Inventory Optimization Leader

Inventory Optimization & Planning Manager Position Summary

The Inventory Optimization & Planning Manager owns end-to-end inventory strategy for raw materials and finished goods across our manufacturing and distribution network. This role drives working capital performance while protecting service levels through disciplined planning, demand model refinement, and cross‑functional execution. The individual will serve as the supply‑chain lead for inventory optimization initiatives and play a critical role in the monthly SIOP process, ensuring inventory strategy is integrated with demand, supply, and financial plans.

This is a high‑impact role for a data‑driven leader who can translate analytics into operational results.

• Own finished goods inventory targets, policies, and planning parameters
• Establish and maintain safety stock, reorder points, lead times, and replenishment rules
• Balance working capital objectives with service‑level performance
• Identify and reduce excess, obsolete, and slow‑moving inventory
• Optimize network inventory positioning across plants and distribution centers

• Partner with Sales, Operations, and Finance to strengthen demand planning assumptions
• Refine and improve planning parameters
• Analyze forecast accuracy and demand volatility by product family and location relative to supply capacity
• Serve as a key contributor in the monthly SIOP process, ensuring inventory strategy supports volume, margin, and service objectives
• Provide scenario modeling and risk analysis to support SIOP decisions

• Lead cross‑functional supply chain projects with defined scope, timeline, and measurable financial impact
• Drive initiatives such as working capital reduction, SKU rationalization, safety stock recalibration, and ERP parameter governance
• Conduct root‑cause analysis for stockouts, overstocks, and supply disruptions
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to track inventory turns, days on hand, forecast accuracy, and service performance

• Inventory Turns and Days on Hand
• Working Capital Reduction Initiatives
• Forecast Accuracy Improvement
• Service Level / Fill Rate Performance
• Inventory Parameter Governance

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Analytics, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, demand planning, or supply chain analytics within a manufacturing environment
• Proven success improving inventory turns and forecast accuracy
• Strong ERP/MRP experience and advanced Excel capability
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives

• CPIM or CSCP certification
• Experience supporting a formal SIOP process
• Multi‑plant or network planning experience
• Advanced analytics capability including SQL, Python, or forecasting tools