Associate Inventory Planner - 12M FTC - Merrell

The Inventory Planner supports the 18‑month inventory plan as part of the integrated business plan process. The role builds and updates inventory plans, monitors and improves key performance indicators, converts demand and revenue plans, maintains accurate business reporting and tools, and supports continuous process and communication improvements.

Responsibilities

• Support updating Inventory/Business Plans inline with the financial planning calendar.
• Understand open‑to‑buy budgets and category‑level inventory builds.
• Maintain inventory classifications, product lifecycle stages, and key inventory attributes.
• Analyze and update inventory plans to target inventory levels and planning KPIs.
• Monitor order book fulfillment, on‑time launches, and demand coverage, and communicate updates transparently with the business.
• Understand commercialization schedules and the impact of changes on inventory and operations.
• Contribute to monthly Inventory and Demand alignment meetings in line with the monthly planning calendar.
• Report on inventory versus demand to identify improvement areas and reduce excess.
• Partner with Planning teams to understand demand, supply, and capacity changes during the monthly inventory buy process.
• Collaborate with Production and Supply Planning on factory communication and production scheduling.
• Support reporting and commentary on key inventory metrics such as availability, close‑out, aged inventory, composition, and excess.
• Convert monthly planning into weekly execution planning and own size‑level planning.
• Create, load, and maintain size‑level purchase orders and prioritize or reschedule them in response to changes in demand or supply.
• Drive system accuracy across SAP and other planning systems.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, and Logistics to resolve issues and deliver optimal service to customers.
• Perform duties in line with the company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years’ experience in inventory planning; relevant industry experience is a plus.
• Strong MS Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, macros) and the ability to analyze large data sets.
• Knowledge of SAP ERP systems and other planning tools is preferred.
• Experience with business intelligence tools.
• Understanding of supply chain functions, dependencies, and systems.
• Strong decision‑making abilities with attention to detail and accuracy across multiple projects under time pressure.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a highly collaborative environment and work as a team player.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Some travel may be required.

EEO Statement

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value differences and believe they strengthen us. We are an equal‑opportunity employer, offering equal opportunities for associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.