Inventory Deployment Analyst – Victoria’s Secret Stores
The Inventory Deployment Analyst is responsible for managing the deployment of finished goods to various distribution centers and stores for an assigned book of business. Using Manugistics, the Analyst will translate the consensus demand plan into an inventory deployment plan, collaborating with the Merchandise Planner to ensure that inventory is managed to constraints and targets that are aligned with the business strategy. The Analyst will ensure optimum inventory levels to maximize sales and margins and to achieve targeted levels of inventory productivity, in support of overall product and company profitability. The Analyst will collaborate with Merchandise Planning on positioning of themes and pre-season planning, with Space Planning on minimum presentation quantity inputs, with the Production team on new orders and with Logistics on product flow. Principle Responsibilities:
Pre-Season
*Based on the approved consensus demand plan, formulate an inventory deployment plan, and suggested order quantities to support it
*Set and maintain store deployment parameters, taking into account constraints and inputs such as inventory levels by store cluster, lead time and order cycle, timing of merchandise delivery, minimum presentation quantity/safety stock, distribution size and frequency
*Confirm purchase parameters for each vendor/distribution center, e.g. lead time, order frequency, etc
*Incorporate order size and frequency into an inventory plan that meets sales, margin, inventory objectives
*Approve order quantities to be executed by production/sourcing
*Work with Logistics to resolve external constraints that impact inventory flow to distribution centers and stores
*Collaborate with the Merchandise Planner to prioritize flow of product in light of constraints
*Collaborate with Production on suggested and approved order quantities for finished goods
*Collaborate with Space Planning, aligning on MPQ and store assortments
*Set strategies/parameters to achieve targeted service levels for Vendors, DCs and Stores
*Partner with the Manager, Merchandise Planning to position long-term themes and proactively plan the season; a seasonal view
In-Season
*Taking into account updated demand plans, propose revised orders and deployment of inventory
*Manage solutions to exceptions that occur in the deployment process
*Manage inventory in support of major events i.e. item launch, promotions, new stores, relocations
*Coordinate with Demand Forecaster and Merchandise Planner to project and execute quick turn-around on event changes
*Problem solve with cross-functional partners to resolve inventory issues and proactively address constraints
*Identify system inputs from cross-functional teams impacting inventory fulfillment that require further updates to optimize flow
*Identify and address future inventory issues to reduce impact to the business, based on time-phased plan
Reporting/Analytics
*Review and analyze weekly store performance/inventory levels; recommend changes to forecasts
*Analyze past performance to identify opportunities and create corrective action for improving inventory management performance
Integration Points
*Partner cross-functionally with across the business with Merchandise Planning, Logistics, Distribution Centers, Space Planning, and Sourcing to ensure inventory planning goals/objectives are achieved
*3-5 years of inventory management, replenishment and allocation or store experience
*Experience in high volume, multi-location distribution environment or equivalent MRP experience in multi-plant manufacturing environment preferred
*Retail supply chain knowledge
*Leadership and team-building skills. Ability to direct day-to-day activities.
*Strong communication and negotiation skills - working with multiple partners to resolve exceptions and negotiate best alternatives
*Identifies and influences critical stakeholders
*Optimization mindset - designs and develops plans to optimize decisions
*Problem-solving skills - proactively recommends solutions to various stakeholders; takes decisions with limited information
*Strong analytical skills - ability to analyze and understand quantitative data
*Strong computer skills; demonstrated ability to learn and apply new software technology. Systems used: Manugistics, SAP, Microstrategy
*Experience with planning and order systems
*Understands and executes against business strategy and goals
*Strong prioritization skills
*Bachelor degree in business, finance, statistics, operations, supply chain
