Inventory Planner (Store Support Center, Overland Park, KS)

**About Ace Retail Group** Ace Retail Group (ARG), is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. ARG is one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States and has two headquarters located in Lenexa, KS and Farmington Hills, MI. ARG’s origins date back over a century and operates over 250 neighborhood stores located throughout the United States. Great people make ARG stand out in our industry, and we are looking for individuals who strive for personal and professional growth, and who want to work with a company founded on (and still led by) our solid Core Values of: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork. Job Title: Inventory Planner Department: Supply Chain/Inventory Management Reports To: Manager, Inventory Planning Exemption Status: Exempt (Salaried) About Ace Retail Group Ace Retail Group (ARG) is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several well-known Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. As one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States, ARG operates more than 250 neighborhood stores nationwide and maintains its headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas. With roots dating back over a century, ARG’s success is driven by its people. What truly sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to hiring and developing individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth and who want to be part of a company built on strong, enduring Core Values: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and Teamwork General Job Summary The Inventory Planner position is responsible for planning, managing and maintaining replenishment for specified categories of business. This individual will effectively manage the placement and/or replenishment of a designated product category to maintain an in-stock standard while achieving planned turnover and revenue growth. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Provide excellent customer service to our stores! • Maintain proper inventory levels in all stores to support profitable sales goals. • Analyze sales and stock levels to ensure the replenishment system reflects current sales trends, presentation standards and turnover goals. • Monitor product flow from Ace RSC’s and direct to stores vendor orders. • Monitor and adjust replenishment parameters to meet the needs of the stores. • Review upcoming promotional activities to ensure proper inventory levels to maximize sales potential. • Perform inventory forecasting for future needs and replenish and allocate products as needed. • Analyze inventory productivity and make adjustments as needed to increase inventory turnover. • Review discontinued product status for productivity improvements and recommend SKU rationalization measures. • Work closely with Ace Inventory Teams to maximize flow-thru efficiencies. • Keep the Director of Inventory Planning updated on current projects, challenges and opportunities. • Perform complex and highly detailed work with accuracy and precision. • Provide quality inventory and purchase recommendations to Category Managers. • Partner with Category Managers to ensure proper in-stock levels, identify items not meeting performance goals and develop timely strategies to reduce inventory or exit item(s). • Provide inventory management education to Field personnel. • Communicate with store teams and respond to individual store issues as required. • Build annual inventory projections for each category of responsibility. • Utilize and develop expertise with Business Intelligence reporting tool. • Participate in cross-functional projects as required for overall continuous improvement. • Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned. Other Essential Requirements Ability to exhibit and inc…