Director of Inventory Planning and Optimization

Overview

Seeking a Director of Inventory Planning and Optimization to lead the global inventory strategy from Barrington, NJ. This role requires an analytically skilled leader who actively participates in planning and data analysis to guide inventory decisions. Collaboration with Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership is key to balancing service levels, cost efficiency, and risk management while driving inventory performance improvements. The Director will also shape analytics tools, processes, and team capabilities in an evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive global inventory strategies to achieve service, cost, and capital objectives.
• Oversee enhancements to demand forecasting processes and systems aligned with sales and operational goals.
• Manage inventory planning software and analytics platforms to optimize inventory control organization-wide.
• Set and track performance metrics including service levels, fill rates, inventory turns, and shipping reliability to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Prepare and supervise annual inventory forecasts for finished goods across all sales plants.
• Collaborate with Finance and Supply Chain leadership on working capital goals, monitoring total inventory value and inventory days per plant.
• Use advanced analytics and modeling to support data-driven decisions, identifying risks and opportunities in inventory networks.
• Partner on initiatives to reduce financial risks related to obsolete, excess, or scrap inventory.
• Champion continuous improvement through process enhancements, best practices, and system upgrades aimed at forecasting accuracy and inventory efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to internal controls, audit standards, and inventory management policies.

Required Skills and Expertise

• Strong quantitative and analytical abilities with expertise in statistical forecasting and inventory optimization.
• Practical experience using inventory planning and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
• Advanced skills in analytics and reporting tools including Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.
• Familiarity with SQL and cloud-based data platforms like Snowflake is advantageous.
• Track record of improving working capital, inventory turns, and service KPIs.
• Comprehensive understanding of supply chain functions, including S&OP, production planning, and demand-supply coordination.
• Ability to engage directly with data analysis and validate insights while supporting team execution.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration capabilities with the aptitude to convert analytics into actionable business strategies.
• Experience or knowledge in optics/optical industry is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a global, multicultural workplace with a strong customer focus.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Analytics, Finance, Operations, or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in inventory management, supply chain planning, or related operations role.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional projects.
• Proven expertise in demand planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization within a complex multi-site environment.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to operate standard office machines such as copiers.
• Capability to sit or stand for prolonged periods during office work.
• Expected to work primarily in an office setting.
• Willingness to travel between 10% and 20% of the time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance coverage.
• Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.
• Tuition reimbursement program.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 3%.
• Reimbursements for daycare and gym memberships.
• Paid parental leave including benefits for new mothers.
• Access to training and professional development opportunities.
• Annual salary range between $150,000 and $165,000.

Note: Availability of benefits may vary depending on country and employment status.