Technical Product Manager - Merchandise Planning, Allocation, and Operations

ABOUT VERA BRADLEY
Vera Bradley brings joy and color to our consumers with functional, accessible products, using soft materials and iconic prints that appeal to all generations. We are a vertical retailer, with over 100 stores in the US, two websites, and a strong presence in department stores, specialty retailers, and online marketplaces.
FUNCTION
The Technical Product Manager – Merchandise Planning, Allocation, and Operations is responsible for the strategy, delivery, support, and continuous improvement of Vera Bradley's Supply Chain technology ecosystem. This leader owns the technology capabilities supporting inventory management, demand forecasting, merchandise planning, allocation, replenishment, sourcing, logistics, warehouse operations, and distribution.
Working closely with Merchandising, Planning, Operations, and Technology teams, this role ensures technology investments enable business growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer experiences.
This is a player-coach leadership role that combines people leadership, technology product management, project delivery, business partnership, and hands-on technical support. The successful candidate will lead a team while remaining actively engaged in solution design, issue resolution, process improvement, and value delivery across the technology value stream.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Note: Other duties may be assigned)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Technology Product Leadership
Own the technology strategy, roadmap, and investment portfolio.
Partner with business leaders to define priorities and deliver capabilities that improve inventory productivity, forecasting accuracy, allocation effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
Evaluate new technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
Serve as the primary technology partner for Supply Chain leadership.
Supply Chain Technology, Operations & Solution Delivery
Own the end-to-end technology ecosystem supporting retail inventory management, forecasting, planning, allocation, replenishment, warehouse management, logistics, and distribution operations.
Develop deep expertise in the flow of inventory across the enterprise and the systems that enable it.
Translate complex business challenges into scalable technology solutions that drive measurable business value.
Lead the design, implementation, enhancement, and support of Merchandise Planning, Allocation, and Operations applications and processes.
Troubleshoot and resolve critical business and technology challenges in partnership with internal teams and external vendors.
Ensure operational readiness, system stability, and business continuity during major deployments and peak business periods.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inventory accuracy, fulfillment performance, productivity, and visibility across the supply chain.
Project & Program Leadership
Lead large-scale technology initiatives from concept through implementation and value realization.
Establish project objectives, timelines, resource plans, risks, and success measures.
Manage a portfolio of strategic projects, enhancements, and operational priorities.
Identify and proactively manage project risks, dependencies, and organizational impacts.
Ensure successful adoption of new capabilities through effective planning, communication, training, and change management.
Measure and communicate business outcomes and value realization.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of product and technology professionals.
Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, continuous learning, and continuous improvement.
Support employee growth through coaching, development planning, and performance management.
Build organizational capability and succession readiness within the team.
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
Develop strong partnerships with business leaders and key stakeholders.
Manage strategic relationships with software vendors, consultants, and implementation partners.
Influence technology roadmaps and advocate for Vera Bradley business requirements.
Ensure vendor performance and service levels meet business expectations.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
8+ years of experience supporting or leading retail planning technology solutions.
5+ years of experience in Product Management, Product Leadership, or Business Technology Leadership.
3+ years of direct people leadership experience.
Experience developing technology strategies and multi-year roadmaps.
Experience leading complex retail business transformation, system implementation, or modernization initiatives.
Experience working with ERP, WMS, Planning, Allocation, Forecasting, or related platforms.
Experience managing external implementation partners and software vendors.
Experience with Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid delivery methodologies.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Deep understanding of retail inventory and supply chain processes and inventory lifecycle management.
Strong knowledge of forecasting, planning, allocation, replenishment, and inventory optimization concepts.
Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to translate business challenges into technology solutions.
Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
Strong project and program leadership capabilities.
Experience leading organizational change and driving business adoption.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong customer-service mindset with a focus on business outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting retail, omnichannel, consumer products, or distribution operations.
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management.
APICS, CSCP, PMP, SAFe, Agile, or related professional certifications.
ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This role is eligible for a hybrid remote/onsite scenario and will have scenarios where onsite work is required for in-depth alignment and or problem solving
Office environment. Utilizing an office desk – sitting, reading, listening, or speaking with the ability to move intermittently throughout the day
Strong sensory skills, such as good eyesight, good hearing, and dexterity
Ability to operate office equipment, including computers, copiers, fax machines, and phones
We are proud of the competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefit package provided to our associates and their families. Our compensation package is designed to meet our associates today and help them plan for the future.
Health Benefits
Vera Bradley offers a variety of medical, dental and vision programs to meet your family’s health care needs.
Medical plan options including both a HDHP/HSA plan and a PPO plan
Dental
Vision
Flexible spending accounts
Survivor Benefits
Life insurance provides peace of mind for your family should the unexpected happen.
Employer provided 2X your salary in life insurance
Accidental Death and Disability insurance
Voluntary life insurance for you, your spouse and your children
Income Protection
If you are unable to work due to illness or injury Vera Bradley provides several programs to protect your income at no cost to you.
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Retirement Plan
The Vera Bradley 401k plan helps you accumulate savings for retirement
401k with generous company match, immediate vesting (age and service requirement)
Stro