Regional Inventory & Planning Manager - MENA

Job Summary:

The primary role of the Regional Inventory & Planning Manager is to develop accurate and timely demand forecasts for the region and work with the global Inventory and Planning team to effectively plan and order inventory for the region.To successfully accomplish these objectives, this role will work to reduce inventory working capital, and minimize forecast variability while working to establish an in-stock rate that achieves regional sales goals. This role will assist in all demand planning duties including estimating future product demand and developing forecast models as well as oversee the process of ordering regional SKUs for delivery within the region. The Manager role will partner with Marketing, Operations, Supply Planning and Merchandising to gather inputs to build the consensus demand plan which will drive supply planning and replenishment to the fulfillment centers. The Regional Inventory & Planning Manager will be assigned all regional vendors to manage through day to day business and company growth strategies along with responsibility of working with the global Inventory Management team to review and manage inventory effectively across the full portfolio of SKUs. To succeed in this role, you must be professional, highly analytical, and possess excellent communication skills. This role requires both a statistical, mathematical mind with an intuitive understanding of business and forecasting policies.

Job Expectations:

• Develop effective forecast models based on industry trends and demand patterns.
• Support management with risk assessments and mitigation activities.
• Propose and implement solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy.
• Successfully communicate demand forecast estimations to management.
• Monitor and report on important changes in demand forecasts, budgets and business strategies.
• Conduct monthly forecast maintenance.
• Address demand-related issues in a timely and effective manner
• Analyze historical demand, promotional demand, internal/external trends at company, category and or product level, as needed.
• Conduct post performance forecast analytics to determine root cause of performance gaps and generate hypotheses to codify the optimal forecasting solution approach for each business unit or category.
• Support and provide inputs for vendor plans to support an Open to Buy (OTB) process.

Support and execute on delivery of purchase projections / demand forecasts to suppliers. Provide actionable reporting, KPI updates and metric data, including forecast accuracy Participate in maximizing sales, standardizing business processes, optimizing planning tools and systems towards constant improvement and automation. Partner with Supply Planning and Merchandising on a weekly basis to share key market and vendor performance insights to ensure a holistic understanding of all facets of vendors past performance and future expectations and opportunities. Execute strategic procurement plans using demand plan output, inventory, and supplier metrics in support of strategic business objectives. Support the company’s Merchandising and Marketing initiatives to ensure adequate inventory is planned and available to support product launch, business initiatives, promotions, sales and events. Support New Item roll outs and subsequent processes to ensure successful sales The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job. Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong analytical and qualitative problem-solving skills Ability to present quantitative data in an easy-to-understand manner that balances both analytics as well as business implications

• Ability to support continuous improvement or capability development work streams including scope definition, analysis, recommendations, and implementation.
• Effective communication skills, with ability to work across and present to multiple levels and different organizational functions.
• Experience with packaged Demand Planning Software is desired, specific emphasis on SAP IBP.
• Strong attention to detail

Equipment Knowledge:

Advanced Excel proficiency required SQL proficiency strongly preferred to support analysis and autonomous reporting Strong technical proficiency, including advanced use of Google Workspace and the ability to work effectively across multiple digital communication and collaboration tools Experience with planning or inventory management systems (SAP/IBP preferred)

Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a demand planning/forecasting role, or relevant experience, preferably in an e-commerce environment.
• Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, forecasting, supply chain or related field, or a combination of education and equivalent work experience required.

Judgment/Reasoning Ability:

Able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment, poise, and diplomacy. Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills, and determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. The Team Member is frequently required to sit, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the work day. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

The noise in the work environment is usually moderate. Other factors are:

Fast-paced with multi-level distractions Professional, yet casual work environment Hybrid work arrangement; onsite presence will be required once the UAE office becomes operational Ability to work extended hours as business may require during peak time periods or project deadlines Recurrent travel to KSA (10-20% of the time) Staffing Agency Submission Notice iHerb does not accept unsolicited 3rd party ("Agency") candidates. If you are an Agency, please send any requests to be considered as a supplier in our Vendor Management System to staffingvendors@iherb.com. Do not contact iHerb employees directly. If requested to work on a role, any Agency candidates would be presented through the internal recruiting organization. About iHerb iHerb is on a mission to make health and wellness accessible to all. We offer Earth’s best-curated selection of health and wellness products, at the best possible value, delivered with the most convenient experience.

We’re the world’s largest eCommerce platform dedicated to vitamins, minerals, and supplements, and other health and wellness products. For more than 25 years, we’ve been making it simple for people all over the world to purchase the highest quality products. From supplements to skincare to grocery items, we ship over 50,000 products, from over 1,800 brands direct to our customers in 180+ countries.

Our vision is to become the #1 destination for health and wellness across the world.

With a passion for wellness and a mind for innovative solutions, iHerb team members share a vision for a healthier world that drives them each day. Our 5 Shared Values unite our global team:

Focus on the Customer · Empower Our People · Be Entrepreneurial & Pivot Quickly · Embrace Diversity & Inclusion · Strive for Simplicity iHerb Benefits At iHerb, we are dedicated to offering programs designed to help our employees and their families stay healthy, live well, and plan for their financial future. Built on a strong foundation, our programs provide options and upgrades with flexibility, protection, and security in mind. For the comprehensive benefits list, visit www.iHerbBenefits.com. For our international team members, you may be eligible for benefits depending on the country where you are employed. The Talent Acquisition Partner/local HR representative will go over the benefits you are eligible for. iHerb is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. iHerb provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment.