Inventory & Supply Planning Manager

As the Inventory & Supply Planning Manager, you will lead the end-to-end management and optimization of inventory performance and working capital. You will oversee the operational purchasing team and leverage procurement and supply planning as key drivers of effective inventory management. Through data-driven planning and cross-functional collaboration, you will create visibility, reduce excess inventory, and ensure high levels of product availability. Working closely with S&OP, Production Planning, Sales, and other stakeholders, you will develop the function into a trusted business partner while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

Inventory & Supply Planning

• Lead the planning and active management of net inventory in line with inventory targets and business objectives.
• Monitor inventory performance on a daily basis and conduct regular analyses to identify optimization opportunities.
• Manage material flows and priorities to maintain target service levels and customer satisfaction.
• Partner closely with S&OP and production planning teams to balance inventory, demand, and supply requirements.
• Coordinate and resolve supply shortages, delivery delays, and escalation activities with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Develop reporting and performance metrics that support visibility and data-driven decision making.
• Drive actions that improve inventory turns, reduce excess stock, and optimize working capital.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the purchasing team to support both individual and organizational success.
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, learning, and accountability.
• Oversee and prioritize purchasing activities to ensure efficient and effective execution.
• Support performance management, development planning, and capability building across the team.
• Partner with stakeholders across functions to address business challenges and deliver shared objectives.

Process Optimization & Automation

• Identify and implement opportunities to automate procurement and inventory management processes through digital solutions.
• Lead projects focused on improving efficiency, standardization, cost optimization, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance Power BI dashboards and reporting tools.
• Promote data-driven ways of working and support the adoption of best practices across supply chain and procurement processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen process reliability and scalability.

Who You Are:

You identify and create the processes necessary to get work accomplished. You build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. You provide timely and helpful information to individuals across the organization. You use data and analysis to make informed decisions and solve complex business challenges while maintaining a focus on achieving results.

For This Role, You Will Need:

• Min 3 years experience leading and developing teams within supply planning, material planning, procurement, or a related function in a manufacturing environment.
• A degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Experience working with ERP and planning systems, as well as advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, including Power BI.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and effectively process complex information in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
• Professional proficiency in both German and English.

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

• Experience in inventory optimization, process improvement, and Lean methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of KPI development, reporting, and performance management.
• Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with matrix organizations and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience leveraging analytics and business intelligence tools to improve supply chain performance.
• Knowledge of MRP, SAP, Oracle, or similar planning systems.

Our Culture and Commitment To You:

At Emerson, we believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive teams drive innovation and business success. We are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Through mentoring, professional development opportunities, meaningful work, and leadership support, we invest in your growth and success. We foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual respect, enabling our people to make a lasting impact on our customers, communities, and business. We welcome individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and are committed to providing equitable opportunities for all.