Job Description:

Job Summary

The Inventory Planning Manager leads global inventory planning and optimization strategies across complex product portfolios, manufacturing networks, and supply chain operations.

The role is accountable for optimizing inventory investment, improving working capital, ensuring supply continuity, and driving inventory transformation through advanced analytics, MEIO, automation, and integrated planning processes.

This position leads and develops a team of inventory planning professionals while partnering with senior leaders across Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Finance, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Fulfillment to achieve business and financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Inventory Strategy & Governance

• Develop and lead global inventory planning strategies aligned with revenue, supply availability, customer service, and working capital objectives.
• Establish inventory policies, target-setting methodologies, safety stock strategies, and multi-echelon buffer optimization.
• Drive inventory governance across product portfolios, manufacturing partners, suppliers, and distribution networks.
• Lead quarterly and annual inventory planning, inventory projections, and financial target alignment.
• Establish inventory performance metrics and governance processes to identify risks and drive corrective actions.
  

Inventory Financial Performance & Risk Management

• Own inventory optimization initiatives focused on inventory turns, working capital, E&O, aging, and inventory coverage.
• Partner with Finance and business leaders to develop inventory investment strategies and financial improvement plans.
• Drive inventory reduction initiatives while protecting supply continuity, revenue commitments, and customer service.
• Lead inventory risk assessments, liability mitigation, excess inventory disposition strategies, and E&O reduction programs.
• Provide executive-level recommendations on inventory investments, strategic buffers, and inventory exposure.

Digital Transformation & Planner of the Future

• Lead the development and adoption of advanced inventory planning capabilities, including MEIO, predictive analytics, AI/ML, digital twins, and scenario simulation.
• Drive automation and standardization of inventory planning processes across business units and geographies.
• Partner with IT, Data Strategy, and enterprise transformation teams to develop scalable inventory planning capabilities.
• Establish data quality, planning accuracy, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Identify opportunities to simplify inventory decision-making through integrated systems, advanced analytics, and standardized processes.

Cross-Functional & Executive Leadership

• Partner with senior leaders across Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Procurement, Manufacturing, Fulfillment, and Finance to integrate inventory strategies into the broader planning operating model.
• Lead complex, global initiatives involving multiple business units, functions, and external manufacturing partners.
• Influence senior management through data-driven analyses, business cases, and strategic recommendations.
• Drive cross-functional alignment on inventory policies, investment priorities, and supply risk mitigation.
• Support organizational integration, operating model transformation, and enterprise-wide planning improvements.

People Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of inventory planners and subject matter experts.
• Establish individual and team objectives aligned with inventory financial performance and business outcomes.
• Build organizational capabilities in advanced planning, data analytics, inventory optimization, and digital technologies.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, performance management, and continuous improvement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.

Education and Experience

• Typically 12+ years of experience in inventory management, supply chain planning, materials management, manufacturing operations, or related functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and complex global supply chain initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field; MBA or advanced degree, or equivalent experience, preferred.
• Experience managing inventory performance within complex, global, multi-site manufacturing environments.
  

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep expertise in global inventory management, MEIO, MRP, inventory strategy, and supply chain financial performance.
• Strong understanding of inventory valuation, working capital, E&O, liability management, and financial forecasting.
• Advanced analytical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and scenario modeling capabilities.
• Experience with enterprise planning systems, ERP platforms, automation, and advanced analytics.
• Strong executive communication, influence, negotiation, and change management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead global teams, develop talent, and drive cross-functional transformation.
• Ability to connect inventory planning decisions with revenue, cash flow, customer service, and enterprise business objectives.
  

Accessibility

HPE is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodation during any stage of the application or interview process, please submit your request by completing our secure form linked here.

Note: This option is reserved for applicants needing assistance/reasonable accommodation related to a disability.

Health & Wellbeing

We strive to provide our team members and their loved ones with a comprehensive suite of benefits that supports their physical, financial and emotional wellbeing.

Personal & Professional Development

We also invest in your career because the better you are, the better we all are. We have specific programs catered to helping you reach any career goals you have — whether you want to become a knowledge expert in your field or apply your skills to another division.

Unconditional Inclusion

We are unconditionally inclusive in the way we work and celebrate individual uniqueness. We know varied backgrounds are valued and succeed here. We have the flexibility to manage our work and personal needs. We make bold moves, together, and are a force for good.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise is EEO Protected Veteran/ Individual with Disabilities.

HPE will comply with all applicable laws related to employer use of arrest and conviction records, including laws requiring employers to consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories.

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