Inventory Planning Manager

Role Summary

Leads a team of inventory planners to ensure an appropriate inventory investment at each of Subaru of America's (SOA's) Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs) while practicing effective supply chain management strategies. Maintains responsibility for forecasting, procuring, and distributing service parts to support domestic sales, export operations, customer service, and profitability goals. Collaborates, innovates, and works extensively with internal and external stakeholders including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.

(SIA), Subaru Corporation (S ), Subaru of America (SOA), and suppliers to maintain a lean, efficient, and optimal supply chain.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads a team of up to four (4) Inventory Planners to maintain a healthy, sufficient, and lean supply of parts in the network. Ensures that the team is performing effective analysis, design, and implementation of customer-focused demand and targeted supply strategies, with the goal of growing revenue and supporting customer service while managing costs responsibly.
• Collaborates with stakeholders, including but not limited to Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), Subaru Corporation (S ), the Regional Distribution Center (RDC) network, and Parts Logistics to implement an effective supply chain while responding to issues including, but not limited to, data integrity, supply disruptions, or transportation shortages to resolve critical inventory shortfalls and customer issues.
• Coaches direct reports for skill building, career development, and personal growth.
• Reviews and maintains inventory forecasts for defined parts group by using planning/forecasting software and analytical review procedures. Provides these forecasts, as needed, to suppliers. Benchmarks historical forecasts to actual parts demand to determine forecast accuracy.
• Performs vendor management to enable smooth functioning of supply chain variables across Subaru of America (SOA) network. Processes and approves purchase orders to vendors and follows up to ensure timely receipt of product. Conducts meetings with suppliers, as required, to resolve any supply chain issues.
• Documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflows for key processes to support cross-training, reference, and knowledge transfer and retention.
• Designs and distributes key operational reports to management to convey operational status and facilitate critical decision making.

Additional Responsibilities

• Questions the status quo and continuously innovates our parts procurement operations to gain efficiencies in terms of pricing, supply, packaging, procurement, distribution, allocation, and information management.

Required Skills & Personal Qualifications

• Excellent project and vendor management skills.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and parts planning system experience – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Kinaxis, Oracle, Blue Yonder, Xelus or similar.
• Automotive industry experience (particularly in Parts, Warranty, or Service) preferred
• Hands-on enterprise resource planning (ERP) system experience preferred
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) Certification, Upon Hire Preferred or APICS Certified in Supply Chain Certification (CSCP) Certification, Upon Hire Preferred

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in supply chain planning or relevant subject area required or H.S. Diploma and equivalent experience in lieu of degree required. Master's Degree Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferred. At least 6-8 years of forecasting, planning, procurement, and distribution experience required and 4-6 years of direct/hands-on experience with planning/forecasting systems required.

Work Environment

• Office Location: Camden, NJ apart of the Greater Philadelphia Area (Philly)

• Hybrid Role: Hybrid Role - Remote work 2 days per week (after 90 days) [Wednesdays & Fridays]

• Required Travel: 20%

Compensation: The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $94000 - $125000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Additionally, this role is bonus-eligible, with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance.(Internal Job Grade: M1)

Why Join Us? In addition to competitive salary and an incomparable company culture, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes:

Total Rewards & Benefits:

- Medical, Dental, Vision Plans

- Pension, Profit Sharing, and 401K Match Offerings

- 15 Vacation days, 5 Floating Holidays, 5 Sick days, and 9 Company Holidays

- Tuition Reimbursement Program: $15,000 yearly benefit

- Vehicle Discount Programs

Learning & Development:

- Professional growth and development opportunities

- Direct partnership with senior leadership

- Formal Mentorship Program

- Linked In Learning License

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