Inventory Planning Manager

Role Summary

Leads a team of inventory planners to ensure an appropriate inventory investment at each of Subaru of America's (SOA's) Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs) while practicing effective supply chain management strategies.

Maintains responsibility for forecasting, procuring, and distributing service parts to support domestic sales, export operations, customer service, and profitability goals.

Collaborates, innovates, and works extensively with internal and external stakeholders including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.

(SIA), Subaru Corporation (SBR), Subaru of America (SOA), and suppliers to maintain a lean, efficient, and optimal supply chain.

Primary Responsibilities


* Leads a team of up to four (4) Inventory Planners to maintain a healthy, sufficient, and lean supply of parts in the network.

Ensures that the team is performing effective analysis, design, and implementation of customer-focused demand and targeted supply strategies, with the goal of growing revenue and supporting customer service while managing costs responsibly.


* Collaborates with stakeholders, including but not limited to Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), Subaru Corporation (SBR), the Regional Distribution Center (RDC) network, and Parts Logistics to implement an effective supply chain while responding to issues including, but not limited to, data integrity, supply disruptions, or transportation shortages to resolve critical inventory shortfalls and customer issues.


* Coaches direct reports for skill building, career development, and personal growth.


* Reviews and maintains inventory forecasts for defined parts group by using planning/forecasting software and analytical review procedures.

Provides these forecasts, as needed, to suppliers.

Benchmarks historical forecasts to actual parts demand to determine forecast accuracy.


* Performs vendor management to enable smooth functioning of supply chain variables across Subaru of America (SOA) network.

Processes and approves purchase orders to vendors and follows up to ensure timely receipt of product.

Conducts meetings with suppliers, as required, to resolve any supply chain issues.


* Documents Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workflows for key processes to support cross-training, reference, and knowledge transfer and retention.


* Designs and distributes key operational reports to management to convey operational status and facilitate critical decision making.

Additional Responsibilities


* Questions the status quo and continuously innovates our parts procurement operations to gain efficiencies in terms of pricing, supply, packaging, procurement, distribution, allocation, and information management.

Required Skills & Personal Qualifications


* Excellent project and vendor management skills.


* Strong analytical, presentation, and negotiation skills.


* Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.


* Advanced skills in Micr...