Inventory Planning Manager

iRiS Recruiting Solutions; Arkansas; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

iRiS Recruiting Solutions seeks a Sr. Inventory Planner to manage inventory for major retail accounts across key channels from our Arkansas-area team.

The role emphasizes accurate forecasting, replenishment, and optimization of stock levels. You will leverage advanced Excel, ERP systems, and retailer portals to forecast demand, drive inventory turns, and collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain, sales, and logistics to meet in-stock targets.

Qualifications

• 5+ years inventory planning experience, with major retail account focus.
• Expert-level Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH); VBA a plus.
• Proficiency in retailer replenishment and supplier portals.
• Strong analytical skills for large datasets and trends.
• Experience with forecasting tools and ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle).
• Understanding of lead times, safety stock, and replenishment cycles.
• Strong communication to explain forecasts to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine demand forecasts using historical data and seasonality.
• Collaborate with retailer replenishment managers to meet in-stock targets.
• Analyze POS and DC-level data to guide strategy.
• Use advanced Excel modeling to manage weekly forecasts and inventory metrics.
• Manage inventory levels to minimize stockouts and excess.
• Plan purchase orders, production runs, and shipping schedules with teams.
• Identify inventory risks and mitigation strategies.
• Track KPIs such as forecast accuracy, OTIF, and fill rates.

Skills

Inventory planning

Excel (Advanced)

Data analysis

Communication

Tools

SAP

NetSuite

Oracle

Job description

We’re seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented Sr. Inventory Planner with proven experience managing inventory for major retailers or as a supplier to major retail accounts. This role is critical to keeping our products optimally stocked, forecasted, and replenished across key retail channels.

The ideal candidate has exceptional Excel skills, a strong understanding of retail inventory dynamics, and experience in demand forecasting, replenishment strategies, and retailer supply chain and replenishment systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine demand forecasts using historical sales data, trends, promotions, and seasonality
• Collaborate with retailer replenishment managers and internal account teams to meet in-stock, forecast accuracy, and inventory turn targets
• Analyze POS and DC-level data through retailer replenishment portals to guide strategy
• Use advanced Excel modeling to manage weekly forecasts and monitor sell-through, weeks of supply, and on-hand inventory
• Manage inventory levels across the supply chain to minimize stockouts and excess inventory
• Partner with supply chain, sales, and logistics teams to plan purchase orders, production runs, and shipping schedules
• Identify inventory risks and opportunities and recommend mitigation strategies
• Track and report KPIs such as forecast accuracy, OTIF (On Time In Full), and fill rates

Requirements

• 5+ years of inventory planning experience, with at least 2 years focused on a major retail account
• Expert-level Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH, data modeling); VBA/Macros a plus
• Proficiency in retailer replenishment and supplier portals required
• Strong analytical skills with an eye for trends, anomalies, and opportunities in large datasets
• Experience with forecasting tools, inventory management systems, or ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle)
• Deep understanding of supply chain principles: lead times, safety stock, and replenishment cycles
• Strong communication skills — able to explain forecasts and recommendations to non-technical audiences

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work with industry-leading retail partners
• Growth and development in a dynamic supply chain environment