Inventory Manager

Inventory Planning and Management;Merchandise Planning and Buying Relevant Work Experience: 2+ to 5 Years Career Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) Industry: Retail As a leader in the health, fitness and wellness industry, you'll be responsible for improving lives. Starting with your own. The Vitamin Shoppe is dedicated to healthy living. We seek to differentiate ourselves by providing the highest quality products at discount prices and by providing exceptional customer service. We increase the value we offer to our customers through Vitamin Shoppe brand products and by being an education destination for our customers. And, only at the Vitamin Shoppe will customers find Associates, or Health Enthusiasts, committed to sharing information regarding health, fitness and nutrition! We currently have a need for an Inventory Manager at our corporate office in North Bergen, New Jersey. This person will be responsible for?achieving inventory goals including in-stock and service levels at the stores and the DC, managing the utilization of the JDA MMS system to help maximize its benefits and to serve as a liaison between the replenishment department and other departments. As a liaison to other departments, the Manager of Inventory is to provide recommendations to ensure optimum inventory in stores and in support of our Direct business. Essential Functions: Implement the inventory strategy to support assortment and merchandise plans while achieving service level and inventory turn targets. Manage the inventory levels for product categories through analysis of trends, exceptions, rate of sale, minimum order quantities and minimum presentation quantities. Execute allocation decisions through the lowest reasonable level of the business, which will most directly impact sales and margin. Ensure the stores are kept in stock to support their ability to sell merchandise. Pro-actively manage in-stock per available reporting and system information. React promptly to unanticipated trends in the business. Drive continuous improvements in the Direct Business customer fulfillment rates while maximizing inventory productivity.? Identify and take corrective action to overcome warehouse backorders or short-stock positions.? Develop and execute replenishment plans for promotional items to ensure in-stocks at the stores and minimize inventory risk post-promotion.? Understand the JDA system and its implications on the company?s systems and operations.? Set and maintain the DC-level and store-level inventory replenishment parameters in the JDA system.? Review and manage system and report generated exceptions.? Maintain a well-balanced inventory in direct proportion to sales/potential in each assigned classification to maximize volume (sales) while minimizing cost (transfers, markdowns, discontinued inventory).? Initiate and communicate analysis and recommendations in respect to inventory, sales, SKU classification and trend potential by store, store type, district, and region to the Merchants.? Review SKU forecasts and adjust according to demand and seasonality. Drive vendor efficiencies through collaborative forecasting.? Work with Vendor to drive Shipment, Lead Time, EDI and Invoicing Compliance? Develop and conduct training programs for new and existing associates to improve system skills and best practices related to replenishment.? Create an environment for the Inventory organization that is stimulating, challenging and fun, while providing an arena for education and financial growth.? Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Education/Certification: Bachelor?s Degree in Business, Retail or related field or equivalent experience. Will consider High School Diploma / GED and equivalent combination of intellectual instruction and work experience in lieu of College Degree. Required Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of retail math. Knowledge of vendor sources, products, and purchasing procedures. Experience Required: 3-5 years in Planning, Allocation or Replenishment; Retail and/or specialty retail experience is preferred. Skill and Ability: Strong analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, and presentation skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to create high level strategic and operational plans. Demonstrated collaborative skills and ability to work well within a team. Our competitive salary and benefits package includes matching 401K, medical, dental insurance, vision-care plan, prescription drug coverage, disability benefits, confidential employee assistance program, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, paid sick time, paid holidays, paid vacations, associate discount, a credit union, an on-site gym and wellness programs. We are an equal opportunity employer.     View all "Vitamin Shoppe Industries, Inc." jobs Learn more about Vitamin Shoppe Industries, Inc.