Group Inventory Senior Director

Scope:

Purchasing: $4 billion; Inventory Asset $450 million

Major Responsibilities:

• Program, manage and participate in the creation, distribution, presentation and/or approval of the company's S&OP process inputs / outputs (e.g., promo plans, demand forecasts, supply plans, inventory plans, financial plans, etc.) and key metrics (e.g., fill rate %, forecast accuracy, inventory weeks of supply, in-stocks, excess inventory, etc.)
• Design and support an inventory stocking strategy that supports and aligns with overall corporate strategic direction, customer expectations, and company financial objectives.
• Continually monitor network capacity, planned output and inventory status, and identify and address current or anticipated shortages and overages.
• Update senior leadership on core inventory performance, including product and service level agreements, inventory turns, excess/slow moving inventory, and cost objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal requirements, quality, safety guidelines and standards.
• Prepare and present inventory stocking market analysis and change recommendations to leadership.
• Responsible for the direction and coordination of purchasing activities and inbound flow driving effectiveness and efficiencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Evaluate, identify, and support opportunities between merchandising and vendor partners driving improved in-stock percentages through fill rate and on-time shipping.
• Direct and oversee the management of inventory productivity with slow moving and excess inventory coordination with merchandising, pricing and finance.
• Maintain routines to ensure delivery of core supply chain metrics in terms of service, inventory value, and turns.
• Manage conflicting strategic priorities and multiple opportunities to find the best way of creating long-term success.
• Implement and oversee initiatives and capabilities to support inventory performance over a multi-year horizon
• Oversee the review and evaluation of inventory flows driving optimal service level and working capital while streamlining processes and relationships.
• Continually challenge the status quo, seeking new initiatives to keep pace with and leverage opportunities of optimization with purchasing flows, stocking strategies, and internal replenishment.
• Own the coordination of inbound flow and resolve issues among vendors and internal partners to ensure material availability necessary to support fill rates and on-time shipments.

Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Advanced knowledge of core inventory management principles is required.
• Intermediate/Advanced skill with MS Office suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to lead / participate in numerous cross-functional projects is required.

Education and Experience:

• Conceptual thinker who can move from strategy to tactical implementation seamlessly.
• Good spoken and written communication skills and comfortable interacting with all levels
• 8 + years of experience in a leadership role, growing and developing a team
• Attention to detail with a strategic (big picture) mindset
• Strong management skills in dealing with internal and external customers
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and quickly changing priorities
• Strong professional knowledge in all aspects of supply chain (purchasing, planning, transportation, warehousing, order processing and customer collaboration)
• Ability to sell and convey new business ideas and concepts
• Demonstrated success at influencing without authority in transformation efforts
• Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus on Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Benefits:

• 401k with matching
• Employee discount
• Paid Vacation, Floating Holidays, and Sick Time
• Health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Maternity and Parental leave benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Overtime Pay for hourly employees
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Holidays

Essendant drives to be inclusive and celebrates diversity by starting with our associates. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that is committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. We strongly encourage candidates to apply for opportunities, even if you do not believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. At Essendant we are building an elevated community by creating a safe and supportive work environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, including or based on age, race, color, disability, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. People are what drives our company. We are one team with endless possibilities. We are Essendant.