Inventory Manager - Sears Essentials, Test and Learn

Location US-IL-Hoffman Estates Status Full Time Job Category Logistics/Transportation Career Level Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff) Inventory Manager - Sears Essentials, Test and Learn 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 facilitating the merchandising Test and Learn environment through analytics to support 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 to communicate test initiatives to Sears and Kmart merchant partners, act as project managers for test initiatives, and identify and resolve systemic flow opportunities. This position reports directly to the Director of Inventory Management, Specialty Formats. This associate works closely with the store operations team, buying teams, hardlines inventory management teams, finance, stores, logistics, and the merchandising support team to significantly improve the profitability and maximize shareholder value.QualificationsMonitors department/line performance & makes appropriate mid-course corrections to forecastsIncorporates modeling, situation analysis, problem diagnosis, & operations analysis to support business decision making with financial analysisParticipates in weekly and monthly in season business management meetings, presenting analysis, calling out issues and action itemsFacilitates and completes the monthly and seasonal post mortem review process with data and analysisDevelops associates through interviews, selection, coaching, mentoring, performance management, talent management and succession planningDevelops and monitors pre-season, in-season, semi-annual, monthly and weekly business financial plans and forecasts that adhere to strategic and financial objectivesDevelops 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 analysisSupports the forecast and OTB meetings with data and analysisUtilizes and maintains forecasting/planning tools to drive resultsEnsures the department/line estimates, forecasts and working plans reflect current conditionsCreates monthly financial forecast (ROF) for sales, gross profit, inventory and other required elements in merchandise planIdentifies trends, opportunities, and risks to current forecasts and the next period s planDevelops seasonal & tactical receipt plans for stores and DCsMonitors 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 targetsSupports the development of promotional sales estimates by providing the buying team with weekly, item or program level promotional estimatesReconciles 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 teamPartners with buying team to develop assortments based on affordability, breadth, depth, and receipt flowAssists in tailoring the initial assortmentDevelops merchandise exit strategies with buying teamDevelops 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 & merchandise depreciation dollar planDrives liquidation of liability inventory through use of appropriate tools Serves as a business partner to the buying teamMonitors inventory performance and direct appropriate mid-course corrections to achieve targetsSelects appropriate replenishment strategies (weeks of coverage, review method, etc.)Ensures that allocation & replenishment system settings are tuned to optimize inventory productivitySets frequency for on-order review and clean upDetermines allocation strategyManages Analyst support of vendor integration related initiatives Oversees Purchase Order creation & maintenance by IAsMaintains productive and supportive working relationships with stores, districts, regions and vendorsRequirements:Bachelor s degree required. Focus on Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or a related field.7+ years experience with a mix of buying, planning and placement responsibilitiesPrior experience in a leadership role requiredDetail oriented with strong 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 trendsStrong understanding of the supply chainWorking knowledge of Merchandising and Retail Systems required.BenefitsAs 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.