Job Summary                  

The Director, Inventory Planning & Operations, is responsible for leading the end-to-end inventory planning and inventory operations functions across the organization. This role develops inventory strategies, oversees replenishment and deployment processes, manages inventory execution across distribution and fulfillment networks, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to optimize customer service levels, inventory investment, and operational efficiency.

The Director partners closely with Supply Chain, Demand Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Distribution Center Operations, Finance, Sales, and Merchandising teams to ensure inventory performance aligns with organizational objectives. This position provides leadership for planning and inventory teams while driving operational excellence and data-driven decision-making.

Primary Responsibilities

Inventory Planning & Optimization

• Develop and execute inventory planning strategies that balance service levels, inventory investment, and business growth.
• Establish inventory targets, safety stock policies, replenishment parameters, and deployment strategies.
• Monitor inventory health and drive improvements in turns, fill rate, and working capital performance.
• Evaluate demand variability, lead times, and supply risks to ensure optimal inventory positioning.
• Reduce excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory

Inventory Operations & Execution

• Lead inventory operations across warehouses, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and other network locations.
• Direct inventory control processes including cycle counting, physical inventories, reconciliations, and transaction accuracy.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Drive root cause analysis and resolution of inventory discrepancies.
• Oversee inventory movement, transfers, and deployment activities.

Supply Chain Collaboration & S&OP Participation

•  Partner with Demand Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Finance, Merchandising, and Operations leaders.
• Participate in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes.
• Align inventory plans with forecasted demand, capacity constraints, and business priorities.
• Support new product launches, promotional events, and seasonal inventory requirements.
• Escalate inventory risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, coach, and develop inventory planning and operations teams.
• Establish performance goals, KPIs, and accountability measures.
• Build organizational capability and succession plans.
• Foster a culture focused on continuous improvement, customer service, and operational discipline.
• Drive employee engagement and talent retention initiatives.

Analytics, Reporting & Decision Support

•  Develop and maintain inventory performance dashboards and scorecards.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve service, inventory efficiency, and productivity.
• Present operational performance and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support financial planning and budget processes through inventory insights.
• Utilize analytics tools and inventory management systems to drive decisions

Continuous Improvement & Systems Enhancement

•  Lead inventory process improvement initiatives across planning and operations.
• Support implementation and optimization of ERP, WMS, and inventory planning systems.
• Introduce automation, standardization, and best practices.
• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence programs.
• Ensure scalability of inventory processes to support business growth

Qualifications

Education, Related Experience, Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Engineering, Logistics, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, supply chain, operations, or logistics.
• 5+ years leading managers and professional teams.
• Experience with multi-site distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, or retail networks.

Knowledge, Skills

• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)
• WMS platforms
• Inventory optimization tools
• Forecasting and replenishment solutions
• Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics tools

Working Conditions and Schedule

• Hybrid schedule: three days in the office, two days remote.
• Standard business hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening or weekend support as needed.
• This role does not have a travel expectation (if remote, travel is occasionally required).

Wellbeing

At Sleep Number, wellbeing isn’t a program—it’s part of who we are. We support team members and their families across emotional, financial, career, community, and physical health, all anchored in sleep.

Along with competitive pay, eligible team members receive robust benefits such as medical, pharmacy, dental, life and disability insurance, a 401(k), paid time off, and additional resources that promote lifelong wellbeing.

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