Inventory Manager - SHC Footwear

Location Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 Status Full Time Job Category Logistics/Transportation Career Level Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff) Inventory Manager - SHC Footwear Sears is committed to improving the lives of our customers by providing quality services, products and solutions that earn their trust and build lifetime relationships. We are proud of our diverse, high-performance team work environment and we strive for continuous improvement through keen focus on growth, effectiveness and a sense of urgency. Individuals who are driven to earn our customers' trust and business every day, who act with integrity, who treat everyone fairly and value diversity, and who are accountable for their actions are welcome to show interest in becoming a member of our winning team.This role is responsible for the development of the merchandise plan including sales, margin, inventory turnover, and in stock percentage at the line, category, and appropriate class or key item level. In addition, is responsible for delivering sales and margin targets through flawless execution of the merchandise flow plan while achieving Distribution Center fill rate, inventory turnover, in-stock percentage and liability inventory goals. This position reports directly to the Director of Inventory Management, and has management responsibility for Inventory Analyst and Sr. Inventory Analyst. This associate works closely with their buying team, finance, stores, vendors, and the merchandising support team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.QualificationsResponsibilities:- Monitors department/line performance & makes appropriate mid-course corrections to forecasts- Incorporates modeling, situation analysis, problem diagnosis, & operations analysis to support business decision making with financial analysis- Participates in weekly and monthly in season business management meetings, presenting analysis, calling out issues & action items- Facilitates and completes the monthly and seasonal post mortem review process with data and analysis- Develops associates through interviews, selection, coaching, mentoring, performance management, talent management & succession planning- Develops and monitors pre-season, in-season, semi-annual, monthly and weekly business financial plans and forecasts- Develops Distribution Center (DC) level plans and forecasts fully communicating and integrating these plans with logistics and DC operating plans.- Supports the business review and line review processes with data and analysis- Supports the forecast and OTB meetings with data and analysis- Utilizes and maintains forecasting/planning tools to drive results- Ensures the department/line estimates, forecasts and working plans reflect current conditions- Creates monthly financial forecast (ROF) for sales, gross profit, inventory and other required elements in merchandise plan- Identifies trends, opportunities, and risks to current forecasts and the next period's plan- Develops seasonal & tactical receipt plans for stores and DCs- Monitors and reviews the open-to-receive dollars weekly/monthly and provides recommendations to maximize profitability and stock/sales ratios, including proposing markdowns to meet flow and aged inventory targets- Supports the development of promotional sales estimates by providing the buying team with weekly, item or program level promotional estimates- Reconciles promotional estimates and buy quantities to the financial plan, the buyer's sales demand forecasts and supports inventory requirements for out of line displays (end-caps, bulk stacks, Sears experience, etc.)- Analyzes promotional results with buying team- Partners with buying team to develop assortments based on affordability, breadth, depth, and receipt flow- Assists in tailoring the initial assortment- Develops merchandise exit strategies with buying team- Develops markdown management and liability inventory strategies that minimize markdowns and maximize inventory management in all levels of the supply chain - Determines regular markdown dollar plan- Determines merchandise depreciation dollar plan- Drives liquidation of liability inventory through use of appropriate tools - Serves as a business partner to the buying team- Monitors inventory performance and direct appropriate mid-course corrections to achieve targets- Selects appropriate replenishment strategies (weeks of coverage, review method, etc.)- Ensures that allocation & replenishment system settings are tuned to optimize inventory productivity- Sets frequency for on-order review and clean up-Determines allocation strategy- Manages Analyst support of vendor integration related initiatives - Oversees Purchase Order creation & maintenance by IAs- Maintains productive and supportive working relationships with stores, districts, regions and vendorsRequirements:Bachelor's degree with focus on Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or a related field5+ years experience with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilitiesPrior leadership experience requiredFootwear experience requiredStrong managerial, planning, organization and project management skillsAbility to mediate differences of opinion and facilitate resolution when conflicts ariseAbility to participate in cross-functional initiatives and projectsDemonstrated knowledge of industry practices and current trendsUnderstanding of the supply chainWorking knowledge of Merchandising and Retail Systems RequiredBenefitsAs a Sears professional, your career path options will be determined by your performance as well as your desire to advance further within the Sears organization. You'll also get some of the best benefits in the industry:-Medical, Dental and Legal Plans -Flexible Spending Accounts -Associate Discounts -Group Universal Life Insurance -Long-Term Disability Insurance -Long-Term Care Insurance -Business Travel Accident Insurance -Short-Term Disability -Vacation/Personal and National Holidays -WorkLife Solutions Please Note: Different eligibility rules apply to certain benefits. Some businesses do not offer all benefits shown.Sears is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.