Inventory Planning Manager

Opening our doors in 1947, we are a third-generation, family-owned and operated direct importer, converter, and full-service distributor. We value the connections made over the bond people share through food, whether they are internal or external. For more information about who we are, please visit Peterson Company (petersoncheese.com). Manager of Inventory Planning Opening our doors in 1947, we are a third-generation, family-owned and operated direct importer, converter, and full-service distributor. We value the connections made over the bond people share through food, whether they are internal or external. For more information about who we are, please visit Peterson Company (petersoncheese.com). Position Summary The Manager of Inventory Planning sits at the operational center of Peterson's inventory planning function, bridging day-to-day planning execution with the strategic direction set by the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. This role directly manages the Inventory Planner team, translating enterprise inventory strategy, financial targets, and category priorities into structured planning workflows, performance standards, and actionable team guidance. The Manager of Inventory Planning is responsible for inventory planning execution, team development, process integrity, and the accuracy and timeliness of inventory data used across the organization. This position serves as a key partner to Category Management, Supplier Management, Operations, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure inventory investments support customer service goals, financial targets, and operational requirements. Key Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop a team of Inventory Planners, fostering a high-performance culture centered on accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Translate inventory strategy, financial objectives, and business priorities into actionable planning initiatives and team workplans. Oversee inventory planning activities, including demand forecasting, replenishment planning, MSC tracking, inventory health monitoring, and risk management across multiple categories and locations. Establish and maintain planning standards, operating procedures, KPIs, reporting cadences, and best practices that drive consistency and accuracy. Monitor inventory performance metrics including forecast accuracy, fill rate, inventory turns, weeks of supply, and aging inventory, implementing corrective actions when performance falls below expectations. Serve as the primary escalation point for inventory planning challenges, including supply disruptions, demand fluctuations, inventory risks, and cross-functional issues. Partner with Category Management, Supplier Management, Operations, and Finance to support new product launches, promotional planning, seasonal inventory strategies, and inventory optimization initiatives. Consolidate and communicate inventory performance, risks, trends, and recommendations through routine business reviews and management reporting. Lead the inventory planning team's contribution to budgeting, forecasting, and inventory investment planning processes. Drive process improvements and system enhancements that improve planning accuracy, reporting quality, inventory visibility, and operational efficiency. Maintain inventory planning documentation, standard operating procedures, and ERP system utilization standards that support team effectiveness and scalability. Represent the inventory planning function in cross-functional meetings and strategic discussions to ensure inventory decisions align with operational, financial, and customer service objectives. Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field. Five (5) or more years of experience in inventory planning, demand planning, supply chain planning, or related disciplines, including at least three (3) years in a leadership, supervisory, or management role. Strong understanding of inventory management principles, including demand forecasting, replenishment planning, safety stock management, inventory optimization, and aging inventory control. Proven ability to lead planning teams, establish performance expectations, and translate strategic objectives into actionable plans. Experience working with ERP platforms such as NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics, with the ability to analyze and leverage system data to drive planning decisions. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including forecasting models, inventory analysis, KPI dashboards, and reporting tools. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities with a data-driven approach. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across Supply Chain, Operations, Category Management, Finance, and other business functions. Demonstrated success coaching, developing, and improving planner or analyst performance. Preferred Qualifications Experience in food distribution, specialty foods, consumer goods, or other multi-category, multi-location distribution environments. Knowledge of perishable inventory management, shelf-life management, and inventory risk mitigation strategies. Experience managing Minimum Stock Coverage (MSC) programs or similar inventory planning methodologies across large SKU portfolios. Familiarity with forecasting, planning, and replenishment automation tools beyond standard ERP functionality. Experience supporting import supply chains, including long lead times, in-transit inventory management, and supplier performance considerations. Knowledge of cheese, charcuterie, specialty foods, or premium food products is preferred. What We Bring Compensation In accordance with Washington State law, the anticipated annual salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 , with final compensation determined based on skills, experience, and qualifications. Benefits Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage : Comprehensive insurance plans available for eligible employees and their dependents. Life Insurance : Peterson Company provides a $25,000 employer-paid basic life insurance policy, with voluntary supplemental coverage options available. 401(k) Retirement Plan : Employees are eligible to participate after 30 days of employment. Peterson Company currently matches approximately $0.30 per dollar contributed, up to 6% of eligible earnings. Access to dedicated financial planning resources is also available. Equal Opportunity Employer Peterson Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Peterson Cheese Company