Senior Manager of Inventory Operations

Join us at Oriental Trading, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, where fun means business!

General Summary of Purpose:

As our Senior Manager of Inventory Operations, you will be responsible for The Senior Manager of Inventory Operations leads the company’s merchandise procurement and inventory management strategies in support of company growth thru in-stock levels, inventory productivity and cost reductions. Responsible for development of short- and long-term plans. Leads inventory planning and control functions for multiple business units and locations. Develops and implements policies and procedures. Partners with Merchandising, Marketing, Sourcing, Finance and Operations to meet organizational goals

Essential Functions:

• Works closely with Finance, Merchandise Planning and Demand Planning in development of sales, margin and contribution targets. Leads the inventory planning process to include annual inventory plans including cost of goods, receipts (including Open-To-Buy (OTB)) and landed cost estimates.
• Works with Demand Planning team to understand approach and timing of quarterly plan activity.
• Reacts to, and manages the changes in Sales forecasts in a timely manner
• Directs, coaches and mentors staff to ensure engagement and productivity levels are maintained; provides regular and consistent feedback and communication throughout the year and during goal setting and follow-up sessions and performance reviews
• Fosters collaboration between Merchandising, Inventory, Sourcing, and Marketing groups, resulting in improved sales and contribution productivity, improved fill rate and inventory turns, and manage cost of goods
• Coordinates closeout and liquidation strategies with Merchandising.
• Remains current on industry best practices and monitors financial performance against corporate objectives; analyzes historical data and current trends to identify risks and opportunities
• Sets and maintains appropriate performance metrics for the organization that will drive productivity and agility and lower costs across the organization
• Communicates organizational performance effectively against internal and external benchmarks to top management and staff. Ensures that the organization is optimizing processes, technology, and systems related to planning and merchandising
• Builds favorable external relationships and reputation in the retail industry
• Ensures reporting readily identifies risks and opportunities to sales and margin
• Assists in developing and implementing planning processes, standards, and management tools (Schedules, Change management, Project prioritization, etc.)
• Establishes and maintains communication with Marketing, Product Development, Merchandising, Ecommerce, Information Technology, Finance, Inventory, Pricing and Sourcing
• Builds consensus on forecasts for the businesses in which they are accountable (revenue, margin realization, receipts, and inventory)
• Develops and enhances the merchandising and product lifecycle process
• Must be able to attend face to face meetings on short or little advance notice
• Work requires in-person collaboration among colleagues and contractors
• Abide by all policies and procedures of Oriental Trading Company.
• Assists with reports and spreadsheet development in Finance and other Departments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation dictates.

Here’s what you need to join the fun:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong background in demand/supply planning and analytics, and inventory management
• Strong understanding of financial concepts related to project evaluation, financial forecasting, return on investment, cash flow analysis, and cost accounting
• Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Requires the ability to work under pressure with a large degree of independence to achieve desired results
• Must have the initiative to think through problems, devise and implement final solutions
• Ability to work with all levels of management
• Must be hands-on, highly motivated, flexible, proactive, and results-oriented.
• Ability to earn credibility and respect within all levels of organizations.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• Ability to operate a PC and proficiency with AS400, Microsoft Office products, word processing and database programs
• Ability to perform job duties in a safe manner
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Must be able to attend face to face meetings on short or little advance notice
• Work in the Finance Department office environment requires in-person collaboration among colleagues and contractors
• Abide by all policies and procedures of Oriental Trading Company.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or, related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Requires 7-10 years of supply chain and supervisory experience specializing in inventory management. Retail experience preferred.

All work and no play just isn’t our style. Join us today!

To apply in less than ten minutes click the “Apply” button or view a complete list of our current openings at http://www.myotccareer.com

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Oriental Trading Company (www.orientaltrading.com), is the nation’s largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and a leading provider of teaching supplies and affordable home décor and giftware. Founded in 1932 by a Japanese American, the Oriental Trading' history of fun spans the better part of the last century. Today, Oriental Trading offers more than 60,000 products to individuals, teachers, schools, churches, businesses and nonprofits. With a corporate vision to “Make Life More Fun,” Oriental Trading (a Berkshire Hathaway company) spreads joy and smiles to millions each year through a robust family of brands; Oriental Trading, Fun Express, MindWare, SmileMakers, Morris Costumes and halloweenexpress.com.

EOE