Manager, Inventory Planning

Overview

At Crocs, we believe everyone should be comfortable in their own shoes. As a global leader in innovative casual footwear, we rely on a high-performing distribution network to ensure our products are positioned and delivered with speed and efficiency.

Inventory Flow & Velocity

• Manage inventory flow across the distribution center to ensure product availability, efficient movement, and healthy inventory turns.
• Identify and resolve slow-moving, excess, and aging inventory to maximize throughput and space utilization.
• Align inventory positioning with demand, replenishment, and fulfillment requirements.

Automation & Inventory Positioning

• Optimize inventory placement within Auto Store and other automated systems to maximize throughput, storage density, and picking efficiency.
• Ensure inventory is available in automation when needed based on forecasted demand.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Technology teams to improve system performance and scalability.

SKU & Inventory Optimization

• Collaborate with Planning, Allocations, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to manage SKU complexity and inventory productivity.
• Support new product introductions, transitions, rationalization efforts, and SKU lifecycle management.
• Balance assortment needs with distribution center capacity and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planning and Allocations to align inventory strategies with demand forecasts and replenishment plans.
• Support product launches, seasonal events, and inventory transitions with Commercial and Operations partners.
• Drive inventory decisions that improve service levels, inventory availability, and overall network performance.

Analytics & Performance Management

• Monitor and report on key KPIs including inventory turns, SKU productivity, aging inventory, fill rate, OTIF, and inventory accuracy.
• Analyze inventory data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop actionable recommendations to improve inventory flow and operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain standards for inventory flow, placement, and system utilization.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to inventory disruptions and fulfillment issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Leadership

• Champion inventory optimization strategies that support growth, service, and scalability.
• Influence stakeholders through data-driven decision making and collaborative problem solving.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in inventory management, automation, and distribution center operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience in distribution center operations, inventory planning, inventory control, or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience managing inventory flow, replenishment, and inventory optimization in a distribution or fulfillment environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms, with experience in Manhattan and SAP preferred.
• Experience working with warehouse automation technologies, including Auto Store or similar automated storage and retrieval systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable business decisions.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, including Operations, Planning, Allocations, Commercial, Engineering, and Technology.
• Proficient in inventory performance analysis, KPI management, and reporting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, process discipline, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume, omnichannel, or highly automated distribution center environments.
• Background…