Materials & Inventory Planning Leader

Passionate about Product Management? From Raw Materials to Finished Products on the shelf, if you are passionate about leading a team and managing processes to plan and manage products – This may be the right opportunity to make the move! As a critical member of the leadership team , you will be responsible for the management and planning of Finished Goods, WIP, and Raw Material inventory at all owned, 3rd Party manufacturing, and consignment locations. You will be responsible for developing and executing the overall inventory strategy, segmentation and investment optimization. You will lead a team, set standards, and design plans to align with company inventory targets. In order to be successful, you will need to engage in collaborative planning across Supply Chain and other functions to contribute to demand/supply balance and provide inventory-related input and expertise to annual business planning, long-range capacity planning, S&OP, and financial budgeting processes. At Handy, you will: Have a direct impact on the direction of a 125-year-old, privately held business that is growing rapidly Be a part of a culture that is focused on excelling in the marketplace while also having fun and leading a balanced and fulfilling life Continue the journey of continuous improvement and lifelong learning Essential Responsibilities and Duties: Drive Inventory Planning Strategy, Processes, and Performance Oversee the inventory planning team, aligning their activities to company goals, targets, and supply chain plans Manage the 3PL warehouse relationship by being the first point of contact, managing contracts, and ensuring warehouse performance to KPIs by Develop and maintain the inventory plan and targets Spearhead communications regarding Inventory Planning, both with internal stakeholders and customers Collaborate with the New Product Development and Engineering teams for new item launches and material and product runouts Develop and implement inventory performance metrics (KPIs) – Turns, Costs, Excess/Obsolete Manage slow‑moving and obsolete materials and products Identify inventory shortage risks and propose solutions based on inventory projections to ensure exceptional customer service Provide inventory-related input and expertise to annual business planning, long-range capacity planning, Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), and financial budgeting processes Work closely with Demand Planning on Demand/Supply balancing and scenario planning Foster a continuous improvement mindset around inventory and warehouse management as Perform other duties as assigned Required Skills/Abilities: Exceptional data analysis skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills Organized with attention to detail Strong problem‑solving and critical‑thinking skills Demonstrated ability to influence without formal authority Strong independent judgment and decision‑making Proven capability to plan and operate at both strategic and operational/tactical levels in alignment to the company’s goals of increasing sales and improving production times Ability to drive complex change and manage key stakeholders Strong project management skills, with the ability to organize and mobilize cross‑functional teams to support multiple priorities Demonstrated ability to work with ambiguity and in a dynamic work environment Relentless customer focus combined with a strong commitment to continuous improvement Proficient in Microsoft Office products with a mastery level in Excel Education and Experience: 4-year college degree or equivalent 10+ years of inventory planning experience 3+ years of demonstrated success leading and developing teams Inventory management in a global sourcing and distribution business is required Practical knowledge of LEAN methodologies and systems Inventory and production management certifications (CPIM) preferred Experience using an ERP system Project management software experience preferred 10% Travel within the US and some international travel may be required. Occasional travel to trade shows, factory visits, vendors, customer locations, and industry conference Physical Requirements: Light product assembly, building furniture, and using tools This is a hybrid position. You must be willing to work from Handy’s Wheeling, IL as needed. Please note this job post is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. EEO Statement : Handy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Handy Button Machine Co.