Category Supply Planner

Department: Supply Planning

Reports To: Manager, Category Supply Planning

Job Status: Remote

FLSA: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

Job Summary

The Category Supply Planner develops inventory plans that tie to financial targets for multiple product categories, this role has a constant pulse on inventory status and ensures communication is efficient and effective throughout the product journey. This individual contributes to the success of the organization by forging strong cross-functional partnerships, driving the optimization of inventory investment while mitigating liability and managing inventory health to meet and exceed financial and operational goals. The Capacity Supply Planner serves as the business manager for inventory across all product categories and business units.

We Are All Leaders at Carhartt

In our words and by our actions, we strive to emulate the hardworking example set forth by our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. We Lead Business by creating value, delivering on results, and making changes along the way. We Lead Self by being inclusive, recognizing that our differences make us stronger as we strive to build a better world, together, for all hardworking people. We Lead Others by communicating and clearly defining the path as we walk bravely into the future. Working at Carhartt, we are all given a seat at the table and the honor of continuing the legacy.

Representative Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams to understand receipt flow and capacity constraints to maximize sales and productive inventory levels through reviews of inventory strategies to ensure inventory is meeting corporate turn goal.
• Lead and facilitate weekly meetings to identify sales risks due to inadequate inventory levels, collaborate with cross functional teams to define and communicate solutions to leadership.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to resolve opportunities as they arise. Take a proactive approach to identifying potential roadblocks and seek out resolutions in a timely manner within key system functions: MSO, PA etc.
• Develop, implement, monitor and report on cross-functional inventory KPIs to ensure effective execution, integration and performance against inventory targets. Propose and implement solutions to improve metrics and visibility.
• Work in tandem with Merchandising, Demand Planning and Market Merchandising to report communication and quantify liability and timing.
• Working with Merchandising and Merchandise Planning on impact of drops to production and receipt flow as well as feasibility of relaunch and redesign timing along with Quick Strikes and Off Process programs, driving life cycle and product launch decisions.
• Develop partnerships helping to shape Supply Chain, Merchandising and Demand Planning strategies, capabilities and processes that aim to improve operational performance, multi-source product strategies, MTO planning, PO issuance and procurement details to drive inventory policies and buffer strategies into the supply chain.
• The Category Supply Planner sits at the intersection of Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Capacity Planning, Merchandising, Sourcing, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Finance. The ability to influence & communicate across these teams throughout the go-to-market process to achieve optimal inventory results is paramount to this role while providing strong support, operational guidance and transparent communication.
• Establish cross-functional relationships to promote best practices and process adherence; fosters collaboration and teamwork that will further enable Carhartt’s response to seasonal strategies and demand changes.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent years of experience.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a planning or forecasting field preferred.
• Analytically driven with a capacity for rapid career growth.
• Excellent listening, written and oral communication skills with the proven ability to communicate with all levels including management and retail partners. Exude confidence and aptitude to clearly present and explain ideas.
• Outstanding organizational skills with demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, prioritize workload, delegate work and concurrently manage multiple projects with a commitment to achieving excellence.
• High level of analytical thinking with strong aptitude with retail math and forecasting methodology.
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent projects.
• Strong computer skills (MS Office and Planning tools) are needed, along with strong analytical & communication skills.
• Power BI, Power Query/M, & DAX experience preferred.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Travel required up to 25% of time (may include international).
• This position has a Hybrid location: Associate will work on-site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.