Inventory Planning Manager

SmartTalent Staffing and Recruiting

Auburn (WA)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 105,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

SmartTalent Staffing and Recruiting is seeking an Inventory Planning Manager for a client in Auburn, WA. The role is full-time, onsite, leading the inventory planning function to forecast demand and optimize inventory to ensure product availability.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in inventory planning, 2+ years in management within manufacturing (preferably food), strong ERP and negotiation skills, and excels at cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Operations, Procurement, and Sales.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
4+ years of inventory planning, demand planning, or supply chain experience.
2+ years of leadership or management experience.
Strong knowledge of forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory analytics.
Experience using ERP systems and inventory planning software.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Inventory Planners through performance management, mentoring, and ongoing training.
Oversee inventory planning activities, including demand forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory health monitoring.
Translate business objectives into effective inventory planning strategies and team priorities.
Coordinate planning for seasonal demand, promotions, product launches, and changing business needs.
Balance inventory investment with customer service objectives while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
Drive improvements in forecast accuracy through analysis and collaboration with key stakeholders.
Prepare inventory performance reports and KPI dashboards for leadership.
Analyze inventory trends, forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and other operational metrics.

Skills

Forecasting

Inventory optimization

Replenishment planning

ERP systems

Excel

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or related

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory planning software

Job description

Inventory Planning Manager

SmartHire is looking for an Inventory Planning Manager to join a client in the Auburn WA area. This is a full time, direct hire and fully onsite role. Ideal candidate will have 4+ years of recent inventory planning experience, 2+ years of management experience within manufacturing – preferably food. Strong ERP and negotiating experience is needed.

Location:

Auburn WA

Salary

$85k-$105k + benefits + bonus eligible

Industry:

Food Manufacturing

Position Summary

The Inventory Planning Manager leads the inventory planning function by overseeing a team responsible for forecasting demand, optimizing inventory levels, and ensuring product availability. This role bridges strategic inventory objectives with daily planning activities by translating business goals into actionable plans, standardized processes, and measurable performance expectations. The Inventory Planning Manager is responsible for the accuracy, quality, and timeliness of inventory planning activities while partnering closely with Finance, Operations, Procurement, Sales, and other business functions to support organizational goals, improve inventory performance, and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Inventory Planners through performance management, mentoring, and ongoing training.

Establish clear expectations, performance metrics, and development plans for team members.
Foster a collaborative, data-driven culture focused on accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and performance reviews.
Support recruiting, onboarding, and training of new team members.

Inventory Planning & Forecasting

Oversee inventory planning activities, including demand forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory health monitoring.
Ensure inventory plans align with business objectives, customer demand, and financial targets.
Monitor inventory performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve inventory efficiency and service levels.
Manage inventory risks, including excess, obsolete, slow-moving, or aging inventory.
Serve as the primary escalation point for complex inventory planning issues.

Inventory Strategy & Execution

Translate business objectives into effective inventory planning strategies and team priorities.
Coordinate planning for seasonal demand, promotions, product launches, and changing business needs.
Balance inventory investment with customer service objectives while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
Drive improvements in forecast accuracy through analysis and collaboration with key stakeholders.

Reporting & Analysis

Prepare inventory performance reports and KPI dashboards for leadership.
Analyze inventory trends, forecast accuracy, service levels, inventory turns, and other operational metrics.
Provide recommendations that support inventory optimization and business performance.
Support budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes with inventory insights.

Systems & Process Improvement

Ensure effective use of ERP and inventory planning systems.
Develop and maintain standardized inventory planning procedures and documentation.
Identify opportunities to improve planning processes, reporting, automation, and system functionality.
Partner with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements and system enhancements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Procurement, Operations, Finance, Sales, and other departments to align inventory strategies with business needs.
Support new product introductions, inventory transitions, and supply planning initiatives.
Communicate inventory risks, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership and business partners.
Build strong working relationships across departments to improve planning effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
4+ years of inventory planning, demand planning, or supply chain experience.
2+ years of leadership or management experience.
Strong knowledge of forecasting, replenishment planning, inventory optimization, and inventory analytics.
Experience using ERP systems and inventory planning software.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred