Manager, Inventory Management - CHEFSTORE; Hybrid: Onsite and Remote

The CHEF’STORE Inventory Manager leads a team of Inventory Management Analysts responsible for developing and executing procurement and inventory management strategies across the CHEF’STORE locations. This role ensures optimal product availability, minimizes waste and cost, and drives continuous improvement in forecasting, sourcing, and replenishment processes.

This role provides strategic direction, oversees inventory performance, and collaborates cross-functionally with Merchandising, Marketing, Store Operations, Finance, IT, and Vendors to align inventory strategies with business objectives. It is accountable for team performance, process optimization, and delivering fact-based recommendations that enhance category performance and operational efficiency.

Location:

Hybrid. Employees will work onsite in Rosemont, IL or West Linn, OR 3 days a week (Tuesday – Thursday) and virtually Monday and Friday.

• Oversee demand forecasting and inventory planning, ensuring accuracy by incorporating product movement, seasonality, and promotional activity.
• Optimize transportation costs through strategic order sizing, load consolidation, and delivery scheduling aligned with network capacity and routing constraints.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Inventory Management Analysts to achieve business and performance objectives.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and resolve service issues such as delays, shortages, and quality concerns.
• Partner with Merchandising, Store Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to align inventory plans with business needs and market dynamics.
• Collaborate with Transportation and Operations teams to improve freight efficiency, analyze logistics performance, and drive continuous cost and service improvements.
• Establish and execute replenishment strategies to ensure alignment with company objectives and initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs; analyze performance trends and deliver data‑driven recommendations.
• Set clear goals, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback, training, and career development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high‑performance team environment.
• Drive actions to optimize service levels while minimizing out‑of‑stocks, spoilage, and excess or aging inventory.
• Ensure accuracy of demand forecasts by guiding the team in adjusting parameters such as shelf life, lead time, order minimums, and safety stock.
• Monitor product movement, seasonality, promotional activity, and market trends to proactively adjust strategies.
• Lead process improvements, system adoption, and best practice implementation across CHEF’STORE.
• Oversee assortment analysis and provide recommendations to improve category performance.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

• Inventory Management Analysts

• Internal:
  Regular interaction with Merchandising, Marketing, Store Operations, Finance, IT, and Leadership.
• External:
  Direct engagement with vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

• Hybrid:
  This role is partially remote, and the associate is expected to perform assigned responsibilities from a combined home‑based and office‑based environment.
• Frequent use of computers and other communication tools.

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, demand planning, inventory management, logistics, supply chain, or other relevant experience required.
• 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience with forecasting and inventory management in perishable and/or food service categories.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and driving process improvements.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management.
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and decision‑making capability.
• Travel up to 20%, including overnight.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, or equivalent combination of…