Director of Inventory Optimization

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Director of Inventory Planning will lead inventory strategy, planning, replenishment, and optimization across the entire Les Schwab operations network.  This role ensures optimal inventory levels to maximize sales, minimize stockouts, reduce obsolescence, and effectively manage working capital.  Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute short- and long-term inventory planning & replenishment strategies aligned with company growth objectives

• Lead the creation of demand forecasts at SKU/location level, and oversee replenishment methods to ensure accurate and timely product flows across the network

• Lead collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product Strategy, Store Operations, Marketing, Finance, etc.) to ensure inventory plans are functionally aligned 

• Responsible for leading and mentoring  the current Inventory Planning team  for the Prineville Distribution Center. The Director of Inventory planning will also focus on inventory planning expansion into the upcoming Denver Forward Stocking Location, Micro-DC locations and ultimately steering the Retail Store inventory planning and strategy.  

• Responsible for modernization of the Les Schwab planning systems, the Director of Inventory Planning will lead a project to use advanced technology platforms, leveraging artificial intelligence, to reduce our inventory holding levels and improve our overall product availability for our customers. Using this advancement to fully integrate all products (Tires & Boxed Parts) into the central planning teams.

• Implement best practices and process improvements in planning and replenishment

• Communicate inventory risks and opportunities to senior leadership, with actionable insights

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

30% - Develop and direct the integration of centralized inventory planning for the Forward Stocking location, Micro-DCs and Retail Stores.

30% - Evaluate and modernize Les Schwab’s inventory planning software while ensuring integration into the total organization.

25% - Direction of the inventory planning teams who oversee supplier planning and secondary location allocations, and leading inventory-related meetings as part of the monthly operating cadence.

10% - Owner of total network inventory KPIs and the Inventory Planning Governance meeting.

5% - Other tasks as defined by the EMG including; Partnering with Legal to build-out necessary programs and processes to assure regulatory compliance (e.g., NHTSA, ITC, etc.), and participate in annual budgeting. Owner of the Product Governance meetings, etc.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Educational/Experience Requirements:  Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business,  or equivalent and 10+ years of supply chain inventory planning and management.  Advanced degree preferred. 4+ years of progressively responsible people leadership

Technical Skills/Knowledge:  Minimum of 5 years in two disciplines of the following preferred: Management of a product development team, new product introduction, retail inventory management/replenishment, cross-functional team experience. Experience with planning systems (e.g. Oracle, JDA, SAP, Logility, or similar).

General Knowledge and Abilities:  General knowledge of tire retailing and proficient in contemporary business computer software including MS Office, Google Office applications, Tableau and Thoughtspot.

Physical Requirements:  Ability to move and handle passenger car and light truck tires as needed.

Work Environment:  Office

BENEFITS:

• Annual profit-sharing bonus

• Medical, dental, vision for employees

• Company-funded retirement plan - no cost to employee

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off

• Flex remote arrangements (work 1 day/week from home)

• Tuition Assistance

• Employee discount

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions/primary responsibilities. This job description is not all inclusive and is subject to change. Additional duties and tasks may be assigned, as necessary. Employment remains “AT WILL” at all times.