Director, Inventory Management – Planning

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Lead the strategic design, ongoing enhancement, and operational execution of the Inventory Management department.

• Supervise Demand and Supply Planning teams while acting as the functional product owner for planning systems, algorithms, heuristics, and data architectures.

• Direct the strategic roadmap for Demand and Supply Planning initiatives.

• Inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing planning teams.

• Collaborate with IT, Data Engineering, and software vendors to design, test, implement, and optimize automated planning tools, integrations, and predictive algorithms.

• Create and enhance statistical forecasting models, dynamic safety stock calculations, lead-time variability models, and automated replenishment logic.

• Drive the data architecture and quantitative inputs for Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP).

• Set up dashboards to monitor forecast accuracy, bias, inventory turns, On Time In Full (OTIF), and risks related to excess and obsolete inventory.

• Audit and refine planning parameters such as reorder points, service levels, lead times, and minimum order quantities.

• Collaborate with Merchandising, Marketing, Operations, and Finance on inventory targets, assortment planning, product launches, promotions, and seasonal events.

• Facilitate demand projections and collaborative planning with suppliers.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning, data-driven decision-making, and technical capability development.

• Set goals, provide performance coaching, and outline career growth paths for team members.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in Supply Chain, Demand & Supply Planning, or Inventory Management.

• At least 5 years in a leadership or management position.

• Proven track record of spearheading technical, system-driven supply chain initiatives.

• E-commerce/retail experience is preferred, particularly in merchandising/planning and VMS/Health and Wellness sectors.

• A Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field is required.

• A Master’s degree (MS/MBA) or APICS/CPIM/CSCP certification is advantageous.

• Extensive knowledge of enterprise supply chain software, planning algorithms, statistical forecasting methodologies, and Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO).

• Demonstrated ability to lead complex software implementations, upgrades, data migrations, or integration projects.

• Skills in querying large datasets, constructing advanced quantitative models, and translating technical analytics into strategic insights.

• Experience with ERP and APS tools such as SAP IBP, Oracle SCM, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, o9 Solutions, or similar platforms.

• Proficiency in Tableau, Power BI, or Looker, along with functional knowledge of SQL.

• Expertise in advanced Excel/Google Sheets modeling.

• Familiarity with statistical modeling tools, Python, or R is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in project management platforms like Asana or Jira and cloud productivity suites such as Google Workspace or MS Office.

• Outstanding executive communication, change management, and cross-functional influence capabilities.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote home office flexibility.

• Occasional travel may be necessary.

• Defined career growth paths for team members.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development through talent development initiatives.

• Commitment to equal employment opportunities.