Excess Inventory Manager

Job SummaryThe Excess Inventory Manager is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and strategically managing a company's surplus inventory. This role requires collaboration with key stakeholders to optimize demand forecasting, mitigate financial impacts, and implement alternative inventory reduction strategies. A strong understanding of financial principles, commercial dynamics, and data-driven decision-making is essential. The role demands exceptional leadership and communication skills to navigate departmental priorities and align cross-functional efforts toward inventory optimization. Essential Functions: Identifying excess inventory: Regularly reviewing inventory reports to pinpoint products with high stock levels exceeding demand forecasts. Analyzing root causes: Investigating reasons behind excess inventory, including inaccurate demand forecasting, over-ordering, slow-moving items, and product lifecycle miscalculations. Developing mitigation strategies: Collaborating with sales, marketing, and operations to implement targeted solutions such as price adjustments, promotions, product bundling, and liquidation strategies. Commercial alignment & forecasting: Working with finance and commercial teams to integrate market trends, customer demand, and sales projections into inventory planning. Inventory optimization: Utilizing data analytics and financial modeling to adjust ordering patterns, reduce carrying costs, and improve turnover rates. Return management: Overseeing returned goods, identifying re-sale opportunities, and optimizing disposal methods in a cost-effective manner. Cross-functional leadership: Navigating potential conflicts between departments (sales, procurement, finance, operations) to align business objectives while meeting inventory targets. Reporting & financial impact analysis: Providing leadership with clear, data-driven reports on inventory levels, financial impacts, and mitigation outcomes. Product Lifecycle Stocking Review: Ensuring inventory strategies align with the full product lifecycle—development, launch, maturity, and end-of-life. Other Functions Other duties as assigned. Perform special projects as assigned. Success in this role will require Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. Communication - Writes and speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills What You'll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, or a related field. 5 years of experience in inventory management, supply chain, or operations, preferably in manufacturing. Strong financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to assess inventory costs, cash flow implications, and market demand fluctuations. Expertise in demand forecasting models, ERP/MRP systems, and inventory management software. Advanced proficiency in Excel, SQL, and data visualization tools (Power BI). Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills to manage cross-departmental priorities and resolve potential conflicts. Strong negotiation and communication abilities to collaborate with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. Ability to work in a fast-paced, continuously improving environment, balancing strategic and operational priorities.   #LI-Hybrid #LI-DM3