New Balance - Inventory Planner - 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 internal progression, the Inventory Planner plays a central and critical role in delivering EMEA business results through planning and executing the purchasing and reservation of Finished Goods inventory for all Product Lines. This team is responsible for the end-to-end flow of inventory in and out of the Region. Inventory Planning is responsible for the translation of forecast and demand requirements into purchase orders, resulting in optimized order book fulfillment to service all New Balance channels of business. In addition, you may be expected to travel to our Netherlands office to meet with the team a few times a year.      

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Inventory Management

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

  • Translate market forecast and demands into Purchase Requisitions

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

  • Lead and Approve Direct Container requirements

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

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

  • Use 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 lead life cycle behavior to ensure that item transitions are performed effectively

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

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

Demand fulfillment

• Complete and on time order fulfillment

• Effective participant in weekly Value Chain Operations meetings

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

  • Analyze and action Inventory Waterfalls

  • Complete Finished Goods Buy Summary

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

• Maintain Demand Prioritization Rules to executive business strategies and optimize order fulfillment 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. ie. Air Freight, Inventory Transfers, etc

• Proactive and timely communication regarding supply constraints and orderbook fulfillment

• Participate in Finished Goods Quality resolution efforts to mitigate impact to order fulfillment and provide timely updates to impacted partners

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Minimum 2 years planning experience (does not have to be in a Sports/Fashion environment)

• Experience of ERP/Planning systems and business reporting tools is desirable

• Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, conflicting objectives, and dealing with multiple customers and priorities

• Ability to interpret data and use it to make informed inventory decisions

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

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

• Teammate

• Continuous Improvement mentality

• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc

BENEFITS:

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity

• Private Medical Insurance

• Dental Scheme

• Pension Scheme

• Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)

• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)

• 25 days Annual Leave per year

• Life Insurance

• On Site Gym

• Employee Discount

• Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year

• 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.