Inventory Planner

Manages order management operations and works with suppliers, retail and other stakeholders to ensure inventory levels are maintained, products arrive as scheduled and stores are fully stocked at all times. Works closely with category management, distribution and transportation partners to ensure operations function effectively and efficiently. Engages with vendors and suppliers to identify and resolve emerging and anticipated ordering and delivery issues.

Key job responsibilities

• Monitors inventory levels and forecasted needs for broad areas / regions.
• Leverages relationships with internal stakeholders, including category management, store operations, logistics, etc., to ensure mutual understanding and commitment to order management provisions and operations.
• Monitors overall order management operations to identify areas of concern and develop and recommend resolution strategies.
• Works with vendor partners to clarify performance expectations, identify potential issues and develop effective resolution strategies.
• Develops, recommends and implements order management continuous improvement systems and processes.

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of order management, merchandising and retail operations.
• Advanced understanding of market conditions and supplier-specific logistics and product issues.
• Leads efforts to establish and implement new or enhanced order management practices that meet company and customer expectations, ensure quality and maximize savings and efficiencies.
• Able to identify areas for continuous process and system improvement.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal communication skills and levels of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Communicates effectively with all types of audiences, internally and externally.
• Able to diplomatically resolve sensitive or controversial suppler / producer issues without damaging relationships.
• Applies analytical skills to evaluate and interpret multi-faceted and complex order management, purchasing, procurement, contract, delivery, quality, pricing and other issues.
• Integrates trends, data and information into forecasts, pans, models and recommendations.
• Possesses clear understanding of WFM's and supported region / stores business objectives, competitive strengths and opportunities.
• Understands customer, market and industry trends and emerging challenges.
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of the WFM product mix, supply base and retail operations.
• Able to play a key and influential role working with others, in groups, in cross-functional settings and with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
• Models WFM principles and core values.
• Models commitment to customer service.