Inventory Planner: Forecasting, Open-to-Buy & Optimization

Rural King; Mattoon (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Healthcare plans

Virtual doctor visits

Centers of Excellence access

15% Associate Discount

SmartDollar Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Program

Chaplaincy Services

YMCA Family Membership

Job summary

Rural King is seeking an Inventory Planner in Mattoon, IL to optimize inventory investments, forecast demand, and balance service levels with carrying costs. You will collaborate with merchandising, replenishment and supply chain teams to develop strategies and open-to-buy plans that drive financial performance.

You will lead advanced forecasting, analyze freight flow, and provide data-driven recommendations to improve efficiency and cost-to-serve.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Proficiency with or ability to quickly learn Oracle Systems.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills and retail knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing plans that optimize sales, profit, and operating cash flow.
• Lead the short-, medium-, and long-term forecasting of customer demand using predictive tools.
• Lead the open-to-buy process by creating practical sales and inventory plans and communicating variances to plan.
• Analyze freight flow and improve efficiency and cost to serve across the supply chain.
• Lead preseason strategy development and vendor planning with adjusted assortment based on store performance.
• Identify underperforming product categories and propose actionable improvements.
• Perform multi-year trend analysis to project next season’s planning.
• Create and maintain seasonal SKU groupings and monitor sell-through and profitability.
• Provide markdown analysis and guidance to balance gross profit and inventory investment.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism; participate in training and development initiatives.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Oracle systems

Communication skills

Customer service

Retail knowledge

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Integrity

Tools

Oracle Systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Rural King is seeking an Inventory Planner in Mattoon, IL to optimize inventory investments, forecast demand, and balance service levels with carrying costs. You will collaborate with merchandising, replenishment and supply chain teams to develop strategies and open-to-buy plans that drive financial performance.

You will lead advanced forecasting, analyze freight flow, and provide data-driven recommendations to improve efficiency and cost-to-serve.