Director of Inventory Planning

Title: Director of Inventory Planning

Location: St. Louis, MO (On-Site)

Summary:

The Director of Inventory Planning plays a key role in fueling business growth by aligning inventory strategy with customer demand and financial goals. Through strong partnership across Sales and cross-functional teams, this leader transforms insights into action—optimizing inventory, reducing risk, and maximizing service.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Supply Chain Planning, Inventory Management, and S&OP/IBP
• Executive presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and drive cross-functional alignment
• Proven success partnering with Sales on demand planning and inventory strategy
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Demonstrated success improving inventory performance (e.g., reducing excess/obsolete stock while improving service levels)
• Strong ERP and planning systems experience (LN preferred), with proficiency in Power BI and Salesforce

Physical Requirements:

• Regular use of standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier, etc.)
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day)
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Travel up to 50% as needed

Essential Functions:

Sales Partnership & Demand Alignment

• Partner with Sales leadership to proactively identifying risks and opportunities
• Support Sales in evaluating trade-offs between inventory availability, lead times, and customer commitments
• Serve as the primary liaison between Inventory Planning and Sales to align forecasts, trends, and demand
• Actively participate in S&OP and IBP processes, ensuring demand signals are clearly understood and incorporated

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Drive alignment across Supply Chain, Finance, Merchandising, and Operations with clear ownership, priorities, and timelines
• Lead initiatives to improve inventory health, reduce excess/obsolete stock, and increase inventory turns
• Partner with Finance to align inventory strategies with financial targets, including working capital and margin goals

Leadership

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing inventory planning team
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Develop talent pipelines and succession plans within the organization
• Champion company safety and quality initiatives

Strategic Inventory Planning

• Own inventory health across Finished Goods, Purchased Finished Goods, and raw materials
• Develop and execute strategies that balance service levels, working capital efficiency, and risk mitigation
• Lead long-range and annual inventory planning aligned with business objectives and sales forecasts
• Establish frameworks for inventory segmentation, safety stock, and replenishment strategies

Reporting, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track KPIs (forecast accuracy, inventory turns, service levels, inventory quality)
• Deliver insights and recommendations to executive leadership, highlighting risks and opportunities
• Advance planning maturity through digital tools, automation, and analytics
• Leverage systems and analytics to improve responsiveness and decision-making
• Standardize planning processes, metrics, and dashboards globally
• Implement governance structures that strengthen accountability across Sales and Planning teams
• Utilize analytics tools to provide real-time visibility into inventory performance

Who We Are:

Carboline is a St. Louis-based coatings manufacturer with a global reach. The company, founded in 1947, produces high-quality performance coatings, linings, and fireproofing products in more than 20 manufacturing facilities around the world. Carboline has been ranked a top workplace, so culture and maintaining a safe and clean work environment is something we take very seriously.

Carboline is part of RPM International Inc., a $7.6 billion, multinational company with subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. From homes and workplaces to infrastructure and precious landmarks, RPM’s market-leading brands are trusted by consumers and professionals alike to help build a better world. If you want to be part of a growing global organization with opportunity for growth, we would like to meet you.

What We Offer:

We offer a team atmosphere that fosters cooperation and creativity; a management team committed to employee development and an environment where people are empowered to make decisions. Our career opportunities offer unlimited earnings potential, and our comprehensive benefits package is among the best in the industry which includes affordable benefits, a company match 401K plan and a retirement pension plan. Carboline is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values the strength diversity brings to the workplace. Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans are encouraged to apply.

“In order to be the best, we must hire the best.”