Inventory Planner

Rural King•Mattoon, IL

2d•$70,000 - $87,000

About The Position

The Inventory Planner manages and optimizes inventory investments to meet customer demand while minimizing carrying costs and maintaining service levels. Working closely with merchandising, replenishment, and supply chain teams, the role develops inventory strategies, forecasts, and assortment plans aligned with the company’s financial objectives. The position makes decisions with significant financial impact and serves as the primary analytical resource for its supported merchant and replenishment teams. The role includes developing purchasing plans; forecasting demand; leading open-to-buy, preseason, and vendor planning; analyzing freight flow, product performance, and markdowns; and recommending changes to inventory flow and assortments. The Inventory Planner also uses discretion and independent judgment, participates in learning initiatives, provides professional support to internal and external contacts, and demonstrates Rural King’s values.

Requirements

At least 4 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Proficiency with Oracle Systems or the ability to learn them quickly.
Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
Excellent customer service skills.
Strong understanding of retail business practices.
Excellent negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
Ability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
Ability to navigate and access all facilities.
Ability to communicate verbally with others in person and via electronic devices.
Close vision for computer-related activities.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute purchasing plans that optimize sales, profit, and operating cash flow.
Lead short-, medium-, and long-term customer demand forecasting using demand planning tools and statistical models.
Lead the open-to-buy process by creating sales and inventory plans, holding business partners accountable to financial targets, and communicating variances and improvement strategies.
Analyze freight flow and product movement through the supply chain, and recommend data-based improvements to efficiency and cost to serve.
Lead preseason strategy development and vendor planning, recommending inventory flow adjustments and assortment modifications based on individual store performance.
Identify underperforming product categories and recommend actionable improvement plans based on analysis and data-driven insights.
Conduct multi-year trend analysis on products and classifications and develop scenarios to support future-season planning.
Create and maintain seasonal and short-life-cycle SKU groupings, tracking inventory levels, sell-through, and profitability with data and analysis tools.
Provide markdown analysis and recommendations, holding business partners accountable for balancing gross profit and inventory investment.
Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Participate in training programs, workshops, webinars, and other learning initiatives to build knowledge and skills.
Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support, responding promptly and effectively to inquiries, concerns, and issues.
Demonstrate Rural King’s values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

401(k) plan with a 100% match on the first 3% of contributions and a 50% match on the next 2%.
Healthcare plans.
Virtual doctor visits.
Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program.
15% associate discount.
Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program.
Associate Assistance Program.
RK Cares Associate Hardship Program.
24/7 Chaplaincy Services.
Company-paid YMCA Family Membership.
Bonus eligibility.