Inventory Planner, Center Store Inventory Planning Team

About the role

Manages order management operations and works with suppliers, retail and other stakeholders to ensure inventory levels are maintained, products arrive as scheduled and stores are fully stocked at all times. Works closely with category management, distribution and transportation partners to ensure operations function effectively and efficiently. Engages with vendors and suppliers to identify and resolve emerging and anticipated ordering and delivery issues.

Responsibilities

• Maintains inventory levels and forecasted needs for broad areas / regions.
• Leverages relationships with internal stakeholders, including category management, store operations, logistics, etc., to ensure mutual understanding and commitment to order management provisions and operations.
• Maintains overall order management operations to identify areas of concern and develop and recommend resolution strategies.
• Works with vendor partners to clarify performance expectations, identify potential issues and develop effective resolution strategies.
• Develops, recommends and implements order management continuous improvement systems and processes.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of order management, merchandising and retail operations.
• Advanced understanding of market conditions and supplier-specific logistics and product issues.
• Knowledge of WFM’s product mix, supply base and retail operations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain such as contracting, demand management and/or planning and procurement, and supply chain operations.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of order management, merchandising and retail operations.
• Advanced understanding of market conditions and supplier-specific logistics and product issues.
• Leadership skills to establish and implement new or enhanced order management practices that meet company and customer expectations, ensure quality and maximize savings and efficiencies.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and levels of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.
• Ability to identify areas for continuous process and system improvement.
• Analytical skills to evaluate and interpret multi-faceted and complex order management, purchasing, procurement, contract, delivery, quality, pricing and other issues.
• Possession of clear understanding of WFM’s and supported region / stores business objectives, competitive strengths and opportunities.
• Knowledge of customer, market and industry trends and emerging challenges.
• Commitment to customer service.

Benefits

Includes sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave are offered.