Sr. Inventory Planner (Food)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Inventory Planner Job Description

The Sr. Inventory Planner manages tactical store inventory replenishment, suggested orders, allocation functions, and supporting systems and processes to maintain appropriate in-store inventory levels. This role focuses on breakpack execution in key markets while supporting the broader team in developing and executing effective replenishment plans that balance cost, service levels, and store performance. The position is designed as a hybrid role with four days onsite per week, but fully remote candidates are welcome if they meet all experience requirements and can work Pacific coast hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Responsibilities

• Set inventory strategies and service level strategies that support store performance and overall business objectives.
• Recommend optimum inventory levels and provide options to balance cost considerations with service level targets.
• Develop store-focused inventory solutions that help meet store sales goals and financial targets.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance inventory planning, replenishment, and allocation efficiency.
• Drive the adoption and effective use of new technologies and capabilities within inventory planning and replenishment processes.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to create replenishment planning policies aligned with strategic value and product lifecycle stages.
• Anticipate conflicts across functions or plans, communicate issues clearly, and lead resolution and decision-making when trade-offs are required.
• Gather inputs from cross-functional stakeholders and craft collaborative messaging that accurately explains complex inventory and planning situations.
• Evaluate replenishment plans against expected output and historical performance, and proactively engage in discussions to highlight risk and propose adjustments.
• Role model a positive and productive work environment and coach peers to foster a supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Work collaboratively with supply chain and other related functions in a fast-paced, evolving space, building strong relationships to drive alignment and results.
• Independently seek out knowledge and resources needed to understand planning logic and execute responsibilities without constant direction.
• Apply strong technical and data skills to understand and manage complex planning logic and parameters in a system- and supply chain-oriented environment.
• Troubleshoot inventory and planning issues independently, using technical acumen to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Communicate effectively with other functions to enable productive, long-term solutions that support both operational and strategic goals.
• Contribute to and help maintain a positive, supportive, and highly collaborative team environment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in supply chain planning with a focus on inventory management and replenishment.
• Hands-on experience in inventory management and production planning for retail or similar environments.
• Proficiency with SAP or comparable enterprise resource planning systems for inventory and supply chain management.
• Experience working with point-of-sale data to inform inventory strategies and replenishment decisions.
• Strong Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and modeling of inventory and replenishment scenarios.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various functions within the supply chain and broader business.
• Proven ability to independently learn new processes, systems, and business contexts and execute effectively without extensive oversight.
• High technical acumen and comfort with complex planning logic and system parameters in a supply chain/system-oriented role.
• Strong relationship-building skills to partner effectively with cross-functional teams in a dynamic and sometimes hectic environment.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex situations clearly and craft collaborative, accurate messaging.
• Ability to anticipate conflicts, evaluate trade-offs, and lead resolution and decision-making across stakeholders.
• Capability to evaluate plans against expected outcomes and past performance and to proactively identify and communicate risks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in breakpack execution and managing inventory strategies for key markets.
• Background in developing and executing replenishment plans that balance cost and service levels.
• Experience leading process improvement efforts and technology or capability rollouts in a supply chain or inventory planning context.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical and data-related issues independently and implement sustainable solutions.
• Strong analytical mindset with a desire to work in a system- and supply chain-oriented planning role rather than a purely sales-focused role.
• Demonstrated desire to contribute to a positive, supportive, and collaborative team environment.

Work Environment

The work environment combines a mix of remote and local team members who collaborate closely and support one another. The role is structured as hybrid with four days onsite per week, while fully remote work is possible for candidates who meet all experience requirements and can work Pacific coast hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The team culture is highly collaborative, with partners who work well together and value open communication, problem-solving, and shared success. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced, especially as new planning spaces and capabilities are developed, offering opportunities to shape processes and unlock significant value for the business. The company emphasizes connection, service to others, and the development of strong leaders, creating a culture where positive, supportive, and productive teamwork is encouraged and celebrated.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Seattle,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.