Zones, Inc
Manager, Strategic Inventory Management
Zones, Inc, Carol Stream, Illinois, United States, 60158
Company Overview
Zones is a global solution provider of end‑to‑end IT solutions with an unmatched supply chain and over 35 years of experience as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). It specializes in Digital Workplace, Cloud & Data Center, Networking, Security, and Managed/Professional/Staffing services, operating in more than 120 countries and partnering with key technology providers such as Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, Adobe, and more. Zones delivers digital infrastructure solutions that transform how businesses operate.
Position Overview The Manager, Strategic Inventory Management is responsible for developing and executing inventory strategies that optimize working capital, minimize stockouts and excess, and ensure supply readiness across the organization. This role drives cross‑functional alignment between supply chain, procurement, finance, and sales to support business objectives through effective inventory planning, analytics, and governance.
Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Leadership
Develop and implement long‑term inventory management strategies aligned with business growth, customer demand, and financial goals.
Lead a team responsible for demand planning, inventory forecasting, optimization, and reporting across multiple product lines or regions.
Partner with executive leadership to define key inventory KPIs such as inventory turns, days of supply, fill rate, and excess & obsolete metrics.
Demand Planning & Inventory Optimization
Analyze demand and supply trends to set optimal inventory targets and safety stock levels.
Drive strategic initiatives to improve inventory efficiency, reduce carrying costs, and mitigate obsolescence risks.
Oversee deployment and replenishment strategies to balance customer service and cost.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with supply planning, procurement, logistics, and finance to ensure alignment of supply plans and inventory goals.
Act as a key liaison between global and regional operations teams for inventory governance and standardization.
Partner with finance to forecast working capital requirements and monitor inventory‑related financial performance.
Process & Systems Management
Lead continuous improvement projects in planning systems and analytics tools.
Establish standardized processes, controls, and reporting dashboards to enhance inventory visibility and decision‑making.
Support system enhancements and automation to improve accuracy and efficiency in inventory management.
Analytics & Reporting
Track, analyze, and present inventory performance metrics to senior leadership.
Develop advanced analytics models to predict demand‑supply imbalances and inventory risks.
Provide actionable insights to improve forecasting accuracy and service levels.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
7+ years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply chain planning, or operations strategy.
At least 2–3 years in a managerial or team leadership role.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience in the Enterprise IT procurement channel.
Expertise in ERP and advanced planning systems (Microsoft D365 and Kinaxis RapidResponse preferred).
Proficiency in data visualization and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, Excel, SQL, etc.).
Knowledge of and experience with best practices in inventory and materials management (e.g., Classification Methods, Safety Stock, Lean, Consignment, etc.).
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
Compensation Qualified candidates can expect a salary range of $90,000–110,000.
Benefits Zones offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; voluntary accident, hospitalization, and critical illness insurance; a 401(k) plan with matching; paid time off; and personal sick leave in compliance with state requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Zones participates in E‑Verify.
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Position Overview The Manager, Strategic Inventory Management is responsible for developing and executing inventory strategies that optimize working capital, minimize stockouts and excess, and ensure supply readiness across the organization. This role drives cross‑functional alignment between supply chain, procurement, finance, and sales to support business objectives through effective inventory planning, analytics, and governance.
Responsibilities Strategic Planning & Leadership
Develop and implement long‑term inventory management strategies aligned with business growth, customer demand, and financial goals.
Lead a team responsible for demand planning, inventory forecasting, optimization, and reporting across multiple product lines or regions.
Partner with executive leadership to define key inventory KPIs such as inventory turns, days of supply, fill rate, and excess & obsolete metrics.
Demand Planning & Inventory Optimization
Analyze demand and supply trends to set optimal inventory targets and safety stock levels.
Drive strategic initiatives to improve inventory efficiency, reduce carrying costs, and mitigate obsolescence risks.
Oversee deployment and replenishment strategies to balance customer service and cost.
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with supply planning, procurement, logistics, and finance to ensure alignment of supply plans and inventory goals.
Act as a key liaison between global and regional operations teams for inventory governance and standardization.
Partner with finance to forecast working capital requirements and monitor inventory‑related financial performance.
Process & Systems Management
Lead continuous improvement projects in planning systems and analytics tools.
Establish standardized processes, controls, and reporting dashboards to enhance inventory visibility and decision‑making.
Support system enhancements and automation to improve accuracy and efficiency in inventory management.
Analytics & Reporting
Track, analyze, and present inventory performance metrics to senior leadership.
Develop advanced analytics models to predict demand‑supply imbalances and inventory risks.
Provide actionable insights to improve forecasting accuracy and service levels.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
7+ years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply chain planning, or operations strategy.
At least 2–3 years in a managerial or team leadership role.
Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience in the Enterprise IT procurement channel.
Expertise in ERP and advanced planning systems (Microsoft D365 and Kinaxis RapidResponse preferred).
Proficiency in data visualization and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau, Excel, SQL, etc.).
Knowledge of and experience with best practices in inventory and materials management (e.g., Classification Methods, Safety Stock, Lean, Consignment, etc.).
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and change leadership skills.
Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution.
Compensation Qualified candidates can expect a salary range of $90,000–110,000.
Benefits Zones offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; disability insurance; voluntary accident, hospitalization, and critical illness insurance; a 401(k) plan with matching; paid time off; and personal sick leave in compliance with state requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Zones participates in E‑Verify.
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