Inventory Manager, NA Retail Accessories (Hybrid)
clairesinc

***This role will be a hybrid role based in Hoffman Estates, IL***

The Inventory Manager is a super user for Blue Yonder Inventory Systems (Allocation and Replenishment / Fulfilment) Fashion and Core product. This role manages 1 Sr. Inventory Analyst and 3 Allocators.

They will collaborate with cross functional business units to build item/location eligibility by channel, lead allocation strategy and field feedback reviews, along with hindsight of prior quarter. They will work closely with the Director of Inventory Management and the allocators to address inventory opportunities and solution systemic exceptions. They will have significant interaction with the DC leads - monitoring aged transfer, DC OH ownership, and designating priority "hot flag" approval.

Main Responsibilities

• Responsible for hindsight review from previous seasons and plan for future seasons with analysis and recommendations
• Works with Director and Analysts to present pre-season store and/or assortment opportunities.
• Works closely with Director in the creation and direction of the allocation strategy guidance for the Analyst team. Ex. (Allocation Need Variables when to use/create new, Destination Selections updates/changes)
• Guides Sr. Analyst/team in preparation for consensus meetings with Buying & Planning to align on allocation strategy.
• Proactively develops recommendations for in-season changes and pre-season assortment plans and flow to ensure maximization of objectives subject to approval by Director.
• Responsible for managing the Allocators in the timely delivery and allocation of new and replenished stock, ensuring that sales plans are achieved, and stock utilization is maximized, for current and new stores.
• Works in collaboration with their peers & Sr. Analysts to ensure New Store stock builds are done effectively and on time and in communication with DC & Field/Store Operation.
• They must ensure that they deliver on their projects and that of their team, in a timely manner, with high focus on Allocator team development, inventory optimization and process improvement while analysing information and challenging decisions when necessary.

Delivery, Allocation & Replenishment/Fulfillment

• Review key parameters for Auto Allocation with the Allocators & approve the editing of Weeks of Sales', 'Weeks of Supply' & 'Seasonal Factor' to ensure builds and de-builds are accounted for and subject to approval by Director.
• Review and align on Allocation constraints in DA (Max on Hand and/or Presentation Minimums for Fulfilment)
• Review Weekly DC on hand vs. demand need with Allocators for Core/RPL product (communicate to Buying/Planning, where there is opportunity to improve receipt flow).
• Ensure the Allocation team is reviewing and solutioning system generated exceptions for Core/RPL.
• Review aging/outstanding DC to Store transfers/open Vehicle Load Lines - and support Allocators in communication to, DC, Buying, Planning & Store Operations regarding impact and actions.

Weekly Business Review

• Review In-stock/sell-thru and systemically created exceptions to provide priority and direction for the Allocators to drive resolution, support sales and inventory turn optimization. Communicating findings and actions to Director, Buying and Planning team.
• Prioritize Allocator focus on the top Core/RPL items in Accessories to ensure sales and inventory are maximized.
• Ensure Allocators are effectively addressing Field requests and communicating actions in a timely manner.

Monthly/Seasonal Business Review & Buy Trip

• Deliver topline Monthly/Seasonal insights from previous seasons and plan for future seasons based on Allocator analysis and recommendations.
• Conduct team store visits to better understand customer experience and in-store merchandise presentations.

Systems and Process Improvement

• SME and Super User for BY SCPO/Inventory systems (DA & Fulfilment).
• Aid Sr. Allocators in troubleshooting DA and Fulfilment issues
• Review and recommend opportunities to optimize allocation strategy by changing need variables, current year and prior year weeks range with alignment of Director.
• Create/approve new need variables or destination selections subject to approval by Director.
• Develop ways to continually improve existing processes as well as creating new ones that generate business value.
• Ensure Allocators are using exception management to prioritize focus on top SKUs and top Stores as well as course-correct underperforming SKUs and Stores

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required
• Proficiency BY SCPO (DA & Fulfilment applications)
• Inventory Management and/or Supply Chain experience
• Leadership skills for hiring employees, resolving conflicts, keeping employees on task and motivated
• Strong Critical-thinking skills to establish action plans and assess effectiveness
• Problem-solving skills to anticipate and handle them appropriately when they do
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• Strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in excel
• Working knowledge of AS400 - beneficial but not necessary

Completed By

Prepared By: LaVerne Dreesen

Role: Director, Inventory Management

Date: August 23, 2023

Claire's is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from members of all underrepresented groups, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require.

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