Inventory Planner / Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

*This is not a remote position. Daily presence in the office is required.
The Inventory Planner/Analyst is a high-impact role responsible for working to optimize inventory levels across Ahead’s product categories, including headwear, apparel, and accessories. This role will be instrumental in balancing supply and demand, aligning inventory strategies with product lifecycle plans, and driving efficiencies in inventory management. This role will collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Operations, Sales, and Finance to ensure inventory planning supports business objectives.
LOCATION

• New Bedford Industrial Park - 270 Samuel Barnet Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02745

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance after a 30 day waiting period.
• 401 (k) – Participation and company match after 30 day waiting period.
• Free and other voluntary insurance plans at discounted rates.
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee membership & discounts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inventory Analysis & Planning : Regularly analyze inventory positions across Ahead’s product categories (headwear, apparel, and accessories) to ensure appropriate stock levels.
• Product Lifecycle Management : Work closely with product managers to understand planned product retirements and new product introductions, incorporating them into the inventory planning process.
• Aging & Discontinued Inventory Management: Monitor discontinued product inventory levels and assist in designing and executing exit strategies for aging inventory. Work with sales, marketing, operations, and finance to evaluate these opportunities and assist in execution of the selected strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Integrate insights from Operations, Sales, and Finance to develop a balanced approach to inventory buying and management that aligns with business needs and production seasonality
• Demand Forecasting & Replenishment: Utilize sales trends, historical data, and market insights to forecast demand and determine optimal inventory replenishment strategies.
• Inventory Reporting & Insights: Generate reports and insights on inventory aging, sell-through rates, and product performance to support strategic decision-making.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance inventory accuracy, reduce excess stock, and optimize purchasing efficiency.
• Merchandise Planning: Analyze inventory productivity, revenue contribution, and margin across SKUs, product categories, and product sub categories. Use data to work with the product leaders to develop merchandise assortment plans in advance of seasonal development.
• Market Knowledge; Maintain a deep understanding of the business, financials, products/services, and the market; develops colleagues' and customers' understanding and is recognized as an expert in many areas.
• Pricing and Margin Analysis; Complete seasonal margin analysis and one off customer pricing

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, demand forecasting, supply chain, merchandise planner or a related role.
• Prior experience in apparel or related product categories is preferred

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS :

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools.
• Prior merchandise assortment planning experience.
• Experience with inventory management software and ERP systems (preferred).
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with various teams.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Excel, data visualization tools, and reporting systems

NO SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

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