Director, Inventory Planning

Company Description

Unisync is a leading provider of award winning North American Corporate Apparel, and Public Safety, Law Enforcement Uniform, Equipment supplies and protective garments across Canada and the United States. Our customer base includes Air Canada, WestJet, Canadian Coast Guard, Purolator, Petro Canada, Home Hardware, Alaska Airlines and a broad base of government entities such as the Federal Government of Canada.

Role Description

The Director, Inventory Planning is responsible for leading the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of inventory planning across all uniform programs at Unisync.

This role ensures the right inventory is available, in the right quantities, at the right time, to support high service levels and on-time fulfillment, while optimizing inventory investment and minimizing excess and obsolete stock.

The Director will lead a team of inventory planners responsible for managing complex, multi-SKU uniform programs across industries including airlines, retail, quick service restaurants, and public sector clients. This role requires strong cross-functional leadership, data-driven decision-making, and direct engagement with both internal stakeholders and key customers.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement inventory planning strategies to support: high fulfillment rates, optimized inventory turns, reduced excess and obsolete inventory
• Establish appropriate inventory levels by SKU, program, and distribution channel
• Balance service levels with working capital efficiency

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of inventory planners across multiple programs
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Build a high-performance, accountable, and data-driven team culture
• Drive continuous improvement in planning processes, tools, and capabilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Oversee demand forecasting across all uniform programs
• Ensure forecasts incorporate: historical data, customer trends, seasonality, program-specific dynamics
• Improve forecast accuracy and responsiveness to demand changes

Inventory Optimization & Performance Management

• Monitor and manage key inventory metrics, including: inventory turns, service levels / fill rates, backorders, excess and obsolete inventory
• Identify and execute strategies to: reduce slow-moving and obsolete stock, improve inventory velocity
• Implement proactive planning to prevent stockouts and overstock situations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with: Production, Product Development, Sales / Account Management, Distribution & Warehousing to ensure alignment between demand, supply, and operational execution
• Work with production teams to: align production planning with inventory requirements
• optimize order quantities (MOQ management)
• minimize surcharges and maximize cost efficiencies

Client Engagement & Issue Resolution

• Engage directly with key customers to:
• address backorders
• communicate inventory strategies
• support program performance
• Provide proactive solutions to mitigate service risks and improve customer satisfaction

Reporting & Executive Visibility

• Provide regular reporting to senior management on: inventory levels and investment, inventory turns and performance trends, backorder status and risks, slow-moving and obsolete inventory
• Deliver actionable insights and recommendations to improve performance

Process Improvement & Systems

• Continuously improve inventory planning processes, tools, and systems
• Leverage data, analytics, and technology to: enhance forecasting accuracy, automate planning workflows, improve decision-making speed and quality
• Evaluate opportunities to incorporate advanced planning tools, including AI-driven forecasting

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in inventory planning, supply chain, or related field
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., APICS) are a plus.
• Experience managing inventory in a multi-SKU, multi-program environment
• Leadership experience managing and developing teams
• Experience in Demand Planning and Inventory Control to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize excess inventory.
• Strong Analytical Skills and expertise in data analysis to assess inventory metrics, forecasts, and supply-demand trends effectively.
• Experience in Inventory Management and Supply Chain Management to drive efficiency, alignment, and cohesion across operations.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities critical for dynamic inventory and supply chain processes.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities (ERP / planning systems experience)
• Proven experience in a senior inventory planning or supply chain management role, preferably in the apparel industry.

The typical range salary for the Director, Inventory Planning position is $110,000 to $140,000 Annually.

Vacancy status: There is an existing vacancy for this role.

Please note that we will only contact those whose applications are selected.

We respectfully request that agencies do not contact us or send us unsolicited applications.

Unisync will accommodate all applicant accommodation requests and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources at 1.800.668.3243. Unisync is committed to Employment Equity and diversity and we have a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable with equal opportunities regardless of background, religion, race, gender, physical ability or sexual orientation. We care for our team members and inspire them to grow professionally. Thank you for your interest in Unisync.