Planner – Inventory Planning

Overview:

The Planner, Inventory Planning supports the global finished goods inventory planning cycle for assigned categories. The role executes planning activities across new product readiness, finished goods purchasing support, allocation follow-up, reporting, and cross-functional communication. The Planner is accountable for accurate analysis, timely execution, and issue escalation that enables the business to place the right product in the right Zone at the right time while maintaining healthy inventory productivity.

Key Accountabilities:

Portfolio Planning and Purchasing Support

• Maintain planning inputs for assigned products, including sales forecasts, inventory policies, receipt assumptions, open orders, and availability risks.
• Support target inventory recommendations at global and zonal level using agreed planning rules, productivity objectives, and business priorities.
• Create and maintain purchase order recommendations with Supply teams; track receipt timing and escalate delays or data gaps.
• Project inventory landing for the assigned scope over a rolling 12-18 month horizon.

Inventory Allocation and Zone Execution

• Prepare and validate allocation recommendations to Zones based on sales, safety stock targets, launch priorities, and availability constraints.

• Monitor Zone inventory positions, exceptions, and service risks; summarize proposed actions for manager review.
• Partner with regional Supply Chain teams on operational allocation questions and issue resolution.
• Coordinate with Distribution and Logistics partners to support smooth inventory flow for priority categories.

New Product and Lifecycle Support

• Support weekly tracking for new and upcoming launches in assigned categories.
• Partner with Industrial, Supply, Merchandising, and regional teams to monitor receipt readiness, launch allocation, availability, and early sell-through.
• Maintain launch reporting and identify operational risks that require decision-making or cross-functional escalation.

Reporting, Data Quality and Continuous Improvement

• Create recurring reporting and ad hoc analysis to support purchasing, allocation, and inventory decisions.
• Validate core data inputs and highlight inconsistencies, missing information, or process gaps.
• Contribute to simplification of reports, documentation of planning rules, and adoption of planning tools.

Required Qualifications:

• 0-3 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply planning, or a closely related analytical role
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data structuring, analysis, and reporting), Power BI, and planning tools
• College degree and/or equivalent business experience
• Curiosity for data quality, process improvement, and documentation for planning standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a multi-category, multi-channel, or multi-region retail environment
• Experience with Anaplan or other planning/reporting tools
• Curious and adaptable to emerging technologies, including AI-driven tools, to enhance planning effectiveness and business insights

The hiring range for this position ranges from $94,000-$110,000. The rate of pay offered will be dependent upon candidates’ relevant skills and experience.