Retail Inventory Manager - Remote - WhatJobs Direct

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 950,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive pay

Professional development

Remote team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Retail Inventory Manager for a leading national retailer. This fully remote role focuses on optimizing inventory levels across the entire network, balancing product availability with carrying costs, and preventing stockouts or overstock.

You will apply demand forecasting, ERP and IMS proficiency, and strong analytics to collaborate with store operations, merchandising, and supply chain teams from anywhere in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive inventory management experience in retail.
• Strong forecasting and replenishment expertise.
• Proficient with ERP and IMS systems.
• Analytical with excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Remote work ability and self-motivation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement inventory strategies across all retail locations.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to forecast demand.
• Maintain inventory data integrity in the IMS.
• Coordinate with supply chain to ensure timely replenishment.
• Conduct regular audits and optimize stock levels.
• Generate reports on inventory KPIs (stock turn, fill rate, stockouts).
• Collaborate with store managers to address issues.
• Suggest process/tech improvements in inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with company policies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Remote work

Stakeholder influence

Strong communication

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

IMS

Excel

SQL

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retailer, is seeking a highly organized and analytical Retail Inventory Manager to join their dynamic team in a fully remote capacity. This critical role is responsible for optimizing inventory levels across the entire retail network, ensuring product availability while minimizing carrying costs and preventing stockouts or overstock situations. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of inventory management systems, demand forecasting, and supply chain principles. Working remotely, you will collaborate closely with store operations, merchandising, and supply chain departments to drive inventory efficiency and accuracy. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced inventory professional to make a substantial impact on the company's bottom line and operational success from anywhere. The position demands strategic thinking and robust analytical skills to manage complex inventory challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels across all retail locations.
• Analyze sales data, market trends, and promotional impacts to generate accurate demand forecasts.
• Manage and maintain the integrity of inventory data within the inventory management system (IMS).
• Collaborate with the supply chain and logistics teams to ensure timely replenishment and efficient stock flow.
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce inventory holding costs and minimize obsolescence.
• Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Develop reporting mechanisms to track key inventory metrics (e.g., stock turn, fill rates, stockout percentages).
• Work with store managers and teams to address inventory issues and implement corrective actions.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to inventory management processes and technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures related to inventory control.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in inventory management, preferably within the retail sector.
• Proven expertise in demand forecasting, inventory planning, and replenishment strategies.
• Strong proficiency with inventory management software and ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.
• Strong understanding of supply chain and logistics operations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Power BI) is advantageous.
• Must be detail‑oriented, highly organized, and results‑driven.

Benefits

• Fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and work‑life balance.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead critical inventory functions for a major retail brand.
• Continuous learning and professional development in inventory management and supply chain.
• Work with a collaborative and forward‑thinking remote team.