Senior Manager Inventory Controlling Europe

Global Sports Jobs Limited; Perugia; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

PUMA is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to monitor stock levels across distribution channels and align purchasing with demand forecasts and financial targets. You will work cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sales, and Supply Chain to optimise availability while minimising excess inventory.

Responsibilities include developing dashboards, forecasting ageing stock, and coordinating monthly inventory meetings with the European Senior Leadership Team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in inventory controlling, demand planning, or related fields.
• Degree in Business Admin, Finance, SCM, Logistics or related field.
• Strong Excel and Power BI proficiency.
• Strong understanding of seasonal retail/wholesale flow and working capital drivers.
• Excellent communication to translate stock reporting into decisions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor stock levels, turnover, and coverage across channels.
• Align purchasing plans with forecasts, OTB budgets, and working capital targets.
• Develop dashboards tracking stock turnover and Days Sales of Inventory (DSI).
• Forecast inventory levels and ageing; highlight critical stock positions.
• Identify slow-moving stock and coordinate clearance or alternatives.
• Recommend action plans to European Management on stock improvements.
• Prepare and lead monthly inventory meetings with European SLT.
• Provide stock overviews and liquidation lists regularly.

Skills

5+ years experience

Excel & Power BI

Stock planning & reporting

Clear communication

Education

Business Admin / Finance / Supply Chain / Logistics degree

Tools

SAP S4 Hana

Anaplan

O9 Solutions

Job description

About the Role

The role is responsible for monitoring and analysing stock levels, stock turnover, and coverage across all distribution channels to maintain optimal product availability while minimising excess or obsolete inventory. It works cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to align purchasing plans with demand forecasts, Open-to-Buy budgets, and working capital targets. The position prepares and facilitates monthly inventory meetings with the European Senior Leadership Team and recommends action plans to improve stock levels and ageing structure in Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse stock levels, stock turnover, and coverage across all distribution channels to maintain optimal product availability while minimising excess or obsolete inventory.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to align purchasing plans with demand forecasts, Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets, and working capital targets.
• Develop and maintain dashboards tracking key metrics, including stock turnover and Days Sales of Inventory (DSI).
• Project future inventory levels and ageing structure of inventory, highlighting critical stock positions such as licence articles or stock that is no longer up to date.
• Identify slow-moving inventory early and collaborate with Sales and Merchandising to execute timely clearance, outlet, or other alternative strategies.
• Recommend a detailed action plan to European Management on improving PUMA's stock levels and ageing structure in Europe.
• Prepare and facilitate a monthly inventory meeting with the European Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide free stock overviews and dedicated article lists for liquidation purposes on a regular basis.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 5+ 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.
• Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related commercial field.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Power BI.
• Strong understanding of seasonal retail/wholesale flow, pre-order vs. re-order dynamics, and financial working capital drivers.
• Strong communication skills to effectively translate complex stock reporting into actionable decisions for Merchandising, Sales, and Senior Leadership.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with SAP S4 Hana and planning solutions such as Anaplan, O9 solutions, etc. is considered a plus.

About the Company

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. PUMA looks for SPEED & SPIRIT in candidates, defined by values that inspire employees to be driven in performance, vibrant in sporting legacy, and together in team spirit, while letting individual talent and experience shine.