(Senior) Manager Inventory Controlling Europe

PUMA North America, Inc.; Deutschland; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PUMA is seeking an experienced Inventory Planning professional to forecast stock across European channels and optimize availability. You will balance inventory across wholesale, retail, and e-commerce while driving timely liquidation strategies for aging or slow-moving articles.

The role requires strong Excel and Power BI skills, plus experience with SAP S4 Hana or planning tools. You will collaborate with Sales, Merchandising, and Senior Leadership to improve regional stock health.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in inventory controlling or related fields.
• Degree in business/finance or supply chain.
• Strong Excel and Power BI skills; SAP S4 Hana a plus.
• Knowledge of seasonal retail/wholesale flow and working capital.

Responsibilities

• Forecast future inventory levels and ageing across European channels.
• Balance stock across wholesale, retail and digital channels.
• Identify slow-moving inventory and drive liquidation strategies.
• Monitor stock levels, turnover, and coverage across nodes.
• Develop data-driven action plans for regional stock health and aging.
• Prepare monthly inventory alignment sessions with European Senior Leadership.

Skills

Inventory planning

Analytical mindset

Cross-functional leadership

Stock reporting

Education

Degree in Business Administration

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SAP S4 Hana

Anaplan

O9 Solutions

Job description

SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and to let our individual talent and experience shine.

YOUR MISSION

• - Forecast future inventory levels and structural ageing across all European channels. Anticipate critical stock positions—such as license articles and aging or obsolete collections—and translate insights into actionable risk-mitigation strategies.
• - Drive the allocation and balancing of stock across various European entities and distribution channels (wholesale, retail, and digital/e-commerce) to optimize regional availability, and support localized demand.
• - Identify slow-moving inventory early in its lifecycle and partner closely with Sales and Merchandising to design and drive timely, high-impact clearance, outlet, and alternative liquidation strategies.
• - Continuously monitor and analyze stock levels, turnover rates, and coverage across all distribution nodes to balance product availability with disciplined inventory minimization.
• - Develop and recommend comprehensive, data-driven action plans to European Management to continuously improve regional stock health and inventory aging profiles. Prepare and support monthly inventory alignment sessions with the European Senior Leadership Team.
• - Provide free stock overviews and dedicated article lists for liquidation purposes on a regular basis

YOUR TALENT

• - Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in inventory controlling, demand planning, supply chain finance, or merchandising operations within the sporting goods, athletic footwear, outdoor, or apparel industries.
• - Education: Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related commercial field.
• - System knowledge: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power-BI. Experience with SAP S4 Hana and planning solutions such as Anaplan, O9 solutions, etc considered as a plus.
• - Commercial & Analytical Mindset: Strong understanding of seasonal retail/wholesale flow, pre-order vs. re-order dynamics, and financial working capital drivers.
• - Cross-Functional Leadership: Strong communication skills to effectively translate complex stock reporting into actionable decisions for Merchandising, Sales, and Senior Leadership.

PUMA provides equal opportunities for all job applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex,

gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Equality for all is one of the core principles at

PUMA and we do not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination.

At PUMA, every application is reviewed by real people who are committed to fairness, transparency, and equal

opportunity - no matter your background, identity, or experience.To ensure our process stays true to these values, no automated systems or AI tools are used to make hiring decisions. Every decision is made by real people -with real judgment and accountability. We may use functions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) to carry out isolated organizational steps, such as scheduling interviews. These functions have no influence on decisions in the application process. We believe in creating spaces where everyone is welcome, celebrated, and empowered to contribute authentically. Because at PUMA, whoever wants to play, can play.

PUMA is a global sports brand creating footwear, apparel, and accessories that inspire athletes and everyday movers. The PUMA Group owns PUMA, Cobra Golf, and stichd, operates in 120+ countries, and has around 22,000

employees worldwide.