I committee is shaping the future of diversity, equity and inclusion at Centric Brands though workshops, resources and inspiring conversation.
Salary Range: $138,000 - $150,000
At Centric Brands, we believe our people are our greatest asset, and we seek to structure competitive compensation offers to ensure that we are able to attract and retain the best talent. Our job postings include an annual base salary range at the time of employment. The stated base salary range represents our good faith estimate as to what candidates are likely to expect, and we tailor our offers within the range based on several factors, including the selected candidate's educational and professional experience, industry knowledge, location, technical and communication skills, and other factors that may prove relevant during the selection process. Base salary is a part of a total compensation package, which, depending on the position, may also include commission earnings, annual bonus and other Centric Brands sponsored benefit programs.
Be part of our growing community by getting involved with groups, teams and initiatives like Be Green, Be Giving, and Be Celebrated.
Centric Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Please note that Centric Brands will only reach out to interview, make an offer of employment or conduct onboarding activities for candidates who have applied through our careers site. When interviewing for a position, the candidate experience will include live interaction, such as a video conference or telephone call, with a Recruiter and/or company employee(s). We will never ask for any money or payments from applicants at any point in the recruitment process. Be aware of suspicious recruitment activity. If you think you are a victim of an employment scam, you may contact your local law enforcement agency and/or visit the Federal Trade Commission website here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
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Frequently asked questions
This role drives inventory planning by analyzing sales trends and coordinating with production to optimize stock levels, crucial in New York's fast-paced retail environment. Effective inventory management helps Centric Brands minimize excess stock and improve turnover, adapting swiftly to local consumer behavior and seasonal demand.
Balancing margin growth with accurate sales predictions is complex, especially across multiple lifestyle brands. The Director must integrate sales data and production constraints to create realistic budgets while anticipating market shifts, ensuring profitability and inventory alignment in a dynamic retail context.
Strong analytical capabilities paired with cross-functional collaboration skills are essential. Understanding financial and inventory planning tools, coupled with adaptability and proactive communication, can compensate for less fashion-specific experience, enabling success in lifestyle brand planning leadership.
Familiarity with SAP and advanced Excel proficiency are highly valued. Additionally, certifications in supply chain management or financial analysis can boost credibility, while knowledge of retail analytics platforms tailored to New York's market enhances strategic decision-making.
Centric Brands emphasizes innovation and collaboration, encouraging the Director to foster these values within the planning team. This role not only manages financial and inventory plans but also champions cross-departmental teamwork, aligning brand growth with company-wide respect and creativity.
Centric Brands prioritizes data-driven decision-making combined with a strong focus on margin optimization and inventory agility. Their inclusive culture supports continuous improvement, enabling Directors to leverage market insights and collaborate across sales, production, and finance for robust planning outcomes.
The position offers a competitive salary range between $138,000 and $150,000 annually. This reflects the seniority and expertise required, along with New York’s market standards, complemented by comprehensive benefits like 401(k) matching, generous PTO, and merchandise discounts.
Given New York's status as a retail hub, competition is robust for senior planning positions. Candidates with a blend of financial acumen, retail experience, and proficiency in tools like SAP gain an edge, especially within companies like Centric Brands that value innovation and collaborative leadership.
Yes, Centric Brands offers a hybrid work environment acknowledging New York’s demanding commute. Flexibility balances in-office collaboration with remote productivity, supporting Directors in managing fast-paced operations while maintaining work-life integration.
This role serves as a strategic leadership position, potentially leading to executive roles in brand strategy or retail operations. Centric Brands supports professional development, enabling Directors to expand influence across multiple lifestyle segments and contribute to broader corporate growth.