MANAGER, GLOBAL INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

This position has been filled - Job#: 453365263

Job Summary

JOB MISSION:

This position will work to deliver strategic and tactical solutions for the Global Supply Planning and Inventory Management organization.  This role will be constantly reviewing practices and recommending system and process enhancements as required to create planning efficiencies for the Global team.  Develop and deliver system improvements to create planning efficiencies for the team.  Participate in a lead role on the Global Inventory Management initiative to deliver consistent and standard practices for Sales Forecasting, Demand Planning, Inventory Planning and Purchasing, and S&OP processes around the world.  Lead the documentation of standard protocols for maintaining the systems, ensure end user training is sufficient, and manage the system upgrade projects as required.  This position will analyze business problems and recommend business process improvements and development changes for the group.  Working collaboratively with the business and with IT, recommend aligned solutions to support the business goals and company objectives.

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MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Participate (in a leadership role) in the Global Inventory Management initiative to drive Supply Planning and Inventory Management processes into the New Balance Subsidiary markets.  Lead the project activities for the Global Supply Planning tool for both Footwear and Apparel.  Ensure project team is working to achieve the project plan, identify risks or roadblocks on a timely manner.  Assist in development and maintenance of the overall project plan, including cost/benefit analysis.  Provide complete and thorough testing of the system, and recommend approval for the go-live activity.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of inventory policies, targets and replenishment strategies to manage inventory across all regions, markets, categories and channels.
• Accountable for continuous improvement and driving change through KPI's. Will own meeting business goals by establishing best practices and determining course of action for challenges and opportunities.
• Establish best practices and course of action for challenges and opportunities including inventory planning as it relates to replenishment strategies and analytics.
• Standardize inventory management, planning processes and policies across supported business units, such as but not limited to: inventory settings, days of supply coverage targets, order minimums, lead time management, and replenishment orders.
• Serve as the super-user and subject matter expert within the Global Supply Planning team for business process and technology solutions that support the activities of the Global Supply Planning function.
• Work with business partners to understand current and future business needs.  Assist in the development and implementation of the Global Supply Planning system architecture roadmap.  Ensure the roadmap is realistic and has support from the business and IT communities .
• Lead the strategic analysis of “best in class” technology improvements that would streamline the Global Supply Planning and SIOP processes.  Stay current on latest technology trends and platforms, analyze process/technology gaps and inefficiencies, recommend improvements in the roadmap and identify change management needs.
• Lead the creation of a Global Supply Planning Standard Operating Procedures manual and process for the Global Supply Planning tool.  This should include administration activities and end user training materials.
• Lead end user training activities as required.
• Manage system vendors as required.  Ensure complete and accurate development and management of the SOW process.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Management, Computer Science, or related discipline or equivalent experience is required
• Minimum 7-10 years in Supply Chain management roles, including: supply chain planning, inventory & distribution planning, inventory management, operations, buying/procurement, and/or logistics/distribution
• Consumer products company experience required, footwear and apparel preferred, especially a fast-moving, multi-channel consumer goods business with global manufacturing/sourcing
• 7+ years with a leading inventory/replenishment/supply chain planning solution
• Strong working knowledge and experience implementing inventory management/replenishment and supply planning leading practices & principles
• Experience in collaborative or integrated planning process required
• Experience in organizing, planning, and executing large-scale systems projects from vision through implementation. Prefer experience in a large wholesale and retail environment
• Solid technical understanding and proven ability to leverage technology to meet business objectives.
• Demonstrated high competency in the execution of multiple large projects, including managing resources across multiple projects to meet goals, delivery timelines and budgetary guidelines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation and conceptual skills
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and persuade at all management levels, and thrive in a cross-functional, evolving business and technical environment
• Ability to work independently in an operations environment
• Ability to work virtually with other organizations