Inventory Manager

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.

Duties:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.

Other Duties:
- Performs other related duties as may be assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- 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 diverse group of stakeholders
- Familiar with a variety of the manufacturing concepts, practices, procedures
- The incumbent is expected to report for work daily according to the schedule set by the employer, must be physically and mentally fit to perform the assigned tasks, must be willing to travel to do field work depending on the needs and occasion, may be requested to work overtime.

Office-based – 800% normal duties
Field-based – 20%