(Senior) Manager Inventory Controlling Europe

PUMA SE; Herzogenaurach; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PUMA SE is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to join our European team. You will forecast inventory levels, analyse ageing and balance stock across wholesale, retail and digital channels to optimize availability and minimize risk.

You will collaborate with Sales, Merchandising and Senior Leadership to design data-driven action plans, monitor turnover and stock health, and drive timely liquidation when needed. Proactive communication is key to success.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in inventory controlling, demand planning, supply chain finance, or merchandising operations.
• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related commercial field.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and Power BI; SAP S4 Hana and planning tools 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.

Responsibilities

• Forecast future inventory levels and structural ageing across all European channels and translate insights into risk-mitigation strategies.
• Drive the allocation and balancing of stock across various European entities and distribution channels to optimize regional availability and support localized demand.
• Identify slow-moving inventory early and partner with Sales and Merchandising to design and drive timely liquidation strategies.
• Continuously monitor and analyse stock levels, turnover rates, and coverage across all distribution nodes to balance product availability with inventory minimization.
• Develop and recommend data-driven action plans to European Management and prepare 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.

Skills

Inventory control

Demand planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance/Supply Chain

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 BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy and all genders are welcome.

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.