Inventory Manager

PURPOSE

This position is responsible for the instocks, inventory turns and discontinued inventory levels for a category of goods. The Inventory Manager drives exceptional results by hiring and developing outstanding Inventory Analysts, identifying and resolving inventory issues, and excellent communication with all areas of the company. This multi-functional position will require extensive partnership with the Merchandising, Supply Chain, Executive and Store teams to resolve inventory issues.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and coordinate work of designated employees, developing and delivering a team of high performing Inventory Analysts (IAs).
• Manage various personnel functions including but not limited to hiring, performance appraisals, coaching and development, promotions, transfers, and vacation schedules.
• Ensure consistent application of forecasting and replenishment best practices. This may include creation and training of the practice, in addition to monitoring and reporting on performance and helping to close performance gaps identified.
• Lead the establishment of operational inventory goals and have first line accountability for the performance to achieve such goals including but not limited to: in-stocks, turnover, and achieving discontinued and leaving program inventory targets.
• Provide superior customer service through the use of proactive communication, educating Stores, Field leadership and SSC teammates of any issues, actions and Get Well Dates for their area of responsibility.
• Ensure sales forecasts are accurate, paying special attention to forecasts at the DC level.
• Focus on New and Exiting Item process excellence. Maintain the PLR tracker for their Department(s) and forecast New Items for the first 60 days in store.
• Deliver purchase orders for their product categories and lead the Open-to-Buy process, ensuring category strategies align to financial goals.
• Partner with Vendors to improve on-time and complete delivery of Purchase Orders.
• Partner with their MVP to adjust inventory and merchandising strategies to achieve and exceed company goals.
• Develop ad-hoc analyses to evaluate and address inventory management issues. This analysis includes but is not limited to visual presentation levels, service level goals, ordering unit optimization, and Job Size analysis.
• Create and deliver ad hoc reporting as needed to partners in Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, Stores and Senior Executives. Provide inventory guidance on Product Line Reviews (PLRs) conducted within their area of responsibility.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in General Business or related field (relevant experience can be substituted for the required education on the basis of one calendar year of experience for one academic year of education).
• Three years of job-related experience.
• Previous experience managing a small team (1-3 employees).
• E3 Forecasting and Replenishment solution knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must be able to communicate effectively and interact with all levels of management.
• Must be detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Possess excellent customer service skills and work well under pressure.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to prioritize and lead team projects.
• Ability to work independently within a team across all levels and diverse cultures.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Must pass pre-employment background check.

WORKING CONDITIONS (TRAVEL, HOURS, ENVIRONMENT)

• This position is salaried, knowing it may include hours which exceed eight hours in a day or forty hours in a week.
• Limited travel may be required including air and car travel.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to a warehouse environment and moving vehicles. The noise level in the work environment is typically quiet to moderate.

PHYSICAL/SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

Sedentary Work – Ability to exert 10 - 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

NOTE: All duties and responsibilities listed are considered to be essential job functions and requirements, and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Marginal functions of the position (those that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties) have not been included. However, the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to the position.