Inventory Planning Manager

Position Summary

The Inventory Planning Manager is responsible for developing and executing strategies to optimize inventory levels across all operations ensuring timely availability while minimizing shortages and overstock. This role involves hands-on planning collaborating with cross-functional teams and leveraging advanced forecasting tools to manage inventory efficiently. The manager will lead a team oversee inventory flow track key performance indicators and drive continuous improvement initiatives to align inventory management with operational and financial goals. Strong leadership analytical skills and a deep understanding of supply chain processes are essential to the role.

Job Functions/Duties (may be assigned other duties by management)

Develop and execute inventory planning strategies to ensure optimal inventory levels minimizing shortages and overstock situations across all operations.

Analyze monthly inventory consumption using planning and forecasting tools review and approve inventory orders and take hands-on responsibility for calculating requirements and replenishing finished goods to ensure timely availability.

Work closely with the Application Engineering team to stay informed about product line changes enhancements and potential obsolescence and adjust inventory plans as needed

Collaborate with sales operations and application engineering teams to assess future inventory needs based on market trends customer demands and product changes (enhancements or obsolescence).

Monitor purchase order shipments and tracking data ensuring continuous availability of inventory and proactively addressing any supply disruptions.

Lead and supervise the inventory planning team ensuring the accuracy of ERP system updates inventory ordering tracking and deliveries in alignment with business needs and operational goals.

Work closely with logistics and supplier teams to ensure timely deliveries and resolve discrepancies in delivery schedules inventory requirements and performance.

Collaborate with corporate planning and operations teams to enhance inventory planning systems tools and processes improving efficiency and accuracy.

Support vendor evaluation and qualification processes in collaboration with procurement ensuring reliable suppliers and inventory quality.

Regularly interact with corporate planning scheduling and logistics teams to communicate inventory needs and manage production schedules ensuring timely deliveries.

Implement and manage processes to track and optimize inventory flow address gaps or imbalances and recommend corrective actions.

Monitor inventory movements and trends adjusting future inventory needs to align with both short- and long-term operational goals.

Drive continuous improvement in inventory planning by analyzing performance suggesting system enhancements and applying data-driven insights to optimize inventory management.

Set priorities and manage a team of inventory planning specialists ensuring they meet operational and business objectives while supporting team development.

Manage the process for sourcing and vendor evaluation ensuring reliable suppliers and quality inventory.

Prepare and manage the annual inventory planning budget ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with operational needs.

Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy stock turnover fill rates and days of inventory on hand.

Track KPIs for operational efficiency such as on-time delivery rates stockouts and excess inventory levels driving improvements in forecast accuracy and inventory turnover.

Identify opportunities for cost reduction in inventory-related expenses including fluctuations in raw material prices supplier performance and logistics costs.

Ensure inventory budget adherence regularly reviewing expenditures and adjusting for changes in demand or market conditions. Collaborate with finance teams to align inventory budgets with broader organizational financial goals.

Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure optimal inventory levels cost reductions and continuous improvement in supply chain performance.

Leverage advanced forecasting tools ERP systems and data analytics platforms to enhance inventory visibility optimize stock levels and support demand planning accuracy.

Identify and mitigate inventory risks such as supply chain disruptions or obsolescence ensuring business continuity with proactive strategies.

Work closely with cross-functional teams (sales procurement production) to align inventory levels with customer demand manufacturing schedules and service requirements.

Stay current with industry trends and best practices implementing innovative solutions to improve inventory efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Champion cross-functional inventory projects driving collaboration and leveraging data analytics to support decision-making and business strategies.

Ensure compliance with safety standards promoting a safe work environment for the inventory planning team and the broader organization.

Perform other duties as required to support inventory planning and operational efficiency.

Qualifications/Education Requirements

Education:

o Bachelors degree in Business Supply Chain Management Economics or a related field.

o APICS or similar certifications are a plus.

Experience:

o Minimum of 7 years of experience in demand or/and inventory planning management supply chain with at least 3 years experience in a leadership or supervisory role preferred

o Proven experience in managing inventory planning and optimizing supply chain operations within manufacturing or industrial environments.

o Experience with demand forecasting capacity planning and scenario analysis in multi-channel or complex environments.

o Hands-on experience with ERP systems and inventory management software.

o Demonstrated success in driving process improvements optimizing inventory flow and achieving measurable results in inventory accuracy stock turnover and cost reduction.

Skills and Competencies:

o Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and forecasting tools to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

o Excellent leadership and team management abilities with a proven track record of leading cross-functional teams driving accountability and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams influence business decisions and resolve conflicts.

o Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and thrive under tight deadlines demonstrating flexibility problem-solving and organizational skills.

o Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities with a focus on driving operational efficiency and minimizing supply chain disruptions.

Technical Proficiency:

o Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel very important PowerPoint) for data analysis reporting and presentations.

o Familiarity with inventory management and statistical inventory control principles.

o Experience using data analytics platforms and forecasting tools to optimize inventory management processes.

o Strong understanding of financial management metrics related to inventory and supply chain operations.

o Familiarity with best practices in inventory management with a focus on driving innovation and reducing operational costs.

Other:

o Self-motivated adaptable and able to quickly understand new concepts and processes.

o Ability to work in a fast-paced growth-oriented environment with a focus on innovation customer service and organizational excellence.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Normal office environment and occasional exposure to plant environment during the course of normal job duties.

Occasionally required to move about the facility

Occasional travel and On call required

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including eye and hearing protection hard hat and safety shoes while in shop environment or on job site.

Required Experience:

Manager