We are seeking a results-driven Senior Manager of Demand and Inventory Planning to lead end-to-end forecasting, demand planning, replenishment, and inventory optimization across our retail network of 1,100+ stores. This role is critical in aligning inventory strategies with customer demand and financial goals to improve product availability, reduce risk, and maximize GMROI and profitability.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong analytical capabilities, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of retail inventory management. You'll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and supplier partners to ensure optimal inventory health at the SKU-location level, while leading a high-performing, data-driven planning team.

 

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Lead the organization’s demand planning process across all product categories.
• Facilitate monthly forecast collaboration sessions with key suppliers and distributors to ensure supply chain alignment.
• Develop and maintain statistical forecasting models that incorporate trends, promotions, seasonality, and product lifecycle.
• Track and improve forecast accuracy through ongoing performance analysis and root cause corrections.
• Partner with Finance to ensure alignment between demand forecasts and sales/financial targets.
• Deliver rolling 12-month purchase and inventory forecasts to internal teams and supplier partners.

Inventory Planning & Optimization

• Develop inventory strategies to achieve targeted service levels, inventory turnover, and profitability.
• Manage item-level replenishment and safety stock parameters; dynamically adjust based on performance and risk.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to excess, obsolete, or misallocated inventory.
• Drive initiatives for inventory rebalancing, returns, and repositioning to improve efficiency and reduce carrying costs.

Analytics & Reporting

• Build and manage dashboards and KPI reports to track forecast accuracy, inventory health, supplier performance, and in-stock rates.
• Provide data-driven insights to inform decision-making at all levels of the organization.
• Ensure supplier and distributor reporting is timely and accurate; collaborate on strategies to mitigate supply risk.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as the strategic link between merchandising, supply chain, finance, and store operations.
• Support and lead Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to align business priorities.
• Work closely with Category Managers and internal stakeholders to support product lifecycle planning and promotional readiness.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of Purchasing and Replenishment Specialists across both onshore and offshore locations.
• Drive a high-performance culture centered on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development support to team members.

 

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, or a related field required; MBA or APICS certification preferred.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in demand planning, inventory management, or supply chain analytics, ideally in a retail or wholesale environment.

Skills & Knowledge

• Proficient with forecasting and ERP systems; experience with statistical modeling preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools for data visualization and analysis.
• Proven ability to drive improvements in service levels, inventory efficiency, and planning accuracy.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing both local and remote/offshore teams effectively.
• Ability to create compelling, data-backed business cases and present to senior leadership.

Posted On: Wednesday, August 6, 2025