Inventory Planning Manager

Summary:

The Inventory Planning Manager is a key leadership role responsible for owning and continuously improving the company'spull-based inventory system(e.g., Kanban, CONWIP, or demand-driven replenishment). This position owns the end-to-end inventory strategy with a relentless focus onmaximizing inventory turnswhile consistently achieving and sustaininghigh service levels(target 98%+ fill rates / on-time delivery) to both the manufacturing plant and external end customers/users. Runs standard update meetings to ensure pull system accounts for fluctuations in demand, S&OP.

This role combines deep analytical expertise, lean/pull system mastery, and cross-functional leadership to drive significant working capital efficiency without compromising operational performance or customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the design, implementation, governance, and continuous improvement of the pull inventory system across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.

• Develop and execute inventory strategies that maximize inventory turns (targeting aggressive year-over-year improvement) while maintaining or exceeding target service levels to the plant (internal customers) and end users (external customers).

• Establish and monitor and responsible / accountable for key performance metrics including Inventory Turns, Days of Inventory (DOI), Customer OTD / OTIF, Stock-Out Rate, Excess & Obsolete (E&O) inventory, and Working Capital efficiency.

• Lead monthly/quarterly inventory planning reviews (SIOP) with a strong emphasis on pull signals, demand variability, lead time reduction, and buffer/right-sizing of inventory.

• Partner closely with Production, Procurement, Sales, to align pull parameters (e.g., Kanban quantities, reorder points, safety stock, min/max levels) with actual consumption and demand patterns.

• Partner with sourcing to identify and implement A, B, and C part procurement strategies (VMI, Supplier Inventory holding, etc.) and supplier consolidation opportunities that improve inventory performance

• Drive root-cause analysis and corrective actions for inventory-related issues, including slow-moving stock, stockouts, and excess inventory.

• Identify and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, and Demand-Driven principles to reduce lead times, variability, and overall inventory investment.

• Collaborate with IT to ensure the ERP/MRP system accurately supports pull-based planning logic and provides real-time visibility into inventory health and pull signals.

• Develop and present regular reports and dashboards to senior leadership on inventory performance, opportunities, and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, materials management, or supply chain planning in a manufacturing environment.

• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.) and inventory planning tools; Power BI, Tableau, or similar analytics platforms highly desired.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, statistical inventory modeling, safety stock calculations, and demand forecasting techniques.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Desired Characteristics:

• Experience implementing or maturing a pull system in a multi-site or high-mix/low-volume environment.

• Proven expertise in pull-based inventory systems (Kanban, CONWIP, DDMRP, or similar) that delivered measurable improvements in turns and service levels.

• Strong track record of increasing inventory turns (e.g., 20-50%+ improvement) while maintaining high customer/plant service levels (98%+).