Sr Inventory Planner

Leslie's; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health savings account

Flexible spending accounts

Company-paid life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement

Paid holidays with floating day

Wage access

Medical, dental, vision plans

Product discounts

Job summary

Leslie's is seeking a Senior Inventory Planner to manage end-to-end product lifecycle, forecasting, inventory planning, replenishment, and vendor collaboration. The role partners with Merchandising, Vendors, Distribution Centers, and Store Operations to ensure optimal stock across 950+ locations.

The successful candidate will drive inventory investments, reduce excess inventory, and provide leadership to a small team while sustaining strong in-stock performance and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field or equivalent retail inventory planning experience.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with ability to manage multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and track purchase orders to support inventory goals.
• Analyze vendor lead times and ensure timely ordering to meet demand.
• Manage PO activity to align with Open-to-Buy targets and inventory strategies.
• Monitor sales performance and inventory trends to adjust orders and stock.
• Develop and maintain accurate product forecasts for planning decisions.
• Provide coaching and direction to 1-2 team members to achieve goals.
• Create and improve SOPs to increase efficiency and consistency.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Excel

Inventory management systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field

Tools

Inventory management systems

Job description

Founded in 1963, Leslie's is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. We serve the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive andlargely exclusiveassortment of essential pool and spa care products. Weoperatean integrated ecosystem of 900+ retail locations, backyard service and repair, a robust digital platform, and manufacturing and distribution divisions across 35+ states—enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop.With over 60 years of providing best-in-class products and solutions to our customers, thereis nothing that we value more than the development and growth of our team. We strive to create a positive and fun atmosphere where our Team Members feel valued and are enthusiastic about the contributions they make to the success of Leslie's.

This position is not open to agency submissions.

This position is based at our corporate office in Phoenix, AZ, and follows a hybrid work schedule. Remote work is not available for this role. Candidates mustresidewithin commuting distance, as relocationassistanceis not provided. Additionally, applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored visa support.

Job Overview:

The Senior Inventory Planner is responsible for managing the end-to-end product lifecycle, including forecasting, inventory planning, replenishment, and vendor collaboration. This role serves as a key partner across Merchandising, Vendors, Distribution Centers, and Store Operations to ensure the right products are available in the right locations at the right time.

The primary objective of this position is to maintain optimal inventory levels across 950+ Leslie’s locations while maximizing sales, profitability, and inventory productivity. The Senior Inventory Planner will leverage forecasting, data analysis, and business insights to make strategic inventory decisions, including managing inventory investments, reducing excess inventory, and ensuring fast-moving products remain in stock.
This role requires a strong communicator and collaborative leader who can influence cross-functional partners, manage vendor relationships, and drive continuous improvement within inventory processes.

Responsibilities:

• Create, maintain, and track purchase orders to support business needs and inventory goals.
• Analyze vendor lead times and ensure products are ordered within appropriate timelines to meet demand.
• Manage purchase order activity to align with Open-to-Buy (OTB) targets and inventory strategies.
• Monitor sales performance and inventory trends to make informed decisions regarding purchase order pull-ins, push-outs, and adjustments.
• Manage and resolve backorder opportunities to support product availability.
• Develop and maintain accurate product forecasts to support inventory planning decisions.
• Manage forecast exceptions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain effective replenishment parameters to optimize inventory levels across the business.
• Analyze sales trends and inventory performance to improve in-stock availability.
• Partner with Distribution Centers to resolve inventory discrepancies and shipment issues.
• Manage return-to-vendor (RTV) processes as needed.
• Monitor inbound inventory flow and ensure products are moving efficiently through the supply chain.
• Provide direction and support to 1-2 team members to help achieve departmental goals.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and recognition to support team development.
• Create and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory processes and business outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; or equivalent retail inventory planning experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail, inventory planning, merchandising, or supply chain.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to work with inventory management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities within established timelines.
• Ability to work onsite Tuesday-Thursday.

Leslie's provides a robust benefits package, including:

• Health savings account (with enrollment in the high deductible health plan option).
• Health & dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Company-paid basic life and AD&D insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental life insurance.
• Company-paid short-term disability and voluntary long-term disability insurance.
• Pre-tax and Roth 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick, and bereavement leave.
• Paid holidays, including a floating personal day.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.
• Earned Wage access isavailable, allowing early access to a portion of your earned wages before payday.
• Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, & vision plan options.
• Product discounts at Leslie’s Retail stores.

Leslie’s recognizes a critical component to our continued success is our people. Leslie’s is proud to have a culture of inclusion that seeks to celebrate and embrace the different backgrounds and perspectives that help drive our success and support team members in developing and growing with us. We aim to create a workplace where all team members feel welcomed and valued and inspire each other every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.