Job Title : Inventory Planner
Position Overview :
We are seeking a detail-oriented and data-driven Inventory Planner to join our team. This critical role will be responsible for managing and optimizing inventory levels across multiple product lines.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in demand forecasting , inventory management, and working with large datasets in fast-paced, high-SKU environments.
You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, procurement, sales, and marketing, to ensure our inventory aligns with customer demand while minimizing overstock and stockouts.
This role requires proficiency in inventory management software, particularly CIN7 (will accept other software experience), as well as advanced Excel skills to analyze and forecast demand trends.
Key Responsibilities :
- Demand Forecasting & Prediction
- Develop and maintain accurate demand forecasts for both new and existing products based on historical data, sales trends, and market analysis.
- Leverage historical data, market insights, and trend analysis to refine forecasts.
- Use forecasting tools and software to predict future inventory needs.
- Collaborate with Merchandising and Marketing teams to adjust forecasts for promotions, new product launches, and seasonal demand shifts, incorporating trends and customer insights.
- Continuously review and adjust forecasts to optimize stock levels and minimize stockouts or excess inventory.
- Inventory Management
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess inventory.
- Ensure timely reordering of products to avoid stockouts and overstocking, maintaining a fine balance between supply and demand.
- Perform regular inventory reconciliations and resolve discrepancies between physical stock and system records in partnership with the warehouse team.
- Analyze inventory turnover rates and implement strategies to improve inventory efficiency and reduce costs.
- Suggest order quantities and timelines to ensure optimal stock levels, avoiding overstock and stockouts based on weekly performance review.
- Participate in bi-weekly Re-Order Meetings to review SKU-level forecasts and adjust as needed.
- Lead monthly and quarterly inventory performance reviews, offering data-backed insights and updates on inventory initiatives.
- Participate in annual reviews to assess the past year’s performance, identify lessons learned, and outline the upcoming year’s inventory strategy.
- Supply Chain Coordination
- Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure the timely delivery of products and materials in line with demand forecasts.
- Develop and communicate accurate supply projections for core products to production and merchandising teams, ensuring timely material ordering and delivery.
- Collaborate with warehouse teams to optimize inventory storage, handling, and turnover.
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Analyze key inventory metrics such as lead times, stock levels, and order cycle times to inform inventory management decisions.
- Prepare detailed reports and provide actionable insights into inventory performance, demand trends, and supply chain bottlenecks.
- Generate and present quarterly and annual performance reviews, including insights on trends, performance vs. plan, and recommendations for future quarters.
- Provide weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports, highlighting key inventory metrics, issue areas, and suggested actions for optimization.
- Generate and present quarterly and annual performance reviews, including insights on trends, performance vs. plan, and recommendations for future quarters.
- Conduct ad hoc analytics to support inventory decision-making, such as assessing the impact of promotional activities, seasonality, and potential supply chain disruptions.
- Support inventory strategy adjustments based on insights from demand forecasts and performance metrics, collaborating with stakeholders to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Process Improvement
- Identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement within the inventory planning process.
- Propose and implement process changes, tools, or technologies to streamline operations and reduce costs.
- Stay current with best practices in inventory management, forecasting, and related technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Required Skills & Qualifications :
- Experience : 2+ years of experience in inventory management, demand forecasting, or supply chain planning (preferably in retail, e-commerce, or high-SKU environments).
- Skills :
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with experience working with large datasets.
- Proficiency in inventory management software and ERP systems (e.g., CIN7, SAP, Netsuite, Oracle).
- Expertise in Microsoft Excel especially VLOOKUPs and pivot tables for data analysis and reporting.
- Experience with demand forecasting techniques and tools (e.g., statistical analysis, forecasting software).
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on accuracy and process optimization.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Self Starter with ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
- Education : Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management , Logistics , Business Administration , or a related field is preferred.
Ideal Candidate Traits :
- Tech-Savvy : Familiar with inventory planning tools and software and quick to adapt to new systems.
- Highly Organized : Ability to manage competing priorities and handle large volumes of inventory and data with attention to detail.
- Proactive & Solutions-Oriented : Comfortable taking initiative and working independently to solve problems and improve processes.
- Communication Skills : Strong ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present findings to senior leadership.
- Industry Knowledge : Previous experience managing large SKU assortments (5000+ SKUs) is highly desirable.