What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Planner position at Amazon?
Description
We're transforming our Meat & Seafood inventory operations to enable sustainable growth and operational excellence. Join us in this exciting evolution as we set new standards for responsible and efficient perishables inventory management. In this dynamic environment, you'll thrive on ambiguity and drive positive change through innovative solutions. The Inventory Planner will lead comprehensive inventory optimization across our Meat/Seafood category, balancing fresh product availability with precise demand forecasting. You'll orchestrate inventory flow through our complex distribution network, including multiple types of distribution channels, 3PL partnerships, fulfillment centers, retail locations and omnichannel. Success in this role requires adaptability and comfort with shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will support executing the inventory strategy for our Perishables department, optimize stock levels while maintaining product freshness, apply advance data analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency and ensure seamless product availability across all channels. Your dynamic skill set should include strong analytical capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex situations with confidence. Experience in leading through change and building collaborative relationships across multiple stakeholders is essential as we continue to evolve our operations. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of our supply chain and inventory planning capabilities while developing and applying versatile skills in an ever-changing retail landscape.
Key job responsibilities
Inventory Management & Planning:
• Monitor, control and optimize inventory levels across regions for entire category and/or region assignment
• Own demand forecasting and supply planning excellence, orchestrating successful inventory management for promotional events, seasonal peaks, new product launches, exclusive brands, and store openings
• Champion continuous improvement of critical KPIs, including in-stock percentage, order fill-rate, on-time delivery metrics, inventory turnover ratio, and days of coverage targets
• Develop and execute comprehensive product lifecycle strategies, from launch through maturity, implementing data-driven inventory management approaches for each phase
• Leverage advanced data analysis techniques to develop and maintain comprehensive inventory forecasting models and reporting systems
• Drive data-driven decision making through predictive analytics and systematic inventory control methods, utilizing both regular and ad-hoc analyses to optimize stock levels
Stakeholder Management:
• Works with distribution partners to streamline performance expectations, identify operational deficiencies and develop effective resolution strategies
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaboration across multiple business units including category merchants and product development, distribution and supply chain, field/store operations, in-stock, e-commerce, and Amazon Worldwide Grocery teams
• Drive strategic alignment among key stakeholders through data-driven insights, establishing clear performance expectations and developing solutions for complex supply/demand challenges
• Provide comprehensive data analysis to department leadership and supply chain stakeholders
Process Improvement:
• Drive operational excellence by identifying gaps and implementing strategic improvements across service quality, efficiency, and order management systems
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize supply & demand planning processes, ensuring best-in-class operations and streamlined procedures
• Support implementation of real-time tracking, analytics, and reporting systems to monitor distribution partner performance
Skills:
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of inventory management, merchandising, and retail operations, including deep understanding of market conditions, supplier logistics, and industry trends
• Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of organizational objectives, competitive landscape, and customer needs
• Skilled in complex data analysis, and visualization tools with proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights
• Experience in process optimization and automation, implementing enhanced order management practices to maximize efficiency
• Skilled relationship builder with proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage diverse stakeholder relationships both internally and externally
• Excellence in diplomatic problem-solving and conflict resolution while maintaining strong business partnerships
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments while managing multiple high-priority projects
• Demonstrates agility and innovation in driving continuous improvement initiatives and adapting to rapid change
Basic Qualifications
- • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or related field
- • 4-6 years of experience in retail, logistics, supply chain, operations, or inventory planning
- • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (complex data manipulation, analysis and automation)
- • Enterprise/Material-resource planning (e.g., Oracle, SAP, etc.), and/or adept at learning new tools and systems
- • Experience with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
- • Demonstrated ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights, and supply chain strategies
- • Track record of process optimization, continuous improvement and strategic problem-solving
- • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and business partners
- This position will require up to 5-10% travel and is located at the Store Support Office in Austin TX.
Preferred Qualifications
- • Knowledge of statistical modeling and predictive analytics a plus
- • APICS (CPIM, CSCP) certification or equivalent a plus
- • Experience with SQL/Teradata a plus
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $57,600/year in our lowest geographic market up to $123,100/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.
Salary : $57,600 - $123,100