Senior Director, Assortment Planning & Modeling

Job SummaryThe Senior Director, Assortment Planning & Modeling is responsible for defining and executing the enterprise assortment strategy across all channels, categories, and customer segments while leading the transformation from traditional planning methodologies to AI-powered decision-making. This leader owns the development of advanced assortment optimization capabilities, predictive modeling, machine learning applications, and AI-driven decision support tools that improve inventory productivity, customer satisfaction, sales growth, and profitability. The role serves as the strategic bridge between Merchandising, Inventory Planning & Replenishment, Data Science, Supply Chain, Finance, and Technology to ensure product assortments are continuously optimized through intelligent automation, predictive analytics and scalable governance frameworks.The Senior Director will lead and develop a high-performing team focused on building next-generation capabilities that enable the organization to place the right products in the right locations at the right time with minimal manual intervention.ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Assortment StrategyDevelop and execute the long-term enterprise assortment strategy.category-specific assortment frameworks across all product lines.Establish localized assortment strategies based on customer, vehicle, demographic, and market demand characteristicsLead SKU rationalization initiatives to improve inventory productivity and profitability.Develop lifecycle management processes for new item introductions, product substitutions, supersessions, and obsolescence.Partner with Merchandising leadership to align assortment decisions with enterprise growth objectives.Advanced Analytics & OptimizationLeverage predictive modeling, machine learning, and optimization techniques to improve assortment decisions and inventory placement.Develop analytical models that identify assortment gaps, duplication, cannibalization, and expansion opportunities.Implement data-driven frameworks that anticipate customer demand shifts and emerging market trends.Enable intelligent recommendation engines that support planners with scalable, explainable decision support.Drive autonomous assortment recommendations through advanced optimization engines.Establish AI governance processes that ensure explainability, transparency, and trust in automated recommendations.Continuously improve algorithm accuracy through feedback loops and performance monitoring.Advanced Modeling & Data ScienceLead development of predictive models supporting assortment, demand forecasting, inventory placement, and network optimization.Develop customer segmentation models that improve assortment localization.Establish digital twins and simulation capabilities to evaluate assortment scenarios before implementation.Utilize machine learning techniques to optimize SKU productivity and category performance.Build analytical frameworks that quantify the financial impact of assortment decisions.Partner with technology teams to operationalize advanced models into business workflows.Intelligent Systems Transformation LeadershipDevelop and execute a multi-year roadmap of assortment planning  through analytics and intelligent automation.Drive organizational change management and adoption of AI-driven decision-making.Transition planning teams from transactional analysis to strategic exception management.Establish governance processes that balance automation with human oversight.Build organizational capability around AI literacy and advanced analytics.Create a culture that embraces experimentation, continuous learning, and innovation.Network & Market OptimizationDefine assortment strategies by distribution center, market, store cluster, customer segment, and channel.Optimize inventory placement across the supply chain network.Identify opportunities to improve fill rates while reducing inventory investment.Develop market-specific assortment strategies that maximize customer relevance.Utilize predictive analytics to improve inventory productivity across all stocking locations.Financial & Performance ManagementOwn assortment-related financial performance metrics.Establish productivity targets for assortment optimization initiatives.Quantify and track benefits generated from AI and advanced analytics investments.Develop executive-level reporting and KPI dashboards.Ensure assortment decisions support revenue growth, margin expansion, inventory turns, and cash flow objectives.Partner with Finance to measure realized value from transformation initiatives.Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner closely with Merchandising, Supply Chain, Inventory Planning, Technology, Data Science, Marketing, and Finance.Influence senior executives on strategic assortment decisions.Lead cross-functional steering committees focused on assortment optimization and intelligent systems adoption.Align enterprise stakeholders around a common assortment strategy and operating model.Team LeadershipLead and develop a high-performing organization consisting of:Directors of Assortment PlanningAssortment Strategy ManagersData ScientistsMachine Learning EngineersAssortment AnalystsBusiness Intelligence SpecialistsBuild succession plans and leadership pipelines.Establish performance expectations focused on innovation, execution, and business impact.Develop future-ready capabilities across the organization.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Analytics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.12+ years of progressive leadership experience in assortment planning, merchandising, inventory optimization, analytics, or related disciplines.5+ years leading large-scale transformation initiatives.Experience implementing advanced planning systems and assortment optimization tools.Strong understanding of machine learning, predictive analytics, and intelligent applications in retail or distribution environments.Proven ability to influence executive st