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- Tasks: Lead a team to manage inventory flow and ensure on-time product launches.
- Company: Join New Balance, a brand that empowers communities through sport and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private medical insurance, and a generous annual leave policy.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory planning and team management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
JOB MISSION
Reporting into the Senior Inventory Planning Manager, the Inventory Planning Manager leads one of the regional teams responsible for the end‑to‑end flow of finished goods inventory in and out of EMEA—translating forecast and demand into purchase orders, ensuring optimized order‑book fulfillment across all channels, and driving on‑time, in‑market launches and replenishment. This leader develops high‑trust, cross‑functional partnerships (Sales, Merchandising, Finance, Logistics, Customer Operations, Global Supply Planning), models our key values of teamwork, integrity and total customer satisfaction and elevates processes, systems, and talent to deliver EMEA business results.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Manage a team of planners and/or operations analysts, setting clear goals and KPIs; conducting regular 1‑to‑1s and providing coaching and development opportunities to ensure the team is highly successful in achieving the business goals.
- Drive regional finished goods purchasing governance across footwear, apparel, accessories and equipment ensuring accurate translation of market and DTC forecasts into purchase requisitions in line with the regional inventory strategy.
- Align purchasing with line plans, channel strategies and allocated/strategic programmes.
- Set and refine customer service levels and safety stock parameters to balance service, stock turns and obsolescence risk.
- Ensure complete, on‑time order fulfilment across all channels; oversee prioritisation logic and reservation rules for priority accounts and launches.
- Lead timely communication of supply constraints and recovery plans to stakeholders; escalate options for potential solutions when a compromise decision may be required by the business.
- Govern delivery location strategy and inter‑warehouse transfers in line with inventory plans.
- Represent Inventory Planning in S&OP to drive decisions on supply either to fulfil business opportunities or appropriately manage risk.
- Chair monthly forecast & fulfilment forums for DTC ensuring completion of agreed actions and continued improvement of metrics.
- Oversee beginning, middle and end‑of‑life strategies to minimise EOL risk.
- Partner with sales, merch, finance and DTC on sell‑through actions in accordance with the Inventory Strategy.
- Manage the creation and evolution of size curve profiles using historical sell‑through and consumer order data authorising exceptions as required to support business growth.
- Own dashboards and reporting ensuring that analysts and planners act on insights gained in a timely but appropriate manner.
- Drive ‘best in class’ operating models in accordance with the Regional Inventory Strategy ensuring optimal use of booking logic, inventory pool optimisation, cross‑market/channel shareability and on‑time go‑to‑market execution.
- Partner with functional owners to enhance D365, O9 and reporting usage highlighting continuous improvement opportunities to the Senior Inventory Planning Manager.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)
- Service and fulfilment: On‑time in‑market delivery to meet product launch calendar; complete and on‑time order fulfilment; ensure channel or priority accounts are serviced successfully.
- Inventory Health: Weeks of supply within targets; inventory turns in line with the Inventory Strategy; measurable reduction in EOL obsolescence.
- S&OP Effectiveness: Forecast alignment to buys; effectiveness of solutions to manage risks or opportunities.
- Operational Excellence: Data quality and responsiveness of dashboards; cycle‑time of decision‑making; cross‑functional satisfaction.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS
- Relevant number of years of related experience including 2 years leading planners or analysts in a regional or multi‑market environment.
- People Management Experience with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of Inventory Planning, sales process, demand planning, item life cycle management.
- Strong numeric acumen, written and verbal communication skills.
- Stakeholder influence across commercial and operational teams.
- Expert interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, managing conflicting objectives, dealing with multiple customers and competing priorities.
- Adapts quickly to changing priorities, and thrives at effective time management, multitasking, and deadline management.
- Strategic with demonstrable experience in data‑driven decision making.
- Continuous improvement mindset to facilitate the recommendation of business process and system functionality enhancements within evolving business model.
- Occasional travel across the region will be required.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc.
- Experience with Microsoft D365, o9 and/or Spotfire, a plus.
- APICS Certification, a plus.
BENEFITS
- Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
- Private Medical Insurance
- Dental Scheme
- Pension Scheme
- Flexible Working Hours
- Hybrid working (3 days on‑site)
- 25 days Annual Leave per year
- Life Insurance
- On Site Gym
- Employee Discount
- Flexibility to work 20 days from anywhere each year
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)
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.
Inventory Planning Manager in Warrington employer: New Balance
Contact Detail:
New Balance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Planning Manager in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Planning Manager in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Inventory Planning Manager role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in inventory management and team leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven inventory strategies in the past.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since data-driven decision making is key, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with tools like Microsoft D365 or o9. We want to see how you’ve used data to improve processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Balance
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Inventory Planning Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numeric acumen. Brush up on key metrics like inventory turns and weeks of supply. Be ready to discuss how you've used data-driven decision-making in past roles to optimise inventory management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and developed planners or analysts. Highlight specific instances where you set clear goals and KPIs, and how you conducted regular 1-to-1s to ensure team success.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with New Balance's core values and mission. Be ready to discuss how you can align inventory strategies with sales, merchandising, and finance. Showing that you understand the bigger picture will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling supply constraints and prioritising orders. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and prepare your responses. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to manage conflicting objectives will be key.