Director of Inventory Planning and Purchasing - Hudson Valley Lighting Group

Job description

HVLG Director of Inventory Planning and Purchasing

Hudson Valley Lighting Group is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and omnichannel distribution of decorative lighting fixtures, encompassing five brands: Hudson Valley Lighting, Mitzi, Troy, Corbett, and CSL. As the one-stop shop for the most comprehensive selection of lighting, HVLG seeks to inspire and support our customers in their pursuit to achieve a home that perfectly reflects their clients. HVLG takes a designer-forward approach to the light-purchasing process — making the experience more inspiring, exciting, and inviting. At HVLG, we believe that great lighting has the power to elevate any space and enrich people's lives — and it's that guiding philosophy that ties our family of brands together.

We are a progressive and growing company seeking a Director of Inventory Planning and Purchasing. This role and their team work closely with internal business leaders and employees to architect and optimize the procurement function with our S4 Hanna system. This person works closely with internal teams to understand business objectives for product lines and align procurement practices and supply chain initiatives to support the overall business strategy. This is an impactful position for an individual who likes to design processes and drive organizational change. The ideal candidate will have a personal commitment to innovation, a dedicated work ethic, and an upbeat and positive outlook. This position manages the team and business of both Commercial and Decorative businesses.

Position requirements:

• Highly analytical; strategic thinker; high proficiency with Excel and ad-hoc reporting exercises.
• Successful operational leadership with a proven track record of inventory forecasting for multi-channel businesses.
• Ability to build and manage highly effective, engaged teams.
• Create an environment that embraces change and fosters teamwork, effective communication, responsiveness, and customer service.
• Ability to transition fluidly from broad strategic thinking to execution and untangling of tactical details.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally across organizational boundaries and build new relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to apply findings quickly to the current model.
• Advanced knowledge of financial measurements, sales, inventory turns, and supply metrics and how to impact them.
• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of planning experience. Prior e-commerce planning experience is preferred.
• Ability to work in a constantly changing environment with diverse individuals.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to adapt to new systems.
• Travel to CA offices every six months.
• US citizen or permanent resident (no Visa sponsorship available).

Duties to include:

• Forecast future supply needs and initiate proactive communications identifying short-term and long-term supplier issues.
• Oversee all buying replenishment by SKU, maintaining an efficient inventory flow, with active items in stock and service level KPIS.
• Create a methodology for forecasting new product launches; develop a deep understanding of the market, our customer base, and past launch performance to inform the plan.
• Drive the development of inventory and procurement system improvements (working with IT as needed).
• Provide oversight for vendor metrics and performance management.
• Develop a planning function to optimize inventory flow between two distribution centers while considering lead times, shipment sizes, safety stock targets, and warehouse space constraints.
• Oversee, refine, and approve monthly MRP forecast Buys for Commercial business.
• Set process and oversee Commercial and Decorative vendor communication and accountability.
• Ensure strategy levers are set for manifest, landed cost, and commercial and decorative business invoices.
• Partner with Logistics Manager, Vendors, and the Philippines and China teams to optimize containers and delivery methods.
• Approve non-inventory PO Requests for Commercial and Decorative business.
• Lead and coach the team to success and personal development goals.
• Work and develop best practices for S4 Hanna for all businesses.
• Partner with leaders of diverse areas to develop relationships and best practices and align on business goals.
• Manage Home Center business and ensure the team has the tools and strategies to be successful.
• Create and run Ad Hoc reporting for management.
• Oversee Bonding and blanket order strategies for Commercial business.
• Manage weekly communication with Décor Group and Private Brand Team to influence and strengthen Inventory Planning Strategies.
• Work closely with the Item Master Team to enhance communication, performance, and alignment and report audits for commercial and decorative businesses.
• Serve up dead stock inventory for markdowns or donations and research inventory in incorrect statuses.
• Partner with Warehouse Teams to ensure fluid strategy and solve “in the moment” issues.
• Oversee the Product Management Team and help streamline the process.
• Be a partner for the Product Development Team and work to hit all NPD deadlines.
• Build out models/reporting to share highest performing products seasonally, identifying trends and most-loved items with our design and product development team.
• Have direct reports, including the Managers of Inventory Planning, and report directly to the Senior Vice President of Global Operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position requires lifting up to 30 lbs., standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. As well as standing for the duration of the work shift except on breaks and mealtimes.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to work in a Distribution Center environment with varying temperatures and noise.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Hudson Valley Lighting is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Disclaimer: This position description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required. Employees may be asked to perform other duties as needed.