Inventory Planning Manager, Perishables

Join us in transforming Meat & Seafood inventory operations as we build next-generation capabilities for sustainable growth and operational excellence. This is your opportunity to shape the future of perishables inventory management and set new industry standards. As an Inventory Planner for our Meat & Seafood category, you"ll lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our complex distribution ecosystem-spanning multiple distribution channels, 3PL partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations, and omnichannel operations. You"ll balance the critical challenge of maintaining fresh product availability with precise demand forecasting, ensuring customers receive the highest quality perishables exactly when they need them.

What You"ll Do-

• Drive Strategic Inventory Planning: Execute and refine inventory strategies that optimize stock levels while preserving product freshness across our entire network
• Leverage Advanced Analytics: Apply sophisticated data analytics to uncover insights, enhance supply chain efficiency, and predict demand patterns with precision
• Orchestrate Complex Operations: Manage inventory flow through our multi-tiered distribution network, coordinating seamlessly across channels and stakeholders
• Lead Through Transformation: Navigate ambiguity with confidence as we reimagine our perishables supply chain from the ground up

What Makes You Successful-

You thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments where priorities shift and innovation is essential. Your analytical mindset is matched by strategic thinking and the ability to translate complex data into actionable decisions. You build strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and lead effectively through change. Most importantly, you"re energized by the challenge of solving complex problems in an evolving retail landscape.

Why This Role Matters-

This isn"t just an inventory planning position-it"s a chance to architect the future of our supply chain capabilities. You"ll develop versatile skills while making a tangible impact on how we serve customers with fresh, high-quality products. If you"re ready to drive positive change through innovative solutions and grow alongside a transforming organization, we want to hear from you.

Key job responsibilities

Inventory Management & Planning:

• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment
• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotional events, seasonal peaks, new product launches, exclusive brands, and store openings
• Champion continuous improvement of critical KPIs, including in-stock percentage, order fill-rate, on-time delivery metrics, inventory turnover ratio, and days of coverage targets
• Develop and execute comprehensive product lifecycle strategies, from launch through maturity, implementing data-driven inventory management approaches for each phase
• Leverage advanced data analysis techniques to develop and maintain comprehensive inventory forecasting models and reporting systems
• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control methods, utilizing both regular and ad-hoc analyses to optimize stock levels

Stakeholder Management:

• Works with distribution partners to streamline performance expectations, identify operational deficiencies and develop effective resolution strategies
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across multiple business units including category merchants and product development, distribution and supply chain, field/store operations, in-stock, e-commerce, and Amazon Worldwide Grocery Store teams
• Drive strategic alignment among key stakeholders through data-driven insights, establishing clear performance expectations and developing solutions for complex supply/demand challenges
• Provide comprehensive data analysis to department leadership and supply chain stakeholders

Process Improvement:

• Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing strategic improvements across service quality, efficiency, and order management systems
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply & demand planning processes, ensuring best-in-class operations and streamlined procedures
• Support implementation of real-time tracking, analytics, and reporting systems to monitor distribution partner performance

Skills:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations, including deep understanding of market conditions, supplier logistics, and industry trends
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of organizational objectives, competitive landscape, and customer needs
• Skilled in complex data analysis, and visualization tools with proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
• Experience in process optimization and automation, implementing enhanced order management practices to maximize efficiency
• Skilled relationship builder with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage diverse stakeholder relationships both internally and externally
• Excellence in diplomatic problem-solving and conflict resolution while maintaining strong business partnerships
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while managing multiple high-priority projects
• Demonstrates agility and innovation in driving continuous improvement initiatives and adapting to rapid change