Director of Inventory and Demand Planning

About Unrivaled Teamwear

Unrivaled Teamwear serves as the parent company of Champion Teamwear, Gear for Sports, and Knights Apparel, each an industry leader in the sports and team apparel space.

Our family of brands know what goes into great decorated garments, using top-quality fabrics and offering creative decoration options. Each brand offers customers a premier selection and exceptional service for all their sportswear needs, from t-shirts and caps to fleece, performance wear, and outerwear.

Overview

The Director of Inventory Planning & Purchasing is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for inventory planning, demand forecasting, purchasing, and inventory management across all brands under the Unrivaled Teamwear banner (Champion Teamwear, Gear for Sports, Knights Apparel, and Under Armour Destination).
This position plays a critical role in aligning inventory strategies with business objectives, optimizing working capital, and supporting profitable growth. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to ensure the right inventory is available at the right time while minimizing excess and obsolescence.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of inventory planning and purchasing strategies across all brands.
• Provide guidance and oversight to inventory planning and procurement teams, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Partner with senior leadership to ensure inventory strategies support company objectives and customer demand.

Demand Planning & Forecasting

• Oversee creation and maintenance of demand forecasts at the SKU, category, and brand level.
• Align demand forecasts with sales, marketing, and product development teams to anticipate changes in demand.
• Continuously improve forecast accuracy using data-driven methodologies and tools.

Inventory Management & Purchasing

• Direct domestic and international purchasing activities to ensure optimal inventory levels.
• Monitor and manage inventory health, focusing on improving turns, reducing excess/obsolete inventory, and supporting cash flow.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to improve lead times, fill rates, and cost efficiencies.

Financial & KPI Accountability

• Understand and manage the impact of inventory on cash flow, the balance sheet, and profitability.
• Own key inventory-related metrics including turns, days on hand, forecast accuracy, and service levels.
• Prepare and present inventory and purchasing performance reports to executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align on budgets, forecasts, and operational plans.
• Partner with Sales and Product teams to support seasonal planning, new product launches, and promotions.
• Serve as a key liaison between Finance and Operations, providing transparency and actionable insights.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to streamline demand planning and purchasing processes.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to enhance inventory visibility, forecasting, and reporting capabilities.
• Lead initiatives to optimize working capital while supporting customer service goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 10 years of progressive experience in inventory planning, demand forecasting, and procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with both domestic and international sourcing and purchasing.
• Strong understanding of financial impacts of inventory on cash flow, balance sheet, and profitability.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory planning software, and Excel (advanced).

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate. Other duties will be assigned as needed.

EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled

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

We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing as well as participate in E-Verify.