Inventory Planning Manager

Summary The Inventory Planning Manager is a key leadership role responsible for owning and continuously improving the company’s pull-based inventory system (e.g., Kanban, CONWIP, or demand-driven replenishment). This position owns the end-to-end inventory strategy with a relentless focus on maximizing inventory turns while consistently achieving and sustaining high 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%+).

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