Job Description
Creative Chaos is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the planning, procurement, and inventory management of our product portfolio and in-store materials. This individual will play a key role in ensuring optimal product availability, operational efficiencies, and effective cross- functional communication. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in inventory planning, vendor relations, and process improvement, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving business results.
Responsibilities:
1. Inventory Planning & Demand Forecasting
- Develop, implement, and maintain inventory forecasting models to ensure consistent product availability.
- Monitor stock levels and lead times to optimize reorder points and quantities, balancing supply needs with cost efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Sales and Marketing teams to forecast demand fluctuations and align inventory strategies with promotional activities and sales goals.
2. Vendor Relations & Procurement
- Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors, including those providing in-store POS (Point of Sale), POP (Point of Purchase) materials, packaging, accessories, and merchandise.
- Negotiate contracts and service-level agreements, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
- Maintain a strong vendor communication cadence to track production timelines, quality assurance, and delivery schedules.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Marketing, Sales, and other internal stakeholders to gather insights on promotional strategies, sales forecasts, and market demands.
- Coordinate new product launches and promotional campaigns by aligning inventory management timelines with marketing and sales objectives.
- Ensure transparent and timely communication of any potential supply or operational issues across relevant departments.
4. System & Process Management
- Oversee systems to track lead times, reorder dates, inventory levels, and inbound deliveries
- Maintain accurate records within inventory management software or ERP systems.
- Generate regular reports on inventory levels, product movement, and supplier performance, distributing these insights to the appropriate teams.
5. Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement
- Analyze current operational processes to identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve supply chain efficiencies, reduce costs, and drive overall operational effectiveness.
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership, outlining clear action plans and metrics for success.
6. Risk Management & Compliance
- Monitor regulatory and industry compliance requirements specific to the nicotine category, ensuring all operational activities adhere to relevant guidelines
- Proactively identify potential inventory or supply chain risks and develop contingency plans.
