Inventory Planning Manager

Department: Operations & Supply Chain

Role Overview

The Inventory Planning Manager is responsible for maintaining a clear and accurate picture of inventory health across all brands and channels. This role goes beyond maintaining reports - it requires active analysis, proactive identification of risks, and data-driven recommendations that enable the business to make informed purchasing and operational decisions. The right candidate is highly detail-oriented, follows through on every task, and communicates clearly and confidently with stakeholders across the organization.

Inventory Analysis & Insights
• Review and analyze weeks of stock across all skus on a regular cadence, identifying items at risk of overstock or stockout and escalating findings proactively.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies between the ERP, warehouse systems, and planning files - identifying root causes and ensuring records are accurate and reconciled.
• Compare forecasts against actual sales movement, identify meaningful variances, and translate those findings into clear, actionable insights for the team.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of each brand's inventory position so that risks are surfaced early.
• Perform regular sanity checks on planning data to validate assumptions and catch errors before they impact purchasing decisions.

Purchase Order Management
• Propose purchase order quantities based on target weeks of supply, taking into account cash flow considerations, lead times, manufacturing origin, and any known supply or demand constraints.
• Monitor open purchase orders to ensure they are on track, communicating proactively when orders need to be accelerated or delayed based on current inventory position.
• Maintain the PO Tracker with a high degree of accuracy - clearing errors, updating statuses, and ensuring the tracker is always a reliable source of truth.
• Follow up with vendors and internal stakeholders on PO timing, shipment confirmations, and any changes that may impact inventory availability.
• Flag any PO discrepancies or anomalies immediately and resolve them before they affect downstream planning or cash flow reporting.

Vendor Management & Sourcing
• Lead domestic vendor RFP processes on a regular cadence to ensure pricing remains competitive and the right supply partners are in place.
• Obtain and evaluate pricing across all relevant components - ensuring all cost factors are accounted for and nothing is overlooked in the analysis.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring clear communication on lead times, order commitments, and any supply constraints.
• Attend relevant tradeshows annually to stay current on industry developments, supplier relationships, and sourcing opportunities.

Forecasting & Planning
• Gather updated forecasts from marketing and sales teams, compare to actual movement, and apply adjustments to inventory planning accordingly.
• Lead the weekly inventory planning process, including preparation of the planning file, identification of key risks, and presentation of recommendations to the team.
• Maintain accurate demand assumptions and adjust forecasts when sales trends, promotions, or other factors cause material changes in expected movement.
• Ensure all planning outputs are audit-ready and clearly documented so any team member can follow the logic and assumptions behind each recommendation.

Stakeholder Communication
• Communicate inventory status, risks, and recommendations clearly and in a timely manner to key stakeholders including operations, brand teams, customer service, and executive leadership.
• Provide regular updates on backorder status, inbound POs, and projected stock availability to the teams that depend on that visibility.
• Respond to stakeholder requests promptly and with accuracy.
• Proactively flag emerging inventory risks before they become organizational issues - the expectation is to identify problems, not react to them.

What We're Looking For
• Exceptionally detail-oriented with a track record of catching errors and maintaining accuracy under pressure.
• Strong follow-through - tasks get done without needing follow-up to confirm completion.
• Clear, direct communicator with stakeholders at all levels. Proactive by nature.
• Analytical mindset - able to work with large datasets, identify trends, and turn findings into actionable recommendations.
• High proficiency with Excel and inventory planning tools; Microsoft Business Central experience a plus.
•
Bachelor's degree required; 3-5 years of experience in inventory planning, procurement, demand planning, or a similar role.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation
• Full benefits including PTO and 401(k)
• A collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Hybrid work environment - 3 days in office, 2 days remote
• Free EV Charging
• On-site gym and pilates studio