Analyst, Planning

Reporting to the Planning Manager, this role contributes to AEG Vision's success with direct responsibility for demand forecasting, location planning, and sales and inventory analysis for the frame category. This role plays a key part in developing and executing allocation strategies that optimize inventory placement, rate of sale (ROS), sales performance, and patient experience.

The analyst will leverage data and business insights to identify trends, risks, and opportunities impacting sales and gross margin performance. This role partners closely with the buying team and cross-functional stakeholders to support strategic decisions and drive profitable growth.

• Support the sales demand forecasting process by delivering timely and accurate forecasts to distribution center (DC) and vendor partners.
• Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for assigned collections, updating forecasts to reflect assortment and business changes.
• Partner closely with Buyers and DC partners to reduce backorder issues and improve in-stock rates.
• Monitor and maintain optimal inventory levels across practices to support sales goals and inventory productivity.
• Leverage merchandising and planning systems to optimize inventory levels across practices and ensure data accuracy.
• Update and maintain key weekly reports, providing analysis, insights, and actionable recommendations as needed.
• Translate business performance analysis into recommendations to improve sales, margin, and inventory outcomes.
• Clearly communicate business performance and key insights to business leads and cross-functional partners.
• Assist practices with inventory-related questions and implement timely and effective solutions.
• Support ad hoc analysis and special projects to help drive business decisions and planning initiatives.
• Ensure accuracy and attention to detail across forecasting, reporting, and inventory management processes.

• Bachelor's degree preferred. Retail or optical industry experience is a plus.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, including the ability to build and interpret complex formulas and transform data into actionable insights.
• Motivated to continuously build business and analytical expertise, with a curiosity to understand business processes and decisions.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to execute effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Solid business acumen and an understanding of how buying, assortment planning, and field operations work together to support performance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong cross-functional partnerships.
• Technically savvy, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new planning tools and systems.