Manager - Inventory Planning

 

BE PART OF SOMETHING REAL

 

POSITION SUMMARY / PURPOSE:

Lead and direct a team of Inventory Planners in the creation and execution of inventory management plans and related strategies across all Channels (Stores and Direct) and Geos (US and Canada).  Partner with Cross-Functional Merchandising and Merchandise Planning leaders to align on brand initiatives that deliver sales, margin and inventory turn goals through strategic decision-making and guidance.

As a leader within this team, the Manager of Inventory Planning will also be a key cross-functional partner across the organization and champion/ challenge the team to deliver great value. You will inspire your team and lead efforts to deliver sound operational results; exceeding customer expectations, delivering innovation and developing a talented team.

 

Your responsibilities include:

• Setting and driving the inventory management strategy for specific division/departments that aligns with Brand goals and Supply Chain initiatives
• Driving and influencing inventory strategies to meet or exceed sales, gross margin and inventory turn goals; partnering with Planning Managers/DMM’s to ensure alignment of goals and anticipated results
• Providing clear strategic and tactical direction to their teams (Inventory Planners) that supports company/brand/division goals and Supply Chain goals (inventory placement, positioning and principles)
• Communicating strategic vision that supports company goals/performance to Executive Leadership and key stakeholders
• Ensuring buys support sales/inventory expectations for all stores/channels; driving alignment on omni size offerings, profiles and packing decisions
• Approving Channel/Location inventory strategies; provide input and recommendations 
• Partnering with Sr. Manager -  Inventory Planning to lead hindsight and future strategy process for area of ownership
• Overseeing Sr. Inventory Planner/Market Localization Leader partnership to maximize sales and profitability of all channels within region; aligning on sales projections for future periods; ensuring inventory is positioned to achieve and beat expectations
• Leading your Inventory Planning team to improve inventory management through process/systems improvements and resource utilization
• Managing the career growth and development of Sr. Inventory Planners, Inventory Planners and Associate Inventory Planners; actively focusing on succession planning to accommodate needs within Inventory Planning and Merchandise Planning; building future bench of talent
• Exhibiting leadership qualities to move the business forward through the collective talents and efforts of self and others; communicating clear goals/expectations and standards on an on-going basis including varying levels of communication for direct reports, support teams, associates, cross-functional teams and business-facing updates
• Empowering team members to deliver results against established goals and priorities, while creating an environment where everyone can do their best work
• Actively participating in intern/teammate training programs as High Level mentor
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

 

AUTHORITY:

• Demand and Allocation Plan approvals
• Create strategies (inventory management/placement, inventory principles and channel plans) that build and grow the business
• Team development and management

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Logistics, Finance or related field, or equivalent experience. Advanced degree (Master’s / MBA) a plus. 5-8 years specialty retail Allocation, Store and/or Merchandise planning experience. 1-3 years in prior managerial/supervisory experience In-depth retail math knowledge. Overall retail knowledge and business awareness. Prior experience using Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment, Enterprise Planning and/or demand planning tools within a specialty retailer preferred. High degree of proficiency MS Office Suite, Outlook & Internet applications. Strong analytical, problem-solving, prioritization, interpersonal and presentation skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team and while leading a team. Ability to work with and influence senior management. Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment. Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting.   AEO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity ("EEO") laws. AEO prohibits discrimination against associates and applicants for employment because of the individual's race or color, religion or creed, alienage or citizenship status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or partnership status, domestic violence or stalking victim status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This applies to all AEO activities, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, performance evaluation, discipline and discharge. AEO also provides reasonable accommodation of religion and disability in accordance with applicable law.