Manager, Inventory Planning

Overview

At Crocs, we believe everyone should be comfortable in their own shoes. As a global leader in innovative casual footwear, we rely on a high-performing distribution network to ensure our products are positioned and delivered with speed and efficiency.

The Manager, Inventory Optimization & Flow is responsible for driving inventory hygiene through effective inventory flow, velocity, and placement within the Las Vegas Distribution Center. This role ensures that inventory is consistently moving, aligned to demand, and intentionally positioned within the facility—particularly within automated systems such as Autostore—to maximize operational efficiency and service levels. 

What You'll Do

Inventory Flow & Velocity

• Manage inventory flow across the distribution center to ensure product availability, efficient movement, and healthy inventory turns.
• Identify and resolve slow-moving, excess, and aging inventory to maximize throughput and space utilization.
• Align inventory positioning with demand, replenishment, and fulfillment requirements.

Automation & Inventory Positioning

• Optimize inventory placement within AutoStore and other automated systems to maximize throughput, storage density, and picking efficiency.
• Ensure inventory is available in automation when needed based on forecasted demand.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Technology teams to improve system performance and scalability.

SKU & Inventory Optimization

• Collaborate with Planning, Allocations, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to manage SKU complexity and inventory productivity.
• Support new product introductions, transitions, rationalization efforts, and SKU lifecycle management.
• Balance assortment needs with distribution center capacity and operational efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planning and Allocations to align inventory strategies with demand forecasts and replenishment plans.
• Support product launches, seasonal events, and inventory transitions with Commercial and Operations partners.
• Drive inventory decisions that improve service levels, inventory availability, and overall network performance.

Analytics & Performance Management

• Monitor and report on key KPIs including inventory turns, SKU productivity, aging inventory, fill rate, OTIF, and inventory accuracy.
• Analyze inventory data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Develop actionable recommendations to improve inventory flow and operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

• Establish and maintain standards for inventory flow, placement, and system utilization.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions related to inventory disruptions and fulfillment issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Leadership

• Champion inventory optimization strategies that support growth, service, and scalability.
• Influence stakeholders through data-driven decision making and collaborative problem solving.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in inventory management, automation, and distribution center operations.

What You'll Bring to the Table

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• 3–5+ years of experience in distribution center operations, inventory planning, inventory control, or supply chain management.
• Demonstrated experience managing inventory flow, replenishment, and inventory optimization in a distribution or fulfillment environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms, with experience in Manhattan and SAP preferred.
• Experience working with warehouse automation technologies, including AutoStore or similar automated storage and retrieval systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into actionable business decisions.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams, including Operations, Planning, Allocations, Commercial, Engineering, and Technology.
• Proficient in inventory performance analysis, KPI management, and reporting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to operational excellence, process discipline, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume, omnichannel, or highly automated distribution center environments.
• Background in inventory optimization, inventory flow management, assortment planning, or network inventory strategy.
• Experience supporting or leading inventory initiatives within automated fulfillment operations.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Advanced proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar reporting platforms.
• Experience partnering with merchandising, commercial, planning, or allocation teams to improve inventory productivity and service levels.
• Proven track record of driving inventory turns, reducing aging inventory, and improving fulfillment performance.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects focused on operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and throughput optimization.