Inventory Strategy & Planning

At CVS Health, we're building a world of health around every consumer and surrounding ourselves with dedicated colleagues who are passionate about transforming health care.As the nation's leading health solutions company, we reach millions of Americans through our local presence, digital channels and more than 300,000 purpose-driven colleagues - caring for people where, when and how they choose in a way that is uniquely more connected, more convenient and more compassionate. And we do it all with heart, each and every day.Position Summary

The Inventory & Strategy Planning is accountable for managing/shaping demand for a group of retail products working collaboratively with Category Management, gaining consensus on one forecast that drives the business. Along with leading strategic initiatives and story telling amongst the portfolio.

This role has overall responsibility for accurately managing the forecast across a set of products/categories so that the business may be appropriately planned based on that forecast. Along with ensure goals and timeline are met throughout GMC.This role will work collaboratively with other parts of the business to ensure that key factors that influence demand are understood and reflected in the forecast.Responsibilities:

• Strategic Execution & Program Oversight: Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic initiatives and high-priority projects. Ensure alignment with organizational goals and timely delivery of outcomes.
• Achieve sales, margin, in-stock and inventory targets.
• Collaborate with Buyers, Planners, and Analysts on item flows, JDA forecasts, seasonal plans and advertising schedule.
• Develop and maintain baseline forecasts using JDA Demand module.
• Develop and maintain promotional, seasonal and event forecasts using Soft Solutions.
• Monitor Forecast accuracy and resolve exceptions with high/low bias with the goal of improvement.
• Adjust forecast to account for market intelligence.
• Works with Category and Planning leadership to understand trends, identify new products, new product and promotional strategies and evaluate impacts on demand.
• Generate appropriate aggregations of forecast data to facilitate cross-functional communication.
• Use input from the analytics team to determine appropriate forecast models and parameter settings.
• Work with Inventory and Category leadership to support a collaborative approach and structure.
• Partner with Finance, Logistics & the Transportation organization to identify supply chain and financial opportunities.
• Generate and analyze forecast performance reports.

• 3+ years of Retail industry experience in Inventory Planning
• 3+ years Supply Chain and Forecasting experience
• 3+ Advanced Excel (formulas, etc.) & PowerPoint
• 2+ years working independently, managing multiple assignments, and adjusting priorities to meet outcomes and deadlines
• 2= years Microsoft office: Excel/Access/PowerPoint

• Define critical metrics that drive the business and the supporting measures necessary to achieve success
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
• JDA Forecasting & Replenishment/Blue Yonder
• Masters Degree in Supply Chain or MBA; Supply Chain Certification
• Experience in Retail or an SC&L environment
• Quantitative products: Mathematical and strong statistical knowledge
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Motivated self-starter
• Ability to calculate and analyze key forecasting metrics
• Business/financial acumen and Supply Chain knowledge
• Communication and influencing skills
• Good judgment and decision-making ability
• Time management and organizational skills
• Be comfortable failing, learning, and adapting
• Be curious and see opportunities where others see obstacles

• Affordable medical plan options, a 401(k) plan (including matching company contributions), and an employee stock purchase plan.
• No-cost programs for all colleagues including wellness screenings, tobacco cessation and weight management programs, confidential counseling and financial coaching.
• Benefit solutions that address the different needs and preferences of our colleagues including paid time off, flexible work schedules, family leave, dependent care resources, colleague assistance programs, tuition assistance, retiree medical access and many other benefits depending on eligibility.