Role Summary
The Director of Inventory Supply is responsible for ensuring WORLDPAC distribution centers are consistently stocked with the right inventory to support branch availability while optimizing working capital and inventory turns. This role partners closely with purchasing and sales to own DC‑level inventory planning and forecasting, branch-DC network alignment, safety stock, and inter‑DC balancing. The Director partners closely with Procurement, Category Management, Sales, and Operations to align supply strategy by vendor and product category and to support new launches, network transformations, and growth initiatives.
This role is a critical leader in balancing service, cost, and cash across WORLDPAC’s distribution network.
Key Responsibilities
DC Inventory Strategy & Supply Planning
- Own end‑to‑end inventory supply planning for all distribution centers to maintain targeted in‑stock levels and weeks of supply on hand.
- Define and manage DC safety stock policies by vendor, category, and velocity.
- Develop and execute DC stocking strategies, including network optimization across regions (e.g., Northeast / West Coast alignment).
- Plan, forecast, and recommend PO order quantities and timing for new product launches, network expansions, DC seeding, and transformations.
- Make sure products, vendors, and DC location system parameters, setups are appropriate and trigger correct system actions
Supplier & Procurement Alignment
- Align inventory plans and forecasts by vendor and product category in close partnership with Procurement.
- Partner and support the Procurement team to drive Supplier-PO management, recommend PO quantities and release timing, assist buyers with MOQ calculations, order placement frequency, and vendor lead‑time adherence.
- Manage case pack and unit‑of‑measure strategy from Supplier to DC and DC to Branch to support DC productivity and efficient flow to branches.
Inventory Flow & Network Balancing
- Own Branch allocation timing, DC caps, DC picking frequency, and controlling the constrained supply allocation and prioritization logic and balancing.
- Direct and own the network design in order to streamline and minimize DC‑to‑DC transfers, cross‑dock activity, and inventory rebalancing to minimize excess and shortages.
- Manage excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory at the DC level in partnership with vendors and category teams.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team of inventory planners.
- Establish standard processes, planning cadences, and performance expectations.
- Drive adoption of planning tools, analytics, and continuous improvement practices.
- Establish optimal Planner spans (target 75–100 vendors per planner) and scale the team accordingly.
Performance Management
- Own and report on DC inventory KPIs, including:
- DC In‑Stock %, Fill rates
- DC Inventory Turns, DIO
- DC Transfer Dollars, measured through handling and transportation
- Reverse replenishment and E&O volume and performance
- Indirect DC Productivity Pick UPH (Units Per Hour)
- Translate performance insights into corrective actions and strategic improvements.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply planning, or supply chain leadership
- 5+ years leading teams in a multi‑node distribution or wholesale environment
- Deep expertise in DC inventory planning, forecasting, allocation/replenishment, supplier management, and working capital optimization
- Strong vendor and cross‑functional collaboration experience
- Advanced analytical and planning skills; experience with inventory optimization tools preferred
- Automotive aftermarket, wholesale distribution, or multi‑site retail experience strongly preferred