Inventory Manager

Overview

The Demand Planning Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of demand forecasting, inventory planning, and stock allocation. This role ensures that inventory levels are optimized across all sales channels, including retail and e-commerce. The manager works closely with cross-functional teams to align demand plans with business objectives and ensures the timely availability of products while minimizing stockouts and overstock situations.

• Demand Planning and Inventory Forecasting
• Leads the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting inventory data to create accurate demand forecasts.
• Collaborates with Sales, Marketing, and Finance teams to gather insights for improved demand planning accuracy.
• Implements strategies to optimize inventory levels and ensure stock is available at the right time.
• Monitors demand trends and adjust forecasts as needed to respond to market changes or customer preferences.
• Stock Allocation and Inventory Flow Management
• Manages the allocation of inventory across multiple sales channels (warehouses, stores, e-commerce platforms).
• Develops strategies for optimizing inventory flow and improving inventory turnover.
• Ensures the timely and efficient movement of stock to meet business demands and prevent stockouts or excess inventory.
• E-commerce and Online Platform Stock Allocation
• Analyzes demand data specifically for e-commerce channels and leads stock allocation planning for online platforms.
• Collaborates closely with relevant teams to ensure optimal inventory distribution.
• Monitors sales performance and adjusts inventory allocation plans as needed to meet demand and sales goals for online platforms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Communication
• Collaborates with Sales, Operations, Logistics, and Marketing teams to align demand planning and inventory strategies with business goals.
• Communicates inventory planning and stock allocation strategies to senior management and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment.
• Works with key departments to resolve any issues related to inventory allocation, demand changes, or stock availability.
• Team Leadership and Development
• Manages and guides the demand planning team, ensuring high performance and productivity.
• Sets clear team goals and provides regular feedback to ensure continuous improvement in planning and execution.
• Provides training, coaching, and mentoring to develop team members’ skills and foster a collaborative work culture.
• Encourages innovation and creative solutions within the demand planning team to improve processes.
• Process Improvement and Optimization
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements in demand planning, inventory management, and stock allocation.
• Implements tools and systems to automate and streamline demand forecasting and inventory management tasks.
• Continuously assesses and refines demand forecasting models to improve their accuracy and effectiveness.
• Reporting and Performance Metrics
• Develops and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the performance of demand planning and inventory management.
• Provides regular reports on demand forecast accuracy, inventory levels, stock allocation, and performance metrics to senior management.
• Uses data insights to recommend improvements and adjustments in inventory planning strategies.

• Performs other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Statistics or related field; Master's degree is an advantage
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in demand planning, inventory management, or a related field, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Strong forecasting, problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills
• Detail-oriented and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions
• Ability to lead through influence and communicate across a diverse group of stakeholders
• Familiar with a variety of manufacturing concepts, practices, procedures
• Physical and travel requirements: report to work daily as scheduled, must be willing to travel for field work as needed, may be required to work overtime.

Office-based – 80% normal duties; Field-based – 20%.