Sr Inventory Planner

Job Overview

The Senior Inventory Planner is responsible for managing the end-to-end product lifecycle, including forecasting, inventory planning, replenishment, and vendor collaboration. The primary objective is to maintain optimal inventory levels across 950+ Leslie’s locations while maximizing sales, profitability, and inventory productivity.

Responsibilities

• Create, maintain, and track purchase orders to support business needs and inventory goals.
• Analyze vendor lead times and ensure products are ordered within appropriate timelines to meet demand.
• Manage purchase order activity to align with Open-to-Buy (OTB) targets and inventory strategies.
• Monitor sales performance and inventory trends to make informed decisions regarding purchase order pull-ins, push-outs, and adjustments.
• Manage and resolve backorder opportunities to support product availability.
• Develop and maintain accurate product forecasts to support inventory planning decisions.
• Manage forecast exceptions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage replenishment parameters to optimize inventory levels across the business.
• Analyze sales trends and inventory performance to improve in-stock availability.
• Partner with Distribution Centers to resolve inventory discrepancies and shipment issues.
• Manage return-to-vendor (RTV) processes as needed.
• Monitor inbound inventory flow and ensure products are moving efficiently through the supply chain.
• Provide direction and support to 1-2 team members to help achieve departmental goals.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and recognition to support team development.
• Create and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory processes and business outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; or equivalent retail inventory planning experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in retail, inventory planning, merchandising, or supply chain.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to work with inventory management systems.
• Able to manage multiple projects and priorities within established timelines.
• Able to work onsite Tuesday-Thursday.