Strategic Inventory Planner — Cross-Functional Leader

Lowe's; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Lowe’s, headquartered in Mooresville, NC, seeks an experienced Inventory Planner to develop and execute inventory strategies across stores, DCs, and digital channels. You will partner with Merchandising, Replenishment, and Supply Chain to optimize product availability, forecast accuracy, and working capital while maintaining service levels.

The role requires advanced analytics, ERP familiarity, and strong communication to influence leaders and cross‑functional partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Mathematics, or a related field; or equivalent years of experience in lieu of education requirement.
• 7+ years of experience in retail, manufacturing, or supply chain.
• 3+ years of experience in inventory planning, replenishment, merchandise planning, demand planning, retail operations, merchandise buying, or assortment planning.
• Experience independently managing inventory plans for complex merchandise categories, business units, or distribution networks.
• Advanced knowledge of inventory‑planning principles, including forecasting, safety stock, service levels, inventory turns, weeks of supply, product lifecycle management, and working‑capital optimization.
• Experience using Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar business‑intelligence and data‑analysis tools.
• Experience with RELEX, SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, Manhattan, or a comparable planning and supply‑chain platform.

Responsibilities

• Design inventory strategies that balance customer experience, financial objectives, and constraints.
• Manage inventory strategies across stores, distribution centers, and digital channels.
• Analyze demand forecasts, sales trends, inventory positions, and vendor performance.
• Recommend and execute inventory actions to address out‑of‑stocks, excess inventory, or aging stock.
• Establish and maintain inventory targets, safety stock, service levels, and planning parameters.
• Collaborate with Merchandising and Assortment Planning for promotions and launches.
• Coordinate with Replenishment and Supply Chain to execute plans across networks.
• Evaluate financial implications of decisions and provide data‑driven recommendations.
• Lead discussions translating system insights into actionable leadership decisions.
• Evaluate planning scenarios and guide leadership toward decisions under uncertainty.
• Monitor performance and adjust strategies based on results and evolving priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement of planning processes and governance.
• Support planning-system implementations, enhancements, testing, and adoption.
• Maintain accurate planning data and ensure compliance with controls.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Strong analytical skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Business acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

RELEX

SAP

Oracle

Blue Yonder

Manhattan

Job description

Lowe’s, headquartered in Mooresville, NC, seeks an experienced Inventory Planner to develop and execute inventory strategies across stores, DCs, and digital channels. You will partner with Merchandising, Replenishment, and Supply Chain to optimize product availability, forecast accuracy, and working capital while maintaining service levels.

The role requires advanced analytics, ERP familiarity, and strong communication to influence leaders and cross‑functional partners.