Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager in Manufacturing

Position Summary JOB DESCRIPTION The Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager within Manufacturing is responsible for developing and translating operational and inventory data into forward-looking insights that support business performance. This role will support analysis and reconciliation of forecasts across demand, supply, and inventory, connecting business strategy, execution, and financial outcomes. This position plays a critical role in identifying drivers of performance, diagnosing root causes of variances, and delivering clear, data-driven recommendations to support decision-making. The role operates in a cross-functional environment and influences outcomes through analysis, insight, and collaboration. Responsibilities Operational Forecasting & Analysis Partner with plant and planning teams to support and improve operational and inventory forecasting processes Analyze and reconcile forecast inputs across demand, supply, and execution to identify gaps, misalignment, and improvement opportunities Evaluate forecast accuracy and performance, identifying root causes of variation and systemic drivers Assess forecast assumptions, risks, and confidence levels, and clearly communicate implications to stakeholders Data Analysis & Business Insight Analyze large and complex datasets to evaluate operational and inventory performance Identify root causes of inventory imbalances, service issues, and execution gaps Reconcile inconsistencies across systems, plans, and data sources Decision Support & Recommendations Translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations with defined risks and tradeoffs Proactively identify and communicate performance risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities Support leadership decision-making by connecting operational performance to financial outcomes Inventory Performance Management Monitor key inventory metrics, including days inventory on hand (DIO), excess and obsolete inventory, and supply-demand alignment Explain drivers of inventory performance across sites, product segments, and planning assumptions Support inventory optimization initiatives and track results of corrective actions Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner with demand planning, supply planning, materials, procurement, operations, and finance teams Facilitate alignment across functions by providing a consistent, fact-based view of performance Support coordination and follow-through of planning and inventory-related initiatives Requirements & Qualifications REQUIRED 7+ years of experience in forecasting, inventory management, supply chain analytics, or related disciplines Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large, complex datasets Demonstrated ability to translate data into insights and actionable recommendations Experience operating in fast-paced environments with evolving or incomplete information Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel Experience with ERP or planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) Strong written and verbal communication skills Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field Experience in retail merchandise planning, demand forecasting, or inventory planning Experience reconciling data across multiple systems (forecasting, financial planning, and operational systems) Understanding of the relationship between sales, margin, supply chain, and inventory performance Experience with reporting and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI or similar) COMPETENCIES Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments Sound judgment and ability to make recommendations based on incomplete information Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and data integrity Ability to collaborate and influence across cross-functional teams WORK ENVIRONMENT This role operates in a cross-functional, matrixed environment and requires collaboration across multiple business functions an…

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