Inventory Planner APPLY NOW

Job Summary:

The Inventory Planner is a critical role responsible for the strategic analysis, planning, and optimization of the company's inventory management processes. This position will proactively monitor inventory levels, analyse movement patterns, develop forecasting models based on sales data and market trends, and propose data-driven recommendations to ensure optimal inventory levels, minimize waste, and maximize efficiency across the supply chain. The Inventory Planner will play a key role in both post-sales analysis and pre-sales forecasting, contributing directly to improved profitability and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Analysis and Monitoring

• Continuously monitor and analyse all inventory movements, including receipts, shipments, adjustments, and returns, to identify trends, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.

Demand Forecasting

• Develop and maintain robust forecasting models utilizing historical sales data, market trends, seasonality, promotional activities, and other relevant factors to predict future inventory needs.

Inventory Planning and Optimization

• Based on demand forecasts and inventory analysis, develop and implement optimal inventory stocking levels, safety stock targets, and replenishment strategies to meet customer demand while minimizing holding costs and the risk of obsolescence.

Proactive Inventory Management

• Identify potential inventory issues proactively, such as slow-moving items, potential stockouts, or excess inventory, and develop and implement corrective actions.

Reporting and Insights

• Generate regular and ad-hoc reports on inventory performance, including key metrics such as inventory turnover, fill rates, carrying costs, and obsolescence. Communicate findings and provide actionable insights to relevant stakeholders.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with retail, marketing, production, and operation teams to gather relevant information, align inventory plans with sales forecasts and operational capabilities, and ensure effective communication regarding inventory status and plans.

Process Improvement

• Identify and recommend improvements to inventory management processes, policies, and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and control.

System Utilization

• Effectively utilize and maintain inventory management systems and tools to ensure data accuracy and generate meaningful reports and analyses.

Market Trend Analysis

• Stay informed about relevant market trends, competitor activities, and economic factors that may impact demand and inventory requirements.

Performance Measurement

• Track and measure the effectiveness of inventory management strategies and initiatives, and make adjustments as needed to achieve targets

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Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field

• 2-3 years of experience in inventory planning or related field

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Proficiency in inventory management software and Microsoft Excel

• Experience working with suppliers and supply chain partners