Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. At New Balance, We Got Now.
JOB MISSION:
Due to internal progression, the Inventory Planner plays a central and critical role in delivering EMEA business results through planning and executing the purchasing and reservation of Finished Goods inventory for all Product Lines. This team is responsible for the end-to-end flow of inventory in and out of the Region. Inventory Planning is responsible for the translation of forecast and demand requirements into purchase orders, resulting in optimized order book fulfillment to service all New Balance channels of business. In addition, you may be expected to travel to our Netherlands office to meet with the team a few times a year.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Inventory Management
1. Finished Goods Purchasing for Footwear, Apparel and Accessories All Product Lines
Translate market forecast and demands into Purchase Requisitions
Lead Make to Stock (MTS) and Make to Order (MTO) items via Purchase Requisitions review and approval process
Lead and Approve Direct Container requirements
Complete the planning and on-time delivery of Strategic and Allocated Programs
Handle inventory levels by brand, product line, line plan business
Use available market intelligence (forecast attainment performance, retail sell through) to dynamically manage on hand and incoming inventory
Collaborate with Sales and Merchandising on distressed inventory issues
Item Life Cycle Management: Beginning of Life (BOL), Middle of Life (MOL) and End of Life (EOL) strategy execution
Review and lead life cycle behavior to ensure that item transitions are performed effectively
Collaborate with Global Supply Planning across all Source Types to ensure Key Launch strategies are supported
Analyze size curve recommendations and propose adjustments to optimize demand fulfillment and best utilization of finished goods inventory
Demand fulfillment
2. Complete and on time order fulfillment
3. Effective participant in weekly Value Chain Operations meetings
4. Proactive management of inventory availability and on-time order fulfilment
Analyze and action Inventory Waterfalls
Complete Finished Goods Buy Summary
Optimize order fulfillment for various strategic and priorities items to ensure on time in market launches and replenishment
5. Maintain Demand Prioritization Rules to executive business strategies and optimize order fulfillment of priority accounts
6. Facilitate the resolution of supply related sales order management issues in collaboration with Customer Operations
7. Participate in monthly S&OP process
8. Recommend expediting Finished Goods via various ship modes in partnership with Value Chain, Logistics, Customer Operations, etc. ie. Air Freight, Inventory Transfers, etc
9. Proactive and timely communication regarding supply constraints and orderbook fulfillment
10. Participate in Finished Goods Quality resolution efforts to mitigate impact to order fulfillment and provide timely updates to impacted partners
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:
11. Minimum 2 years planning experience (does not have to be in a Sports/Fashion environment)
12. Experience of ERP/Planning systems and business reporting tools is desirable
13. Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, conflicting objectives, and dealing with multiple customers and priorities
14. Ability to interpret data and use it to make informed inventory decisions
15. Strong written and verbal communication skills
16. Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and to manage time, multiple tasks, and deadlines effectively
17. Teammate
18. Continuous Improvement mentality
19. Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc
BENEFITS:
20. Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
21. Private Medical Insurance
22. Dental Scheme
23. Pension Scheme
24. Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
25. Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
26. 25 days Annual Leave per year
27. Life Insurance
28. On Site Gym
29. Employee Discount
30. Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
31. Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)