Manager, Inventory Planning – North America

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary : The North American Inventory Planning Manager works closely with Business Unit Ordering Managers and Merchants across all levels of the Merchandising support staff.

This role is instrumental in creating ordering efficiencies for store and store support teams, optimizing inventory levels and improving guest satisfaction.

This position is responsible for ensuring the effective use and optimization of the RELEX solution throughout Circle K’s 16 North American operating business units.

The North American Inventory Planning Manager should have excellent organizational and communication skills and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment.

Essential Functions :

Maintains the configuration of the RELEX platform to accommodate changing business needs and to increase the use of automation where appropriate.

Ensures all required processes are in place and all needed data is available and correct. Reviews nightly / weekly run incidents log and validates results of previous changes.

Provides end user support and training for RELEX’s basic forecasting, replenishment, and allocations functionalities and coming changes.

Investigates site Balance on Hand data accuracy issues and makes recommendations to better facilitate the goal of being in stock with the correct quantity of product at the correct time.

Investigates, analyzes, and resolves more complex exceptions. Maintains Exception Logic & Notifications settings in the tool for Operations involving Forecasting, Scan Audits, Order Creation, On Hand Anomalies (Zero on Hand, Negative on Hand), Suggested Ordering Compliance reporting and Days on Hand Inventory.

Collaborates with RELEX regarding KPIs, new releases, and new functionalities. Reviews KPIs and dashboards to monitor process and system usage, conducting follow up as needed to ensure compliance.

Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement by soliciting feedback from end users to identify development needs, reviewing new modules that might be relevant, and sharing ideas and ready solutions to end users for feedback.

Collaborates across functions (., logistics, merchandising, space planning) regarding upcoming configuration changes, data management issues, upcoming roll-outs, promotions, events and seasons.

Liaises with RELEX CSM to build pipeline of minor developments. Manages capacity across the chain, especially related to major events, season changes, and large promotions.

Maintains scan audit calendar and reports on compliance. Provides support on how to optimize scan audit process to help make it easier at store level.

Works well with all levels of operations including Site Managers, District Managers, and Regional Directors of Operations to make the automated ordering system work to its maximum efficiency.

Supports Scan Audit compliance for accurate hand inventory amounts. Looks for opportunities to improve the process, performance, and accuracy of all RELEX Suggested Ordering Tool related activities.

Works with Business Unit and other Ordering Managers to expand RELEX Suggested Ordering tool usage for Food Service, Supplies, and DSD categories.

Other duties as assigned or deemed necessary. Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops;

reading professional publications, establishing personal networks; or participating in professional societies. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing determined Financial and Key Result Area targets pursuant to Company Plan guidelines.

Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field preferred. Other combinations of job-related experience and education that meet the requirements may be substituted.

Three to five years of experience or more preferred, including at least three years of management responsibility. Proven experience as a super user or administrator of RELEX software or similar is a plus.

Strong understanding of forecasting, inventory management, and replenishment principles. Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.

Must be able to travel locally as needed. Must possess a Driver’s License and the ability to drive to multiple store locations.

Must be proficient in data analysis tools and software (., Excel, SQL, BI tools) General supply chain knowledge & understanding.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Must always maintain a positive team attitude and professional demeanor.

Must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities as described above.

Physical Requirements :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Complete physical activity inventory of the position includes :

• Sit for extended periods of time
• Operate computer keyboard and mouse for data entry
• View computer monitor
• Hear and speak via telephone
• Reach forward and / or overhead
• Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions inventory of the position includes :

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate at a normal range.
• The lighting will include natural light from the outside and fluorescent lighting throughout the work areas.
• Work with minimum direction and periodic supervision.

THE ABOVE STATEMENTS REFLECT THE GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS / DUTIES AND / OR RESPONSIBILITIES NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE JOB AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY INTENDED TO SET FORTH ALL OF THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB.

NOTE : This Job Description may change periodically as required by business necessity, with or without advance notice to employees.