Planning Manager

About the Role

As a key member of the Merchant team, the Planning Manager will be expected to provide insights and recommendations to senior management, driving business growth and improvement. The role will involve working with both domestic and international merchandise manufacturer vendor bases, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of inventory management principles, experience in purchasing and supply chain management, and excellent problem-solving skills.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement inventory management strategies to achieve company metrics for instock rates and inventory turnover
• Analyze sales trends and forecast demand to ensure products are always in stock
• Lead the inventory planning process, from data analysis to strategy implementation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain and logistics
• Work with both domestic and international merchandise manufacturer vendor bases
• Provide insights and recommendations to senior management to drive business growth and improvement
• Utilize Excel to analyze data and develop forecasts
• Develop and maintain reports to track key performance indicators
• Identify areas for improvement and implement changes to optimize inventory management processes

What We Are Looking For

• 3+ years of experience in inventory management, purchasing, and supply chain management
• Strong Excel skills and high proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience in forecasting, planning, and replenishment systems
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work with both domestic and international merchandise manufacturer vendor bases
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business administration or supply chain management
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines

Nice to Have

• Experience with inventory management software, such as SAP or Oracle
• Certification in supply chain management, such as APICS or ISM
• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment
• Knowledge of data visualization tools, such as Tableau or Power BI

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work with a global company and contribute to business growth
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs

• To stand out in this role, make sure to highlight your experience with Excel and analytics, as well as your ability to work with cross-functional teams.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of your inventory management experience, including successes and challenges you've faced.
• Consider creating a portfolio or sample reports to demonstrate your data analysis and forecasting skills.
• When negotiating salary, be sure to research industry standards and be prepared to discuss your expectations.
• Look for red flags such as lack of communication or unclear expectations from the company, and be prepared to ask questions during the interview process.
• Practice your problem-solving skills by reviewing case studies or completing online assessments, to demonstrate your expertise in inventory management and analytics.