Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager in Manufacturing

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager within  Manufacturing is responsible for developing and translating operational and inventory data into forward-looking insights that support business performance. This role will support analysis and reconciliation of forecasts across demand, supply, and inventory, connecting business strategy, execution, and financial outcomes.

This position plays a critical role in identifying drivers of performance, diagnosing root causes of variances, and delivering clear, data-driven recommendations to support decision-making. The role operates in a cross-functional environment and influences outcomes through analysis, insight, and collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Forecasting & Analysis

• Partner with plant and planning teams to support and improve operational and inventory forecasting processes
• Analyze and reconcile forecast inputs across demand, supply, and execution to identify gaps, misalignment, and improvement opportunities
• Evaluate forecast accuracy and performance, identifying root causes of variation and systemic drivers
• Assess forecast assumptions, risks, and confidence levels, and clearly communicate implications to stakeholders

Data Analysis & Business Insight

• Analyze large and complex datasets to evaluate operational and inventory performance
• Identify root causes of inventory imbalances, service issues, and execution gaps
• Reconcile inconsistencies across systems, plans, and data sources

Decision Support & Recommendations

• Translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations with defined risks and tradeoffs
• Proactively identify and communicate performance risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities
• Support leadership decision-making by connecting operational performance to financial outcomes

Inventory Performance Management

• Monitor key inventory metrics, including days inventory on hand (DIO), excess and obsolete inventory, and supply-demand alignment
• Explain drivers of inventory performance across sites, product segments, and planning assumptions
• Support inventory optimization initiatives and track results of corrective actions

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with demand planning, supply planning, materials, procurement, operations, and finance teams
• Facilitate alignment across functions by providing a consistent, fact-based view of performance
• Support coordination and follow-through of planning and inventory-related initiatives

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED 

• 7+ years of experience in forecasting, inventory management, supply chain analytics, or related disciplines
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large, complex datasets
• Demonstrated ability to translate data into insights and actionable recommendations
• Experience operating in fast-paced environments with evolving or incomplete information
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with ERP or planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field
• Experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, or inventory planning
• Experience reconciling data across multiple systems (forecasting, financial planning, and operational systems)
• Understanding of the relationship between sales, margin, supply chain, and inventory performance
• Experience with reporting and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI or similar)

COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments
• Sound judgment and ability to make recommendations based on incomplete information
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and data integrity
• Ability to collaborate and influence across cross-functional teams

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a cross-functional, matrixed environment and requires collaboration across multiple business functions and levels of the organization.

Travel Requirements: 
Up to 25%

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent & Open Communication

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected]. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.