VP of Inventory Planning

The Vice President of Inventory Planning will lead strategic and operational inventory planning across our publishing divisions. Responsible for optimizing inventory levels, enhancing forecasting accuracy, minimizing returns, reducing costs, and maximizing revenue, the VP will collaborate cross-functionally with Publishers, Production, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain Operations to ensure alignment with business objectives and industry best practices. Our finalist will bring extensive knowledge and capability utilizing business intelligence tools for optimal enhancement of strategic functioning.

What you'll do:

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive inventory planning strategy that supports the company's sales, marketing, and financial goals.
  • Provide strategic guidance and leadership to the inventory planning team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
  • Partner with IT and data analytics teams to ensure BI tools are aligned with planning requirements and continuously improved to meet business needs.
  • Partner with senior leadership to align inventory strategies with overall business objectives.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging trends and technologies in inventory management.
• Demand Forecasting and Planning:
  • Lead the adoption and enhancement of inventory management and forecasting technologies, Including the use of AI models to drive continuous improvement.
  • Translate complex data sets into actionable insights to optimize inventory levels, reduce excess stock, and improve fulfillment performance.
  • Collaborate with publishers, sales and marketing teams to ensure accurate and timely demand forecasts.
  • Analyze forecast accuracy and implement strategies to improve forecasting performance.
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track inventory performance.
  • Leverage business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SAP BI) to analyze inventory trends, forecast demand, and inform strategic planning decisions.
  • Champion the integration of BI tools into inventory planning processes to enhance data visibility, accuracy, and decision-making speed.
  • Generate regular reports and analysis to provide insights into inventory trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Utilize ERP and other relevant systems to monitor inventory levels and forecast demand.
• Inventory Management:
  • Establish and maintain optimal inventory levels across all product categories and distribution channels.
  • Implement processes and policies to proactively reduce returns, increase inventory turnover, and minimize obsolescence.
  • Monitor inventory performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Manage the lifecycle of inventory, including new product launches, reprints, and obsolescence.
• Supply Chain Collaboration:
  • Work closely with production, distribution, and logistics teams to ensure smooth and efficient flow of goods.
  • Collaborate with vendors and suppliers to optimize lead times and ensure timely delivery.
  • Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks.
• Financial Management:
  • Manage the inventory planning budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.
  • Analyze the financial impact of inventory decisions and provide recommendations to senior management.
  • Manage inventory-related budgets, track performance metrics, and present inventory status reports to executive leadership.
• Team Management and Development:
  • Support, provide career development, and mentor inventory planning staff.
  • Set performance goals and provide regular feedback to team members.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

What you'll bring:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply chain, or related roles, preferably within publishing or similar consumer goods industries.
• Bachelor's degree; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Proven track record in strategic inventory planning, demand forecasting, and supply chain management.
• Deep experience with business intelligence tools to extract, interpret, and visualize data, enabling data-driven decision-making across inventory planning and supply chain functions.
• Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in forecasting software, ERP systems, and inventory management tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive measurable results and operational improvements.
• Familiarity with the publishing industry, retail dynami