Inventory Planner

Grocery Outlet Career•Emeryville, CA

About The Position

Responsible for managing the inventory health of a segment of the Grocery Outlet business, both in store and in warehouse. This role is extremely “hands-on” and detail-oriented, requiring a person that can make quick decisions, manage key warehouse and buying relationships, and provide inventory actions for their department(s) of responsibility. Responsible for assisting the Purchasing Team in ensuring proper product inventories at all warehouses to facilitate optimum code life and turns according to G.O.I. standards. Responsible for managing the distribution of merchandise to support company plan. Recommend and execute changes as needed to ensure profitability and productivity. This role reports to the Manager - Planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and/or minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Can successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts and margins
Ability to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; can make solid decisions quickly based on limited information
Proficient in MS Office and AS400 applications, advanced level in Excel preferred
Strong communication skills, customer service, organization and attention to detail
Ability to work independently, as well as with a team
Concern for achieving positive outcomes and growing the business; willing to get involved in all aspects of the process
Possesses the “roll-up-your sleeves” attitude needed to be successful in a flat organization
Passionate about what they do and the processes within their area
Ability to write and present information effectively to buying department, suppliers
Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with all company personnel
Ability to be creative, resourceful and take ownership over their assigned category

Responsibilities

Provide analysis (units, sales, and margin) for SKU’s, programs, categories, and recommend corresponding strategies to maximize revenue and turn goals
Manage departmental financial plans, Open-to-Buy, and analysis at the department, category and SKU level
Assures the most appropriate inventory levels through careful planning and analysis of demand, usage, forecasts, industry trends
Responsible for forecast accuracy on sales dollars, ads and case projections
Present analytics and reports to various levels of management
Manage inventory at warehouse level and make decisions on inner warehouse product transfers as needed
Creates and generates daily/weekly/monthly aging reports for all buyers as needed
Forecast and review Made-to-Order items and manage in-stock levels with buyers
Assist buyers with updates on potential inventory or code date issues on all products
Understanding of general transportation modes, pricing, and business practices
Implement through allocation, the company’s "Treasure Hunt" philosophy and merchandise assortment strategy through effective execution of product allocation
Execute category/sub-class trends regionally and identify specific merchandise needs through knowledge of regional and climatic characteristics
Understand impact of seasonality and “in and out” items and develops control/allocation process
Responsible for building an appropriate inventory mix to support new store openings
Responsible for assisting and educating operators in achieving profitable results in sales, merchandising and inventory management
Responsible for continuing to raise the level of standards of performance insuring proper representation of inventory
Manage order flow quantities to support sales, inventory, margin, DC space plans, etc.
Understand and execute appropriate distribution of products and maintain proper turn
Act as an integral partner and maintain relationships with Store Operators, Sales & Merchandising, Vendors, and Distribution Centers
Develop profitable plans and entrance and exit strategies with merchandising for seasonal and transition seasonal programs
Develop in season pricing strategies with appropriate margin for discontinued inventories
Perform other duties as assigned