Program Manager IP&R

Position: Program Manager - Inventory Planning & Replenishment (IP&R)

Location: Atlanta, GA (5 Days Onsite)

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Program Manager to lead strategic Inventory Planning & Replenishment (IP&R) programs for a leading retail and supply chain organization.

This role will be responsible for managing complex, cross-functional programs focused on inventory optimization, demand forecasting, replenishment, supply chain planning, and business process transformation . The Program Manager will oversee multiple interconnected workstreams, align business and technology teams, manage program-level risks and dependencies, and ensure successful delivery of business outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have strong Supply Chain domain expertise , with hands-on understanding of Inventory Planning & Replenishment (IP&R), Demand Forecasting, Inventory Optimization, and Supply Chain Planning processes. Experience working across retail, distribution, manufacturing, or other complex supply chain environments is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end Supply Chain and Inventory Planning & Replenishment programs , from strategy and initiation through implementation, stabilization, and benefits realization.
• Own program objectives, roadmap, governance, milestones, dependencies, risks, and overall delivery outcomes across multiple workstreams.
• Lead cross-functional teams spanning Supply Chain, Inventory Planning, Merchandising, Procurement, Operations, IT, Data, and Business stakeholders .
• Drive programs focused on inventory optimization, demand forecasting, replenishment, service-level improvement, inventory availability, and supply chain transformation .
• Translate business strategy and supply chain objectives into actionable program roadmaps, priorities, and execution plans.
• Partner with business leaders and technology teams to define program scope, requirements, solution priorities, success metrics, and implementation strategies .
• Manage interdependencies across multiple projects and workstreams, proactively identifying and resolving issues that may impact program objectives.
• Drive improvements to inventory planning processes, replenishment strategies, ordering parameters, safety stock, inventory policies, item/location setup, and planning processes .
• Provide leadership throughout the requirements, solution design, development, testing, UAT, deployment, and post-go-live stabilization lifecycle.
• Establish and monitor program KPIs and business outcomes, including forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, stock availability, inventory levels, replenishment performance, and working capital .
• Lead program governance, steering committee meetings, executive reviews, status reporting, and stakeholder communications.
• Proactively manage program risks, issues, assumptions, dependencies, and resource constraints , escalating appropriately to senior leadership.
• Drive organizational change management, business readiness, training, and adoption of new processes and technology capabilities.
• Work closely with Supply Chain leadership to identify opportunities for process standardization, automation, optimization, and continuous improvement .
• Ensure program deliverables align with business objectives, operational requirements, technology strategy, and overall supply chain transformation goals.
• Manage external vendors, implementation partners, and technology providers where applicable.
• Ensure successful transition of program capabilities into business-as-usual operations and track realization of expected business benefits.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Program Management, Supply Chain Transformation, or related roles, with significant experience managing complex Supply Chain initiatives.
• Strong Supply Chain domain expertise , particularly in Inventory Planning & Replenishment (IP&R) .
• Hands-on understanding of inventory planning, replenishment, demand forecasting, inventory optimization, safety stock, service levels, and supply chain planning processes .
• Proven experience leading large, complex programs involving multiple projects, workstreams, business functions, and technology teams .
• Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders across Supply Chain, Inventory Planning, Merchandising, Procurement, Operations, IT, Data, and Business leadership .
• Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain planning and inventory management processes within retail, distribution, manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Proven ability to manage program roadmaps, governance, budgets, risks, dependencies, resources, and executive stakeholder communications.
• Experience leading Supply Chain Planning or IP&R system implementations, transformations, or major enhancements .
• Experience managing the full implementation lifecycle, including requirements, solution design, testing, UAT, deployment, change management, and post-go-live stabilization .
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex supply chain challenges into actionable solutions.
• Excellent executive communication, leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills .
• Experience working in Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid program delivery environments .

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more enterprise Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Planning, or Replenishment platforms , including:

• RELEX
• Blue Yonder (JDA)
• SAP IBP / SAP APO
• Kinaxis
• o9 Solutions
• Manhattan Planning Solutions
• Oracle Retail Planning
• Logility
• Other enterprise Inventory Planning, Replenishment, Demand Planning, or Supply Chain Planning solutions