Strategic Inventory Planner & Forecasting Lead

Rural King; Mattoon (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Healthcare plans

Virtual doctor visits

Centers of Excellence program

15% Associate Discount

SmartDollar Financial Program

Associate Assistance Program

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program

24/7 Chaplaincy Services

YMCA Membership

Job summary

Rural King in Mattoon, IL is hiring an Inventory Planner to optimize inventory investments, forecast demand, and partner with merchandising, replenishment, and supply chain teams. You’ll influence financial outcomes and provide analytical support to merchant and replenishment groups.

The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, vendor planning, and seasonal SKU management within a fast-paced retail environment. Join a growth-focused company with strong benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of related experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Strong Excel proficiency is required.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong understanding of retail business practices.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Adaptive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing plans optimizing sales, profit, and cash flow.
• Lead short-, mid-, and long-term forecasting of demand using statistical models.
• Manage open-to-buy process and communicate variances to plans and strategies.
• Analyze freight flow and suggest improvements for efficiency and cost to serve.
• Lead preseason strategy and vendor planning with inventory flow adjustments.
• Identify underperforming categories and recommend actionable improvements.
• Perform multi-year trend analysis to inform next season’s planning.
• Create seasonal SKU groupings and track inventory levels, sell-through, and profitability.
• Provide markdown analysis to balance gross profit with inventory investment.
• Maintain confidentiality and act with professionalism in daily decisions.
• Participate in training and development opportunities.

Skills

Excel

Oracle Systems

Analytical thinking

Communication

Customer service

Retail knowledge

Negotiation

Organization

Integrity

Confidentiality

Tools

Oracle Systems

Job description

Rural King in Mattoon, IL is hiring an Inventory Planner to optimize inventory investments, forecast demand, and partner with merchandising, replenishment, and supply chain teams. You’ll influence financial outcomes and provide analytical support to merchant and replenishment groups.

The role emphasizes data-driven decisions, vendor planning, and seasonal SKU management within a fast-paced retail environment. Join a growth-focused company with strong benefits.