Lead - Strategic Inventory Distribution

Responsibilities

• Design and implement multi-echelon inventory strategies across Sonnys distribution network collaborating with mfg. and purchasing organizations to continuously optimize our materials footprints.
• Establish inventory segmentation frameworks (ABC/XYZ) to guide stocking policies and service level targets.
• Define and manage safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment strategies considering demand and lead time variability.
• Continuously monitor and optimize inventory levels to improve fill rate, reduce backorders, and minimize excess and obsolete inventory.
• Balance trade-offs between service level, working capital, and operational constraints.
• Develop and deploy advanced analytical models to assess demand variability, forecast accuracy, and supply risk.
• Translate large datasets into actionable insights that drive planning decisions and business improvements.
• Guide the deployment and adoption of KPI dashboards and reporting tools using Power BI, SAP analytics, and Excel.
• Track and improve KPIs including fill rate, OTIF, forecast accuracy, inventory turns, and days on hand.
• Apply predictive and prescriptive analytics to optimize decision-making.
• Serve as the enterprise subject matter expert for SAP planning and inventory processes.
• Optimize MRP parameters, planning logic, and system configuration to improve output quality.
• Collaborate with Sonnys master data team to implement and material governance best practices including lead times, safety stock, lot sizes, and BOM accuracy.
• Identify system gaps and drive ERP improvements that enhance planning effectiveness.
• Support transformation initiatives including system upgrades or migrations.
• Play a leadership role in the S&OP/IBP process ensuring alignment across functions.
• Translate demand forecasts into feasible supply and inventory strategies.
• Partner with Finance to align inventory strategies with working capital objectives.
• Ensure planning outputs support business growth and operational constraints.
• Optimize network flows between manufacturing plants and distribution centers.
• Balance plant capacity, production schedules, and inventory positioning.
• Identify and mitigate bottlenecks in supply and distribution.
• Mentor and collaborate with a team of supply chain planners including offshore resources.
• Establish clear KPIs, workflows, and governance structures for distributed teams.
• Drive consistency and standardization across planning processes globally.
• Provide coaching and training to enhance analytical and system capabilities.
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and collaborative team culture.
• Lead initiatives to reduce working capital and improve service levels.
• Identify root causes of inventory imbalances and service issues and implement corrective actions.
• Quantify financial impact of improvements and report to leadership.
• Drive adoption of best practices in inventory management and lean principles.
• Partner with operations, procurement, finance, sales, and customer service teams to align priorities.
• Influence business decisions using data-driven insights.
• Act as a trusted advisor on inventory and supply chain strategy.
• Communicate complex concepts effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field required.
• 7–10+ years of experience in inventory planning, supply planning, or supply chain strategy.
• Experience managing complex, multi-site supply chain environments.
• Proven track record of improving service levels and reducing inventory investment.
• Experience leading offshore or remote planning teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Deep expertise in SAP ECC, SAP S/4HANA, and/or SAP Business One.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with Power BI or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of forecasting, inventory optimization, and supply chain analytics.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid medical plan.
• Optional benefit programs available to employees and their families including: 401(k) match, additional medical plans, dental, vision, flex spending account, short-term and long-term disability & life insurance coverage.