About us

Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for our associates. We offer opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, a people first environment, and an opportunity to work alongside dedicated associates who share a passion for providing an exceptional experience and service to our rural communities. Whether you are starting an entry-level position or joining with professional experience, Rural King encourages professional growth and provides the necessary resource to help you succeed and grow with us.

When you join the Rural King team, you become a contributing member in supporting the needs of and making a difference in the lives of those within the people and communities we serve.

How we reward you

401(k) plan that provides a 100% match on the first 3% of your contributions and 50% of the next 2% * Healthcare plans to support your needs * Virtual doctor visits * Access to Centers of Excellence with Barnes Jewish Hospital and Mayo Clinic’s Complex Care Program * 15% Associate Discount * Dave Ramsey’s SmartDollar Program (no cost to you!) * Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services

What You’ll Do

As an Inventory Planning Manager, you will be driving profitability and managing inventory with comprehensive analysis of the business. The manager will also lead the planning and execution of the financial strategies to meet or exceed top line sales, margin, and inventory plans.

• Manage the Inventory Planners in forecasting sales and making recommendations.
• Oversee the reporting and analysis and provide the merchandising teams to inform future strategies.
• Lead open-to-buy planning strategies that align to the company’s vision.
• Proactively identify and create solutions against foreseeable risks or opportunities.
• Develop strong partnerships with internal business leads and outside vendors.
• Strategically align inventory planning in collaboration with space planning for planogram reset strategies, while analyzing opportunities and exposure.
• Lead team projects to create and enhance planning tool capabilities and efficiencies.
• Articulate business situations and recommendations to senior management as required.
• Create a team environment that fosters new and innovative ideas.
• Demonstrate flexibility and positivity to respond constructively to new challenges.
• Be a leader who will inspire and mentor your team to reach new heights for themselves and Rural King.
• Lead associates in a way that exemplifies the leadership principles taught in Rural King’s Thrive Leadership Program.
• Use discretion and independent judgment in daily decisions while maintaining a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Actively participate in learning initiatives offered such as training programs, workshops, and webinars. Leverage these opportunities to acquire new knowledge, refine existing skills, and stay current on the latest developments.
• Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to others, assisting with inquiries, concerns, and issues promptly and effectively.
• Demonstrate behaviors that exemplify Rural King’s Values: People First, Integrity, Attitude, Initiative, Teamwork, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualities for Success

•  At least 4 years of retail buying or planning, with open-to-buy experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Proven experience in effectively supervising and leading a diverse team, guiding them toward achieving department goals and objectives.
• Experience in presenting information to individuals or groups in a clear, engaging, and persuasive manner.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey ideas, instructions, and information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and address challenges that may arise in relationships.
• Proven ability to analyze and optimize complex processes to achieve operational excellence.
• Experience in managing multiple tasks and maintaining a proactive and results-driven approach.
• Strong resilience and adaptability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity and setbacks.
• Ability to remain composted and focused during high-pressure situations, ensuring quality and timely outcomes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency with Excel and creating reports from multiple data sources.

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to maintain a seated or standing position for extended durations.
• Capability to lift 15 pounds periodically.
• Able to navigate and access all facilities.
• Skill to effectively communicate verbally with others, both in-person and via electronic devices.
• Close vision for computer-related tasks.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Yes

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.