Inventory Planning Manager. This role will be
hybrid out of our Lakeville, MN Corporate office (3 days in-office/2 days remote).The Inventory Planning Manager leads forecasting, inventory strategy, and replenishment execution to ensure products are available at the right time and place. This role oversees and develops a team of Inventory Planners, drives KPI-based continuous improvement, and focuses on assortment and vendor optimization. Serving as the primary link between Inventory Planning and the broader organization, the manager ensures alignment, data-driven decisions, and strong operational performance.
Job ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Management- Lead, develop, and coach Inventory Planners and Purchasing Agents by leveraging KPIs, establishing best practices, and implementing standardized operating procedures.
- Manage department communication across internal and external partners, ensuring clear updates on inventory risks, opportunities, and performance.
Inventory Planning, Forecasting & Replenishment- Drive forecasting and replenishment accuracy by owning system forecasts, incorporating trends, seasonality, promotions, and maintaining strong process controls for safety stock, lead times, and forecast updates.
- Develop and execute inventory strategies that support service level goals, optimize inventory investment, and align with company growth plans.
Analytics & Continuous Improvement- Use analytical tools and dashboards to monitor inventory performance, identify gaps, and recommend improvements that enhance forecasting, replenishment, and overall inventory efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Strategic Planning- Partner with Purchasing, Product Sourcing, and Operations to recommend assortment adjustments, flow strategies, lifecycle plans, and vendor optimization opportunities.
- Support department and cross-functional projects by planning, coordinating, and ensuring delivery within defined timelines and budgets.
Vendor & Supplier Management- Maintain vendor and purchasing expertise by managing select vendors and staying informed on key developments, risks, and operational needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:Inventory Planning Team
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, Analytics, related field, or relevant work experience
- 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, demand planning, or replenishment.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas), Business Intelligence tools, planning tools, and ERP systems.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large data sets and translate insights into actions.
- Leadership experience managing analysts, planers, or cross-functional initiatives.
Mental & Physical Effort:The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mental Effort
- Attention to detail critical to ensure accuracy and completion of objectives
- Regular interaction with people, team-player
- Fast pace of work, requires multi-tasking
Physical Requirements
- Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle objects and talk or hear
- Frequent wrist and/or hand movement is required
- Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distant vision and the ability to adjust focus
- Ability to Travel as required
Salary/Benefits:We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision insurance, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability insurance, a 401k plan, paid holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). Our work environment is business casual and we like to have fun with weekly relaxed dress days, monthly breakfasts and birthday celebrations, and regular events like holiday contests, cookouts, and employee appreciation celebrations.
MVS1961
