Inventory Planning Manager
3 days ago
Newark
Title: Inventory Planning Manager Schedule/Location: Remote position with approximately 20 percent annual travel. The first 30 days will require 80 percent onsite presence at the corporate headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Candidates must currently be employed, or have been employed in their most recent role, by a company located in New York, New Jersey, or California. Compensation: $120,000 to $140,000 annually Position Overview We are seeking a highly skilled and forward-thinking Inventory Planner Manager to lead the strategic planning and execution of our supply chain and import operations. This role is critical in driving inventory optimization, cost reduction, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the organization. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in consumer product supply chains, exceptional analytical capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex global vendor and warehouse networks. This position will directly influence the company’s inventory strategy, ensuring product availability at targeted levels while minimizing waste, excess, and operational costs. Responsibilities • Develop and execute advanced inventory strategies to maintain optimal stock levels, targeting a consistent three-month supply across all product categories while minimizing backorders, overstock, and obsolescence., • Implement forecasting methodologies and data-driven models to identify inventory risks, demand fluctuations, and replenishment needs proactively., • Lead cost-saving initiatives across global import channels including container freight, ocean/sea freight, shipping, trucking, customs, and warehousing operations., • Evaluate and negotiate alternative sourcing options across international factories to secure best-in-market pricing, optimized lead times, and improved landed-cost performance., • Identify systemic inefficiencies within the supply chain and guide cross-functional teams toward measurable, sustainable operational improvements., • Oversee end-to-end product flow from overseas suppliers to domestic and international warehouse locations, ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective logistics execution aligned with service-level and regulatory requirements., • Manage import operations including customs documentation, tariff processes, HTS classifications, lead-time management, and supply continuity planning., • Coordinate and harmonize operational processes across four geographically distributed warehouses by establishing standardized procedures, KPIs, and performance metrics to elevate accuracy, throughput, and distribution reliability., • Maintain and strengthen relationships with approximately eighty international vendors through ongoing communication, strategic negotiations, performance evaluations, and quality oversight to ensure reliability and consistency across supply lanes., • Assess current inventory systems and evaluate new supply chain technologies, including SAP module enhancements or alternative platforms, to improve visibility, accuracy, automation, and decision-making capabilities., • Drive companywide adoption of improved workflows, best practices, and standardized operating procedures related to inventory planning, replenishment, and global supply chain management. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, Logistics, or a related field., • 8+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, supply chain management, or import operations within a consumer products organization., • Direct experience managing a high-volume product portfolio of at least 1,000 SKUs, specifically within an import-driven business model., • Demonstrated expertise in international importing, including management of overseas vendor relationships, repeat ordering cycles, landed-cost modeling, and full replenishment planning for consumer goods., • Proven success in reducing inventory levels while maintaining high product availability and minimizing backorders., • Hands-on experience working with warehousing operations in NY, NJ, or CA, particularly within space-constrained, high-cost distribution environments., • Required ocean and sea freight experience, including container booking, coordination with freight forwarders, communication with port officials, and management of demurrage, detention, and overall port logistics., • Strong operational understanding of customs processes, tariff classifications, HTS codes, import compliance, and global transit documentation., • High proficiency with inventory management platforms and supply chain systems; experience optimizing SAP inventory or MRP modules is strongly preferred., • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams through process changes, system upgrades, and organization-wide supply chain improvements., • Advanced analytical, forecasting, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets, drive accuracy in demand planning, and identify cost-saving opportunities., • Exceptional communication, vendor negotiation, and relationship management skills, with experience overseeing large global supplier networks. Benefits • Medical Insurance, • Dental Insurance, • Vision Insurance, • Paid Time Off (PTO)
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