INVENTORY PLANNER - EVERY DAY BASICS

NEXCOM•Virginia Beach, VA

About The Position

The Inventory Planner coordinates inventory flow to support merchandise and financial goals. The role continuously analyzes business performance and recommends and implements strategies to drive sales productivity and profitability. It directs distribution of goods to support sales, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction; manages inventory ratios and replenishment parameters; supports forecasts and advertising events; and identifies supply chain efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities. The planner also monitors aged inventory, replenishment metrics, and Open-to-Buy, and makes recommendations to mitigate risk and improve performance. The position may include store visits, collaboration with store management and internal and external partners, and supervision and development of subordinate staff as appropriate. The incumbent works under the supervision of a Senior Inventory Planner or Divisional Merchandise Manager of Planning, operates independently within NEXCOM policies and procedures, and consults with a supervisor on policy matters, procedural deviations, or unusual circumstances. Performance is evaluated on operational performance, skills, customer service, collaboration and teamwork, leadership, work quality, and individual performance metrics. The incumbent must file an OGE Form 450 Financial Disclosure Report.

Requirements

Six years of total experience, consisting of three years of general experience and three years of specialized experience, subject to the stated education substitution.
General experience must include professional, technical, or other responsible work providing knowledge of retail practices and demonstrated skill in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, inventory management, allocation or replenishment, supply chain optimization, financial planning or financial analysis; experience dealing with operating personnel; and the ability to analyze problems and recommend practical solutions using sound judgment.
Specialized experience must include progressively responsible experience in merchandise planning and allocation, including procurement and replenishment practices, methods, and procedures; developing and managing an Open-to-Buy system; developing and validating seasonal financial plans and trends; preparing forecasts and inventory projections and developing strategies to maximize opportunities and mitigate risk; monitoring and maintaining sales, inventory levels, and stock turns; reviewing and analyzing sales, inventory, and profit trends; and using database, spreadsheet, or similar software applications in relevant retail management work.
Education substitution: One year of academic study above the high school level may substitute for nine months of experience, up to a maximum of a four-year bachelor's degree in business, merchandising, or a related field, or a combination of education and general experience.
File an OGE Form 450 Financial Disclosure Report.

Responsibilities

Direct the distribution of goods to support sales profitability, inventory turnover, and customer satisfaction across areas of responsibility.
Determine appropriate ratios of distribution center, store, and pipeline inventory; develop and modify replenishment parameters for basic reorder items; and maintain basic stock levels consistent with approved planograms and store sizes.
Partner with the Forecast Analyst to review and adjust forecast parameters for seasonal and advertised items.
Ensure featured products are in stock at locations participating in advertising events.
Consider overall supply chain health when making business decisions and identify and implement supply chain efficiencies.
Participate in Supplier Merchant meetings by communicating supply chain opportunities, concerns, and successes, including collaboration on forecasted needs.
Identify cost-saving opportunities in product distribution and partner with distribution and merchant teams to implement them.
Communicate with internal and external customers to address in-stock and supply chain concerns and opportunities.
Monitor aged inventory, identify opportunities to mitigate risk, and provide recommendations to merchants.
Review and maintain replenishment snapshot metrics, including POG accuracy, NIS causes, and related metrics.
Use allocation for purchases, seasonal fashion, and promotional one-time buys to ensure accurate quantities and inventory levels meet sales demand at the item-location level.
Monitor and evaluate Open-to-Buy weekly, assess risk, recommend action, and prepare reports and actionable business analysis as needed.
Identify and challenge low-performing items that may negatively affect inventory and turns; recommend preventive measures and take action to reduce aged inventory and ensure exit strategies are followed.
Conduct store visits as appropriate to evaluate merchandise presentation, stock assortments, and inventory levels, and work with store management to maximize business opportunities.
Supervise and develop subordinate staff as appropriate.
Perform other related duties as assigned.