Inventory Planner

Overview

Inventory Planner will be responsible for end to end product life cycle product management. This position will need to be a vocal leader in a team setting. This position’s number one objective is keeping product in stock in over 900 Leslie’s stores. This position will require a strong ability to forecast product sales and manage inventory levels to an Open to Buy plan.

The position will require clear vendor communication of pre-season planning expectations and in season inventory management. Job entails ordering both inbound into the Distribution Centers and flowing product to stores. Goal will be to maximize company sales and margin, whether it be reducing inventory on slow selling items or chasing down fast-moving inventory to stay in stock.

This position is not open to agency submissions.

This position is based at our corporate office in Phoenix, AZ, and follows a hybrid work schedule. Remote work is not available for this role. Candidates must reside within commuting distance, as relocation assistance is not provided. Additionally, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

• Purchase Order Management
• Place, maintain, and track purchase orders (POs) accurately.
• Ensure orders align with vendor lead times and allow sufficient time for fulfillment.
• Ensure all POs fit within the defined Open-to-Buy plan.
• Create new POs and manage PO splits as needed.
• Monitor sales performance to make informed decisions on PO pull-ins or push-outs.
• Follow up on all POs to ensure timely delivery.
• Manage backorder fulfillment and report on outstanding items.
• Inventory Control & Replenishment
• Forecast inventory needs and manage replenishment cycles.
• Handle forecast exceptions and adjust plans accordingly.
• Maintain proper replenishment parameters to avoid stockouts or overstock.
• Monitor order cycles and adjust as necessary for optimal inventory flow.
• Issue Resolution
• Handle discrepancy reports from distribution centers (DCs).
• Process Return to Vendor (RTV) transactions as needed.
• Resolve inventory discrepancies efficiently and accurately.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with vendors, distribution centers, and Category Directors.
• Monitor daily business performance to make accurate inventory investment decisions for the right stores and DCs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access). Experience with JDA, AS400, and Blue Yonder is a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize workload, proactively complete tasks, and maintain a strong eagerness to learn.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or a minimum of 1 year of experience in a retail environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access; experience with JDA or AS400 a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.

• Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, & vision plan options
• Health savings account (with enrollment in the high deductible health plan option)
• Health & dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid basic life insurance
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance
• Company-paid short-term disability and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match
• Paid sick and bereavement leave
• 10 paid holidays, including a floating personal day
• Employee assistance and wellness programs
• Free onsite health clinic
• Hybrid work schedule
• Product discounts at Leslie’s Retail stores

Leslie’s recognizes a critical component to our continued success is our people. Leslie’s is proud to have a culture of inclusion that seeks to celebrate and embrace the different backgrounds and perspectives that help drive our success and support team members in developing and growing with us. We aim to create a workplace where all team members feel welcomed and valued and inspire each other every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.