Inventory Planning Analyst

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:

The NA Inventory Planner plays a central and critical role in delivering North American 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. This team serves as the Voice of the Customer and represents the Region throughout the Value Chain.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Inventory Management

• Finished Goods Purchasing for Footwear, Apparel and Accessories All Product Lines
  • Translate market forecast and demands into Purchase Requisitions
  • Manage Make to Stock (MTS) and Make to Order (MTO) items via Purchase Requisitions review and approval process
  • Manage and Approve Direct Container requirements
  • Execute the planning and on-time delivery of Strategic and Allocated Programs
  • Manage inventory levels by brand, product line, line plan business
  • Item Life Cycle Management: Beginning of Life (BOL), Middle of Life (MOL) and End of Life (EOL) strategy execution
  • Analyze size curve recommendations and propose adjustments to optimize demand fulfillment and best utilization of finished goods inventory

Demand fulfillment

• Complete and on time order fulfillment
• Effective participant in weekly Value Chain Operations meetings
• Proactive management of inventory availability and on-time order fulfillment
• Maintain Demand Prioritization Rules to executive business strategies and optimize order fulfillment of priority accounts
• Facilitate the resolution of supply related sales order management issues in collaboration with Customer Operations
• Participate in monthly S&OP process – ie, New Product Review, Demand Consensus, Global Supply Review
• Recommend expediting Finished Goods via various ship modes in partnership with Value Chain, Logistics, Customer Operations, etc. Ie. Air Freight, Inventory Transfers, etc
• Proactive and timely communication regarding supply constraints and orderbook fulfillment
• Participate in Finished Goods Quality resolution efforts to mitigate impact to order fulfillment and provide timely updates to impact stakeholders

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• 3-5 years related experience
• Must have knowledge of industry, the sales process, demand planning, Inventory Planning, item life cycle management
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Robust interpersonal skills with an emphasis on problem solving, conflicting objectives, and dealing with multiple customers and various priorities
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and manage time, multiple tasks, and deadlines effectively
• Recommend business process and system functionality enhancements within evolving business model through adoption of a digital mindset and leveraging new technology
• Occasional travel to Sales Meetings
• Proficient in Microsoft Office: Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, etc
• Experience with Microsoft D365, o9 and/or Spotfire, a plus
• APICS Certification, a plus

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.