Inventory Planning Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Inventory Planning Manager⭐

SmartHire is looking for an Inventory Planning Manager to join a client in the Auburn WA area. This is a full time, direct hire and fully onsite role. Ideal candidate will have 4+ years of recent inventory planning experience, 2+ years of management experience within manufacturing – preferably food. Strong ERP and negotiating experience is needed.

Inventory Planning Manager

Location : Auburn WA

Salary: $85k-$105k + benefits + bonus eligible

Schedule: M-F – flex start time after 6am – after 90 days 1 day WFH

Position Summary

The Inventory Planning Manager leads the inventory planning function by overseeing a team responsible for forecasting demand, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring product availability. This role bridges strategic inventory objectives with daily planning activities by translating business goals into actionable plans, standardized processes, and measurable performance expectations. The Inventory Planning Manager is responsible for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of inventory planning activities while partnering closely with Finance, Operations, Procurement, Sales, and other business functions to support organizational goals, improve inventory performance, and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

·Lead, coach, and develop a team of Inventory Planners through performance management, mentoring, and ongoing training.

·Establish clear expectations, performance metrics, and development plans for team members.

·Foster a collaborative, data-driven culture focused on accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

·Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and performance reviews.

·Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of new team members.

Inventory Planning & Forecasting

·Oversee inventory planning activities, including demand forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory health monitoring.

·Ensure inventory plans align with business objectives, customer demand, and financial targets.

·Monitor inventory performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency and service levels.

·Manage inventory risks, including excess, obsolete, slow-moving, or aging inventory.

·Serve as the primary escalation point for complex inventory planning issues.

Inventory Strategy & Execution

·Translate business objectives into effective inventory planning strategies and team priorities.

·Coordinate planning for seasonal demand, promotions, product launches, and changing business needs.

·Balance inventory investment with customer service objectives while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.

·Drive improvements in forecast accuracy through analysis and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Reporting & Analysis

·Prepare inventory performance reports and KPI dashboards for leadership.

·Analyze inventory trends, forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and other operational metrics.

·Provide recommendations that support inventory optimization and business performance.

·Support budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes with inventory insights.

Systems & Process Improvement

·Ensure effective use of ERP and inventory planning systems.

·Develop and maintain standardized inventory planning procedures and documentation.

·Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reporting, automation, and system functionality.

·Partner with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and system enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

·Partner with Procurement, Operations, Finance, Sales, and other departments to align inventory strategies with business needs.

·Support new product introductions, inventory transitions, and supply planning initiatives.

·Communicate inventory risks, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership and business partners.

·Build strong working relationships across departments to improve planning effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required

·Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

·4+ years of inventory planning, demand planning, or supply chain experience.

·2+ years of leadership or management experience.

·Strong knowledge of forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory analytics.

·Experience using ERP systems and inventory planning software.

·Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

·Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

·Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

·APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM or CSCP).

·Experience in multi-site operations.

·Experience implementing process improvements or inventory planning initiatives.

·Familiarity with forecasting and business intelligence tools.

Core Competencies

·Inventory Planning & Optimization

·Demand Forecasting

·Leadership & Team Development

·Data Analysis & Reporting

·ERP & Inventory Systems

·Process Improvement

·Strategic Planning

·Cross-Functional Collaboration

·Problem Solving & Decision Making

·Performance Management

SmartTalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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