Lead - Inventory Planning and Distribution - Fashion Category

Role & responsibilities Demand & Inventory Planning: Develop and implement demand forecasting models based on historical data, market trends, and seasonal variations. Collaborate with business, marketing, and finance teams to create an inventory plan across COCO & FOFO outlets, distribution, e-commerce, q-commerce partners, and the e-commerce portal. Monitor and adjust forecasts to ensure optimal inventory levels and respond to market changes. Distribution & Supply Chain Management: Develop and implement a robust distribution model aligned with revenue and margin targets, historical sales data, and space utilization. Monitor fill rates across inventory touchpoints and optimize logistics operations for cost-effective and timely deliveries. Work with inventory planning & purchase teams to develop procurement strategies, ensuring timely product availability while minimizing costs. Production & Process Optimization: Oversee production scheduling and capacity planning to meet demand forecasts and customer orders. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize processes, reduce lead times, and implement lean manufacturing principles. Identify opportunities for process automation and technology adoption to enhance efficiency. Team Leadership & Strategic Initiatives: Lead a team of six members, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Set clear goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks, ensuring continuous assessment and improvements. Recruit, mentor, and develop team members through training and professional development programs. Drive strategic initiatives to enhance planning capabilities and support business growth objectives. Preferred candidate profile Educational Background: Bachelor's degree from NIFT / Pearl or equivalent institute. Experience: 8+ years of experience in inventory planning, distribution, or supply chain management, with at least 5+ years in a team lead role. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in distribution planning, and hands-on experience with inventory management systems. Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills. Passion for pets and an understanding of the pet lifestyle industry is a plus!