Operations

Inventory Planning Manager

Looking to hire your next Inventory Planning Manager? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

At Vintti, we're redefining the economics of staffing for US businesses. Our agency connects SMBs, startups, and firms with top Latin American talent, offering a dual benefit of high-quality work and cost savings. By tapping into this rich talent pool, our clients can optimize their budgets, increase productivity, and gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets.

Description

An Inventory Planning Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the inventory levels within an organization to ensure a smooth supply chain operation. This role involves forecasting demand, setting inventory targets, and coordinating with various departments such as procurement, sales, and production to align inventory needs with business goals. The Inventory Planning Manager utilizes data analysis and inventory management software to make informed decisions that minimize costs while meeting customer requirements. Effective communication and strategic planning skills are essential to balance inventory turnover and availability, ultimately supporting the company's efficiency and profitability.

Requirements

- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
- Proven experience as an Inventory Planning Manager or in a similar role.
- Strong understanding of inventory management software and systems.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to forecast inventory needs.
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Experience in supply chain management practices and logistics.
- Strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and vendors.
- Knowledge of inventory metrics such as turnover rates, stockouts, and days on hand.
- Ability to develop and implement effective inventory management strategies.
- Experience with conducting inventory audits and ensuring compliance with policies.
- Proven ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.
- Strong problem-solving skills for addressing inventory discrepancies and issues.
- Familiarity with market trends and their impact on inventory needs.
- Ability to adapt to fluctuating demand patterns and adjust inventory strategies accordingly.
- Experience with training and supporting staff on inventory management best practices.
- Competence in developing and presenting reports to senior management.
- Knowledge of safety stock level adjustments to mitigate supply chain risks.

Responsabilities

- Analyze inventory levels and forecast future needs based on sales data and market trends.
- Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels.
- Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams for timely replenishment.
- Monitor and report on key inventory metrics such as turnover rates and stockouts.
- Utilize inventory management software to maintain accurate records of stock movements.
- Coordinate with production planning to align schedules with inventory requirements.
- Review and adjust safety stock levels to mitigate supply chain risks.
- Conduct root cause analysis of inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Provide training and support to warehouse staff on inventory practices.
- Develop and present inventory performance reports to senior management.
- Negotiate with suppliers to optimize ordering cycles and terms.
- Manage inventory audits to ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing to understand promotional impacts on inventory.
- Implement process improvements to enhance inventory efficiency and accuracy.
- Address and resolve issues related to inventory availability and distribution.
- Monitor demand patterns and adjust inventory strategies accordingly.
- Conduct periodic reviews of inventory policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with IT for system upgrades and integrations related to inventory management.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the role of Inventory Planning Manager will possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field, coupled with proven experience in a similar capacity. They will demonstrate a robust understanding of inventory management software and systems, showcasing exceptional analytical skills to accurately forecast inventory needs. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools is essential, alongside exemplary organizational and multitasking abilities. This candidate will be an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills, capable of effective collaboration with cross-functional teams. They must have experience in supply chain management practices, logistics, and possess formidable negotiation skills for supplier engagement. A keen knowledge of inventory metrics such as turnover rates, stockouts, and days on hand is crucial, as is the ability to develop and implement effective inventory management strategies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in conducting inventory audits, ensuring compliance with company policies, and using data to make informed decisions. They will be experienced in addressing inventory discrepancies, showcasing strong problem-solving abilities and familiarity with market trends impacting inventory needs. Adaptable to fluctuating demand patterns, they will adjust inventory strategies accordingly. With a high level of attention to detail and a proactive, self-motivated approach, this individual will also show competence in training and supporting staff on best practices. They will bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership, and managerial skills, demonstrating reliability, dependability, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Their innovative thinking, ethical conduct, and efficient time-management abilities, combined with strong negotiation and persuasion skills, make them adept at driving results and improving processes.

On a typical day, you will...

- Analyze inventory levels and forecast future inventory needs based on sales data and market trends.
- Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels and reduce excess inventory.
- Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely and accurate replenishment of goods.
- Monitor and report on key inventory metrics such as turnover rates, stockouts, and days on hand.
- Utilize inventory management software to maintain accurate records of stock movements and inventory levels.
- Coordinate with production planning to align manufacturing schedules with inventory requirements.
- Review and adjust safety stock levels to mitigate risk of supply chain disruptions.
- Conduct root cause analysis of inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Provide training and support to warehouse and logistics staff on best practices for inventory handling and management.
- Develop and present regular reports and presentations on inventory performance to senior management.
- Negotiate with suppliers to optimize ordering cycles and terms.
- Manage inventory audits to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to understand promotional impacts on inventory needs.
- Devise and implement process improvements to enhance inventory efficiency and accuracy.
- Address and resolve any issues related to inventory availability and distribution.
- Monitor demand patterns and adjust inventory strategies to align with shifting market demands.
- Conduct periodic reviews and updates of inventory policies and procedures.
- Coordinate with IT department for system upgrades and integrations related to inventory management.

What we are looking for

- Strong analytical mindset
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail
- Proactive and self-motivated
- Effective communicator
- Strategic thinker
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Collaborative team player
- Adaptable and flexible
- High level of integrity and ethical conduct
- Customer-focused mindset
- Results-driven
- Innovative approach to process improvement
- Strong leadership and managerial skills
- Reliable and dependable
- Efficient time-management abilities
- Ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Strong negotiation and persuasion skills
- Data-driven decision-maker

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range ($80,000 - $100,000 annually)
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Flexible work hours and remote work options
- Life insurance and short/long-term disability plans
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Wellness programs and fitness memberships
- Company-sponsored workshops and training sessions
- Career advancement opportunities
- Employee discount programs
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment
- On-site childcare facilities or childcare assistance programs
- Commuter benefits and transportation allowances
- Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
- Stock options or employee stock purchase plan
- Paid parental leave and family support programs

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