Lowe’s

Inventory Planning Director

Lowe’s • $125K — $150K *
Mooresville, NC 28117In-Person
Retail & Consumer Goods
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, Analytics, or related area; or extensive equivalent experience.
  • 10+ years in inventory and merchandise planning, supply chain, or retail operations.
  • 8+ years focused on inventory management and demand planning in retail or distribution.
  • 5+ years of experience in leadership roles managing teams.
  • Ability to present insights to senior leadership and lead cross-functional initiatives.
  • Advanced analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Strong knowledge of inventory planning systems and forecasting tools.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of inventory planning professionals, setting performance expectations.
  • Champion change initiatives to enhance planning processes and technology.
  • Align inventory strategies with sales and margin targets, coordinating with Finance and Merchandising.
  • Oversee planning for new product launches and promotional events, ensuring execution aligns with goals.
  • Analyze trends and customer demands to optimize inventory management decisions.
  • Collaborate with Merchandising on omni-channel strategies to enhance inventory availability.
  • Influence senior leadership decisions using data-driven recommendations.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
  • Collaborative work environment across multiple departments.
  • Access to advanced planning technologies and systems.
  • Engagement in strategic decision-making processes.
  • Work with a diverse team in a fast-paced retail setting.
Full Job Description
Your Impact

The Inventory Planning Director is responsible for leading the inventory planning strategy across multiple merchandise categories, channels, and distribution networks. This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and development for a team of inventory planning managers, planners and analysts while driving inventory health, service levels, in-stock performance, and working capital optimization. The Director partners cross-functionally with Replenishment, Merchandising, Assortment Planning, Supply Chain, Finance, and Store Operations to develop inventory strategies that support sales growth, profitability, and customer experience objectives. This leader uses data-driven decision-making, forecasting insights, and operational expertise to improve inventory productivity and supply chain performance across the organization. The role requires strong leadership capabilities, executive presence, analytical rigor, and the ability to influence decisions in a fast-paced retail and distribution environment.

What You Will Do
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of inventory planning managers, planners, and analysts by establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and development plans.
  • Drive change management initiatives related to planning processes, organizational transformation, and systems enhancements by championing technology enhancements, automation, and system improvements that increase planning efficiency and accuracy while improving inventory productivity.
  • Translate and develop inventory planning strategies aligned with sales, margin, service level, and working capital objectives while partnering with Merchandising and Finance to align inventory investments with business priorities and financial plans.
  • Lead planning efforts for new product launches, promotional events, seasonal transitions, and business growth initiatives by establishing inventory targets, planning parameters and seasonal inventory plans. Serve as primary vendor partner to ensure plans are executed on target.
  • Drive/oversee analysis of trends, sales performance, supply constraints, and customer demand patterns to guide inventory decisions that improve forecast accuracy and inventory productivity while also identifying risks, opportunities and operational improvement initiatives.
  • Partner with Merchandising and Category Management teams on omni assortment strategies, lifecycle planning, and inventory investments that support store and fulfillment operations by ensuring inventory availability aligns with customer expectations and operational capabilities.
  • Influence inventory decisions through data-driven recommendations and strategic planning expertise.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, Analytics, or related field and or equivalent years of experience in lieu of education requirement, if applicable
  • 10+ years of progressive inventory planning, merchandise planning, supply chain (retail finance or demand planning), or retail operations experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in inventory management, forecasting, replenishment, and demand planning within a retail, wholesale, omni, or distribution environment.
  • 5+ years of leadership experience managing managers and large planning teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and present insights senior leadership stakeholders.
  • Advanced analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong knowledge of inventory planning systems, forecasting tools, ERP platforms, and reporting applications.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
  • Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced, highly dynamic environment.

Preferred Skills/Education
  • Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, Analytics, or related field
  • Experience with SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, Manhattan, or similar planning systems.
  • Lean, Six Sigma, APICS, or related professional certifications.

About Lowe’s

Lowe's Careers

Joining Lowe's means becoming part of a team that is committed to fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and leadership. As one of the leading home improvement companies, Lowe's offers unparalleled job opportunities and a culture that values diversity and professional development. Work You'll Do At Lowe's, your work will directly impact our mission to help people love where they live. Whether you're involved in the direct sales process, product development, or customer service, your role will contribute to our industry-leading standards. Transform Your Career Leverage your skills and drive in a position that empowers you to lead projects and initiatives that redefine the retail experience. Lowe's is at the forefront of the industry, combining retail, technology, and customer service to create unique experiences for consumers. Join a team of dedicated professionals who are there to support your career aspirations and help you grow both personally and professionally. With over 300,000 team members, Lowe's is a place where you can cultivate a career filled with innovation and opportunities. Lowe's Professional Growth and Opportunities We are committed to the professional growth of every team member. Lowe's offers a variety of career paths and opportunities for advancement, including leadership roles in numerous departments. Whether you're seeking a part-time position or a full-time career, Lowe's provides the training and resources needed to advance and excel. Internship Programs Start your career with Lowe's through our dynamic internship programs. These opportunities provide hands-on experience and a chance to engage in meaningful work that impacts our business. Interns at Lowe's gain invaluable skills, work alongside experienced professionals, and are considered for full-time positions upon successful completion of the program. Benefits and Culture Lowe's is dedicated to maintaining a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and employee discounts, among others. Networking and Innovation Stay connected and ahead in your career through Lowe's commitment to innovation and networking. Our team members have access to cutting-edge technology and are encouraged to think outside the box to solve challenges. Networking within the company is supported through various groups and initiatives, fostering connections that can lead to career advancement. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities at Lowe's that match your skills and interests. We are always looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Start your journey with Lowe's today and be part of a company that values hard work and dedication. Stay Up to Date Keep informed with the latest in career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work at Lowe's. Our careers blog provides valuable content that can help you navigate your professional journey. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Lowe's. SEARCH LOWE'S JOBS At Lowe's, your career is in your hands. Build it with us and be part of a team that is changing the future of retail.
Learn more about Lowe’s
Size
200,000 employees
Market Cap
$120.3 billion
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
Net Income
$5.8 billion
Founded
1946
5 Year Trend
+8.2%
Revenue
$89.5 billion
NASDAQ
LOW
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Lowe’s

More Retail & Consumer Goods Jobs

Find similar Inventory Planning Director jobs:

NationwideMooresville, NC