Inventory Planning Manager, Perishables

Amazon; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Amazon in Austin, TX seeks an Inventory Planner for Meat & Seafood to optimize perishables across our distribution network, balancing freshness with demand forecasting.

You will collaborate across 3PLs, fulfillment centers, stores, and omnichannel teams to drive inventory strategies, improve KPIs, and transform our supply chain capabilities in a fast-paced retail environment. Join a team focused on sustainable growth and industry-leading performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive experience in retail inventory planning, category management, supply chain operations, or logistics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including complex data manipulation and modeling.
• Experience with ERP and BI tools (Oracle, SAP, Power BI/Tableau).
• Up to 5-10% travel; located at the Store Support Office in Austin, TX.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment
• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotions and seasonal events
• Champion continuous improvement of KPIs including in-stock, fill-rate, on-time delivery, and turnover
• Develop and execute product lifecycle strategies from launch through maturity
• Leverage advanced data analysis to maintain forecasting models and reporting systems
• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control

Skills

Inventory management

Demand forecasting

Advanced analytics

Stakeholder collaboration

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Oracle/SAP

Job description

Join us in transforming Meat & Seafood inventory operations as we build next-generation capabilities for sustainable growth and operational excellence. This is your opportunity to shape the future of perishables inventory management and set new industry standards. As an Inventory Planner for our Meat & Seafood category, you'll lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our complex distribution ecosystem, spanning multiple distribution channels, 3PL partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations, and omnichannel operations. You'll balance the critical challenge of maintaining fresh product availability with precise demand forecasting, ensuring customers receive the highest quality perishables exactly when they need them.

Join us in transforming Meat & Seafood inventory operations as we build next-generation capabilities for sustainable growth and operational excellence. This is your opportunity to shape the future of perishables inventory management and set new industry standards. As an Inventory Planner for our Meat & Seafood category, you'll lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our complex distribution ecosystem, spanning multiple distribution channels, 3PL partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations, and omnichannel operations. You'll balance the critical challenge of maintaining fresh product availability with precise demand forecasting, ensuring customers receive the highest quality perishables exactly when they need them.

What You'll Do-

• Drive Strategic Inventory Planning: Execute and refine inventory strategies that optimize stock levels while preserving product freshness across our entire network


• Leverage Advanced Analytics: Apply sophisticated data analytics to uncover insights, enhance supply chain efficiency, and predict demand patterns with precision


• Orchestrate Complex Operations: Manage inventory flow through our multi-tiered distribution network, coordinating seamlessly across channels and stakeholders


• Lead Through Transformation: Navigate ambiguity with confidence as we reimagine our perishables Supply Chain, Inventory Planning from the ground up

What Makes You Successful-

You thrive in dynamic, ambiguous, fast-paced environments where priorities shift and innovation is essential. Your analytical mindset is matched by strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex data into actionable decisions. You build strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and lead effectively through change. Most importantly, you're energized by the challenge of solving complex problems in an evolving retail landscape.

Why This Role Matters-

This isn't just an inventory planning position, it's a chance to architect the future of our supply chain capabilities. You'll develop versatile skills while making a tangible impact on how we serve customers with fresh, high-quality products. If you're ready to drive positive change through innovative solutions and grow alongside a transforming organization, we want to hear from you.

Key job responsibilities

Inventory Management & Planning

• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment


• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotional events, seasonal peaks, new product launches, exclusive brands, and store openings


• Champion continuous improvement of critical KPIs, including in-stock percentage, order fill-rate, on-time delivery metrics, inventory turnover ratio, and days of coverage targets


• Develop and execute comprehensive product lifecycle strategies, from launch through maturity, implementing data-driven inventory management approaches for each phase


• Leverage advanced data analysis techniques to develop and maintain comprehensive inventory forecasting models and reporting systems


• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control methods, utilizing both regular and ad-hoc analyses to optimize stock levels

Stakeholder Management

• Works with distribution partners to streamline performance expectations, identify operational deficiencies and develop effective resolution strategies


• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across multiple business units including category merchants and product development, distribution and supply chain, field/store operations, in-stock, e-commerce, and Amazon Worldwide Grocery Store teams


• Drive strategic alignment among key stakeholders through data-driven insights, establishing clear performance expectations and developing solutions for complex supply/demand challenges


• Provide comprehensive data analysis to department leadership and supply chain stakeholders

Process Improvement

• Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing strategic improvements across service quality, efficiency, and order management systems


• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply & demand planning processes, ensuring best-in-class operations and streamlined procedures


• Support implementation of real-time tracking, analytics, and reporting systems to monitor distribution partner performance

Skills

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations, including deep understanding of market conditions, supplier logistics, and industry trends


• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of organizational objectives, competitive landscape, and customer needs


• Skilled in complex data analysis, and visualization tools with proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights


• Experience in process optimization and automation, implementing enhanced order management practices to maximize efficiency


• Skilled relationship builder with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage diverse stakeholder relationships both internally and externally


• Excellence in diplomatic problem-solving and conflict resolution while maintaining strong business partnerships


• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while managing multiple high-priority projects


• Demonstrates agility and innovation in driving continuous improvement initiatives and adapting to rapid change

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field, with 4+ years of progressive experience in retail inventory planning, category management, supply chain operations, or logistics


• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including complex data manipulation, predictive modeling, and automation to drive inventory optimization decisions


• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning systems (Oracle, SAP, or similar) or demonstrated ability to quickly master new tools and technologies


• Proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar) to create actionable dashboards and reports


• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights, and supply chain strategies


• Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced environments while managing competing priorities and driving results


• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and building collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups


• This position will require up to 5-10% travel and is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with perishables, fresh food, or time-sensitive inventory management


• Background in supply chain transformation or process redesign initiatives


• Knowledge of statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and demand forecasting methodologies


• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) or equivalent supply chain credentials


• Advanced SQL/database query skills (Teradata, Redshift, or similar platforms)


• Experience with machine learning applications in supply chain or inventory optimization

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers.

If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information.

If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.