Senior Planner (Hybrid)

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently searching for a Senior Planner to join our Planning & Forecasting team. This hybrid role, based at our Carson, CA headquarters, requires a professional who can independently manage increasingly complex planning tasks. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment in ambiguous situations, take ownership of outcomes, and apply subject-matter expertise to drive results. Experience in forecasting, buying finished goods, and using replenishment software is essential. A background in retail and import purchasing is a strong advantage. Collaboration across teams and clear communication are key to success in this role.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Managing and executing the purchase of finished products from domestic and import vendors for multichannel distribution. Demonstrates independent judgment in navigating complex vendor relationships, product categories, and supply chain variables. Assesses elevated situations and product challenges from multiple angles to make sound purchasing decisions
• Analyzing historical data, statistical information, and sales reports to trend future replenishment needs and demand planning. Applies subject-matter expertise to interpret ambiguous data sets and forecast with minimal supervision. Evaluates implications of different planning scenarios to optimize inventory levels
• Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams on new item launches, product revisions, and end-of-life scenarios. Proactively seeks diverse perspectives to influence planning strategies. Communicates complex information clearly across departments to ensure alignment and successful execution
• Minimizing overstock while maintaining a best-in-class fill rate. Balances multiple priorities and takes ownership of outcomes. Uses sound judgment to resolve competing demands and mitigate risk
• Initiate and execute intermediate-level projects and process improvements, inclusive of supporting projects. Independently identifies opportunities for improvement and leads initiatives that enhance planning efficiency and accuracy. Learns quickly from new situations and applies insights to broader team impact

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or 3–5 years of purchasing experience in multichannel distribution, a Master’s degree in Supply Chain preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, with ability to convey complex information effectively
• Excellent attention to detail and strong math skills
• Proven decision-making skills in both routine and non-routine situations
• Strong sense of urgency and impeccable follow-through
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting
• Team-oriented with the ability to work independently and influence outcomes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with capacity to assess elevated challenges from multiple angles
• Ability to delegate tasks appropriately and take initiative on stretch opportunities with the ability to effectively train others 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at a salary rate between $82,000-$105,000 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. 

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1