Job DescriptionPOSITION SUMMARYThe Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager is responsible for developing and translating operational and inventory data into forward-looking insights that support business performance. This role will support analysis and reconciliation of forecasts across demand, supply, and inventory, connecting business strategy, execution, and financial outcomes.
This position plays a critical role in identifying drivers of performance, diagnosing root causes of variances, and delivering clear, data-driven recommendations to support decision-making. The role operates in a cross-functional environment and influences outcomes through analysis, insight, and collaboration.
RESPONSIBILITIESOperational Forecasting & Analysis- Partner with plant and planning teams to support and improve operational and inventory forecasting processes
- Analyze and reconcile forecast inputs across demand, supply, and execution to identify gaps, misalignment, and improvement opportunities
- Evaluate forecast accuracy and performance, identifying root causes of variation and systemic drivers
- Assess forecast assumptions, risks, and confidence levels, and clearly communicate implications to stakeholders
Data Analysis & Business Insight- Analyze large and complex datasets to evaluate operational and inventory performance
- Identify root causes of inventory imbalances, service issues, and execution gaps
- Reconcile inconsistencies across systems, plans, and data sources
Decision Support & Recommendations- Translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations with defined risks and tradeoffs
- Proactively identify and communicate performance risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities
- Support leadership decision-making by connecting operational performance to financial outcomes
Inventory Performance Management- Monitor key inventory metrics, including days inventory on hand (DIO), excess and obsolete inventory, and supply-demand alignment
- Explain drivers of inventory performance across sites, product segments, and planning assumptions
- Support inventory optimization initiatives and track results of corrective actions
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Partner with demand planning, supply planning, materials, procurement, operations, and finance teams
- Facilitate alignment across functions by providing a consistent, fact-based view of performance
- Support coordination and follow-through of planning and inventory-related initiatives
REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONSREQUIRED - 7+ years of experience in forecasting, inventory management, supply chain analytics, or related disciplines
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large, complex datasets
- Demonstrated ability to translate data into insights and actionable recommendations
- Experience operating in fast-paced environments with evolving or incomplete information
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Experience with ERP or planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field
- Experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, or inventory planning
- Experience reconciling data across multiple systems (forecasting, financial planning, and operational systems)
- Understanding of the relationship between sales, margin, supply chain, and inventory performance
- Experience with reporting and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI or similar)
COMPETENCIES- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments
- Sound judgment and ability to make recommendations based on incomplete information
- Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and data integrity
- Ability to collaborate and influence across cross-functional teams
WORK ENVIRONMENTThis role operates in a cross-functional, matrixed environment and requires collaboration across multiple business functions and levels of the organization.
Travel Requirements: Up to 25%
