Inventory Planning Manager, Perishables

Amazon • Austin, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join us in transforming Meat & Seafood inventory operations as we build
next-generation capabilities for sustainable growth and operational excellence.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of perishables inventory management
and set new industry standards. As an Inventory Planner for our Meat & Seafood
category, you'll lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our complex
distribution ecosystem—spanning multiple distribution channels, 3PL
partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations, and omnichannel operations.
You'll balance the critical challenge of maintaining fresh product availability
with precise demand forecasting, ensuring customers receive the highest quality
perishables exactly when they need them.

What You'll Do-
• Drive Strategic Inventory Planning: Execute and refine inventory strategies
that optimize stock levels while preserving product freshness across our entire
network
• Leverage Advanced Analytics: Apply sophisticated data analytics to uncover
insights, enhance supply chain efficiency, and predict demand patterns with
precision
• Orchestrate Complex Operations: Manage inventory flow through our multi-tiered
distribution network, coordinating seamlessly across channels and stakeholders
• Lead Through Transformation: Navigate ambiguity with confidence as we
reimagine our perishables supply chain from the ground up

What Makes You Successful-
You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where priorities shift and
innovation is essential. Your analytical mindset is matched by strategic
thinking and the ability to translate complex data into actionable decisions.
You build strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
and lead effectively through change. Most importantly, you're energized by the
challenge of solving complex problems in an evolving retail landscape.

Why This Role Matters-
This isn't just an inventory planning position—it's a chance to architect the
future of our supply chain capabilities. You'll develop versatile skills while
making a tangible impact on how we serve customers with fresh, high-quality
products. If you're ready to drive positive change through innovative solutions
and grow alongside a transforming organization, we want to hear from you.

Requirements

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations, including deep understanding of market conditions, supplier logistics, and industry trends
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of organizational objectives, competitive landscape, and customer needs
• Skilled in complex data analysis, and visualization tools with proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
• Experience in process optimization and automation, implementing enhanced order management practices to maximize efficiency
• Skilled relationship builder with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage diverse stakeholder relationships both internally and externally
• Excellence in diplomatic problem-solving and conflict resolution while maintaining strong business partnerships
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while managing multiple high-priority projects
• Demonstrates agility and innovation in driving continuous improvement initiatives and adapting to rapid change
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field, with 4+ years of progressive experience in retail inventory planning, category management, supply chain operations, or logistics
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including complex data manipulation, predictive modeling, and automation to drive inventory optimization decisions
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (Oracle, SAP, or similar) or demonstrated ability to quickly master new tools and technologies
• Proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to create actionable dashboards and reports
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights, and supply chain strategies
• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments while managing competing priorities and driving results
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and building collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• This position will require up to 5-10% travel and is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with perishables, fresh food, or time-sensitive inventory management
• Background in supply chain transformation or process redesign initiatives
• Knowledge of statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and demand forecasting methodologies
• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent supply chain credentials
• Advanced SQL/database query skills (Teradata, Redshift, or similar platforms)
• Experience with machine learning applications in supply chain or inventory optimization

Responsibilities

• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment
• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotional events, seasonal peaks, new product launches, exclusive brands, and store openings
• Champion continuous improvement of critical KPIs, including in-stock percentage, order fill-rate, on-time delivery metrics, inventory turnover ratio, and days of coverage targets
• Develop and execute comprehensive product lifecycle strategies, from launch through maturity, implementing data-driven inventory management approaches for each phase
• Leverage advanced data analysis techniques to develop and maintain comprehensive inventory forecasting models and reporting systems
• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control methods, utilizing both regular and ad-hoc analyses to optimize stock levels
• Works with distribution partners to streamline performance expectations, identify operational deficiencies and develop effective resolution strategies
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across multiple business units including category merchants and product development, distribution and supply chain, field/store operations, in-stock, e-commerce, and Amazon Worldwide Grocery Store teams
• Drive strategic alignment among key stakeholders through data-driven insights, establishing clear performance expectations and developing solutions for complex supply/demand challenges
• Provide comprehensive data analysis to department leadership and supply chain stakeholders
• Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing strategic improvements across service quality, efficiency, and order management systems
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply & demand planning processes, ensuring best-in-class operations and streamlined procedures
• Support implementation of real-time tracking, analytics, and reporting systems to monitor distribution partner performance

Benefits

• health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage)
• 401(k) matching
• paid time off
• parental leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level