Job Summary: The Distribution Center Inventory Planning Manager works closely with Business Unit Merchants, Demand Planners, Space Planning, Distributors, and other Business Unit Support Staff Teams to enable proper internal and external handling of product assortment as well as to ensure effective management of demand planning and order replenishment within Distribution Centers. The Distribution Center Inventory Planning Manager should have excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Functions:

1. Supports Distribution Center Inventory Planners in seasonal, annual, and long-range strategic and inventory planning across all merchandising segments.
2. Uses analytics to advise and influence Distribution Center Buyers on inventory decisions, clearly articulating the cause-effect of actions.
3. Measures Distribution Center inventory performance against business and financial planning objectives. and product reset calendars for timely decision-making.
4. Learn and leverage Power BI, RELEX and Distribution Center reporting to benchmark and improve KPI performance.
5. Lead weekly supply chain inventory planning discussions to facilitate dialogue and corrective action necessary to prevent / remediate Distribution Center inventory challenges.
6. Establishes / refines operating procedures to streamline handling of item assortment and demand planning as well as product replenishment.
7. Strategic utilization of store ordering system (RELEX) for support of Distribution Center inventory purchasing decisions.
8. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reading professional publications, establishing personal networks; or participating in professional societies.
9. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing determined Financial and Key Result Area targets pursuant to Company Plan guidelines.
10. Other duties as assigned or deemed necessary.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in business or related field is preferred. Other combinations of job-related experience and education that meet the requirements may be substituted.
2. One to three years of experience in inventory planning is preferred.
3. Must be able to travel locally as needed.
4. Must possess a Driver's License and the ability to drive to multiple store locations.
4. Proven track record in setting and achieving inventory productivity targets.
5. Strong analytical skills with proficiency in inventory management software and tools (e.g., PDI, RELEX).
6. Advanced proficiency in Excel and other data analysis tools; experience with visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is a plus.
7. Exceptional ability to communicate complex analytics in a clear, actionable manner to influence decision-making.
8. Strong interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external vendors.
9. Skilled in monitoring and measuring inventory performance against goals, with the ability to provide insights and make timely adjustments.
10. Results-driven mindset with the ability to balance strategic planning and tactical execution.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes:
• Sit for extended periods of time.
• Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry.
• View computer monitor.
• Hear and speak via telephone.
• Reach forward and/or overhead.
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes:
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range.
• The lighting will include natural light from the outside and fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas.
• Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REFLECT THE GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS / DUTIES AND /OR RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE JOB AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY INTENDED TO SET FORTH ALL OF THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.
NOTE: This Job Description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to employees.