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Paper Source · 2 days ago

Specialty Inventory Manager

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$60K/yr - $60K/yr

3+ years exp

Paper Source is a company focused on specialty retail, and they are seeking a Specialty Inventory Manager. This role is responsible for managing specialty inventory levels across stores, collaborating with various teams to ensure optimal inventory levels and support sales goals.

E-CommerceInternetOffice Supplies

Responsibilities

Work closely with buyers and visual merchandisers to identify appropriate presets for each product purchased

Meet deadlines set by the Specialty Commercial Calendar to ensure timely delivery of product

Present inventory buy and allocation strategy to larger Specialty team when appropriate

Work with buyers on key items to determine quantities or adjustments needed to presets based on marketing, publicity and commercial calendar plans

Work with Visual Merchandising team to identify appropriate display quantities for furniture and fixtures

Effectively utilize inventory management systems to execute allocation strategies

Partner with the Distribution Center when appropriate to ensure inventory is flowing to stores timely and efficiently

Assist in managing the production process for any applicable products by ordering components, planning production quantities and allocation of finished goods

Analyze ongoing sales trends and postmortem findings to take appropriate actions to ensure the optimal inventory levels are maintained in each store throughout the product lifecycle

Replenish inventory to stores to minimize markdowns and/or maximize margin and sales

Use tools to reorder quantities of products based on their replenishment strategy and rank to maintain positive DC in stock position

Make recommendations to buyers for expansion and contraction of existing products/programs and promotions based on store profiles and store sales data

Identify sales trends or store profile changes for core products/programs and make store/item combination change recommendations when opening new stores or assisting in store renovations

Report analytics and identify actions needed to support margin, sales and sell through of product

Qualification

Inventory management systemsRetail analysisAnalytical skillsMicrosoft Office SuiteRetail mathCollaborationCommunicationAdaptabilitySelf-motivation

Required

High understanding of the specialty business and familiarity with categories and sales trends

Must be flexible enough to identify and interpret changing trends, convert those findings into buying strategies, effectively communicate proposed strategy changes to cross-functional team members and drive the business

Must be collaborative while balancing the confidence to remain steadfast on decisions as needed

Listens attentively and is receptive to other perspectives, incorporating this feedback in decision making

Ability to adapt well to changes in direction and priority in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment

Works consistently and productively, showing strong concentration and discipline

Proven ability to communicate effectively with partners, follow up and create a collaborative work environment

Is positive, self-motivated and proactive

Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of retail math – must be a 'numbers' person

Experienced in Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with internal merchandising, inventory and reporting tools a plus (including Business Intelligence, Corporate Reporting Center, IMM, IM2, 1010 data, Data Warehouse, other analytical tools)

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with at least 3 years of experience in retail analysis

Strong analytical skills. Ability to think critically and communicate complex thoughts and/or ideas in clear and concise manner

Works collaboratively with cross functional partners