Company Overview
At OOLY, we thrive on creating vibrant, inspiring products that ignite creativity and bring smiles to people of all ages. Since 2005, our colorful and innovative offerings have transformed art, school, office, and creative spaces into fun-filled environments where imagination can flourish. Join us in making the world a more playful and expressive place!
Job Purpose
The Inventory Control & Planning Manager is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory across global locations and ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time to support an omni-channel business. This role balances day-to-day inventory control with strategic demand planning and forecasting, working closely with Operations, Purchasing, Sales, and Finance. In a small-company environment, this role requires a hands-on leader who can wear multiple hats — from reconciling stock variances, to adjusting forecasts in demand planning software, to managing close-outs of discontinued items.
Job Responsibilities
Inventory Control
- Lead cycle counts and physical inventories across warehouses; resolve discrepancies.
- Maintain inventory accuracy within ERP/WMS and ensure data integrity across all sales channels (DTC, wholesale, e-commerce, marketplaces, and international).
- Standardize and enforce inventory control processes across global facilities.
Global Inventory Planning
- Manage inventory levels across domestic and international warehouses, balancing service levels with working capital goals.
- Establish and monitor safety stock, reorder points, and min/max parameters for each location.
- Partner with Sales and Operations to anticipate seasonal peaks and promotional needs.
Demand Forecasting & Planning
- Own forecasting accuracy within demand planning software (e.g., Microsoft D365 Business Central with Demand Planning add-on).
- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, and Product Development to incorporate market intelligence into forecasts.
- Continuously refine forecasts and replenishment parameters to reduce stockouts and overstocks.
Inventory Close-outs & Disposition
- Identify discontinued, obsolete, and overstocked items and work with Sales/Marketing to plan promotional sell-through or liquidation.
- Develop clear metrics and processes for slow-moving SKUs and excess inventory.
- Recommend and implement strategies to minimize write-offs while maximizing recovery value.
- Coordinate with Finance on reserves, write-downs, and reporting for excess/obsolete inventory.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Provide actionable reporting on inventory health, turns, forecast accuracy, and close-out activity to senior leadership.
- Partner with Procurement and Logistics to ensure timely supplier orders and inbound shipments.
- Support Finance with month-end reporting, audits, and working capital optimization.
Job Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Work Experience:
- 5+ years in inventory management, supply chain planning, or demand forecasting.
- Experience in omni-channel businesses (DTC + wholesale + e-commerce).
- Exposure to close-out or liquidation processes preferred.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in ERP/WMS systems (Microsoft D365 Business Central preferred).
- Hands-on experience with demand planning or forecasting tools.
- Advanced Excel/data analysis skills.
- Certifications (a plus): APICS CPIM/CSCP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent.
Compliance: Must adhere to company policies and procedures
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Analytical and data-driven with strong business acumen.
- Ability to balance tactical detail with strategic planning.
- Skilled in cross-departmental collaboration and communication.
- Proactive, resourceful, and comfortable wearing multiple hats in a small company.
Working Conditions
- Environment: Office environment.
- Exposure: Low or moderate noise level.
- Physical Requirements: Sitting at a desk, using a telephone, using a keyboard, using a computer monitor for sometimes long and continuous periods of time.
- Physical Efforts: Occasionally standing, walking, reaching, and stooping. Lifting up to 30 lbs.
Join us at OOLY to be part of a lively team dedicated to fostering creativity through innovative products while advancing your career in supply chain management!
Pay: $75,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
