New Balance - Inventory Planning Manager - Warrington

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. At New Balance, We Got Now.

JOB MISSION:

Due to a new project, we have a brand new opportunity to join the New Balance Team as an Inventory Planning Manager. You will be responsible for the execution and implementation of a new ERP and planning system within the EMEA region. As the system super user, you will be responsible for training and knowledge sharing with all required stakeholders- both internally and externally.

The role will ultimately be accountable for delivering EMEA business results through planning and completing the purchasing and reservation of finished goods inventory for all product lines. Ideal candidate will lead the end-to-end flow of inventory in and out of the EMEA region. You will lead a team of inventory planners to translate forecast and demand requirements into purchase orders, which will ultimately result in optimized order book fulfilment to service all New Balance channels of business.

We offer hybrid working (3 days in office) and flexibility of working hours to accommodate a healthy work life balance.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

ERP Track Lead for Inventory Planning

• Provides expert knowledge on functional area for requirements, validation, etc.

• Leads and coordinates within their tracks, communicating project details within their track.

• Ensures the delivered solution aligns with the strategic business requirements.

• Call out conflicts that cannot be otherwise resolved.

• Ensures all deliverables are fully tested and ready for implementation.

• Manages and facilitates training activities.

Management of Inventory Planning

• Finished Goods Purchasing for Footwear, Apparel and Accessories All Product Lines

• Translate market forecast and demands into Purchase Requisitions

• Manage Make to Stock (MTS) and Make to Order (MTO) items via Purchase Requisitions review and approval process

• Manage and Approve Direct Container requirements

• Complete the planning and on-time delivery of Strategic and Allocated Programs

• Manage inventory levels by brand, product line, line plan business

  • Apply available market intelligence (forecast attainment performance, retail sell through) to dynamically manage on hand and incoming inventory

  • Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising on distressed inventory issues

  • Item Life Cycle Management: Beginning of Life (BOL), Middle of Life (MOL) and End of Life (EOL) strategy execution

    • Review and manage life cycle behaviour to ensure that item transitions are implemented effectively

    • Collaborate with Global Supply Planning across all Source Types to ensure Key Launch strategies are supported

  • Analyse size curve recommendations and propose adjustments to optimize demand fulfilment and best utilization of finished goods inventory

Demand fulfilment

• Complete and on time order fulfilment

• Effective participant in weekly Value Chain Operations meetings

• Proactive management of inventory availability and on-time order fulfilment

  • Analyse and action Inventory Waterfalls

  • Complete Finished Goods Buy Summary

  • Optimize order fulfilment for various strategic and priorities items to ensure on time in market launches and replenishment

• Maintain Demand Prioritisation Rules to executive business strategies and optimize order fulfilment of priority accounts

• Facilitate the resolution of supply related sales order management issues in collaboration with Customer Operations

• Participate in monthly S&OP process

• Recommend expediting Finished Goods via various ship modes in partnership with Value Chain, Logistics, Customer Operations, etc. I.e. Air Freight, Inventory Transfers, etc

• Proactive and timely communication regarding supply constraints and orderbook fulfilment

• Participate in Finished Goods Quality resolution efforts to mitigate impact to order fulfilment and provide timely updates to impacted stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Strong people management skills and experience demonstrating an ability to coach the team through a period of notable change

• Experience of working in cross functional project teams, demonstrating excellent collaboration, leadership, and communication within those teams

• Experience of implementation and migration of systems, particularly ERP/Planning system

• Previous planning experience

• Previous experience within a similar role

• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, handling conflict, and dealing with multiple customers

• Able to interpret data and use it to influence key stakeholders

• Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and to manage time, multiple tasks, and deadlines effectively.

• Solid communication and presentation skills

• Ability to deliver solutions that support the strategic business requirements

• Team player

BENEFITS:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity

• Private Medical Insurance

• Dental Scheme

• Pension Scheme

• Flexible Working Hours (7am-10am start, 3pm-6pm finish)

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)

• 25 days Annual Leave per year, increasing with service

• Life Insurance

• On Site Gym

• Employee Discount

• 4 weeks work from anywhere

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.