Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager in Manufacturing

Job Description POSITION SUMMARY The Inventory & Operational Forecasting Manager within Manufacturing is responsible for developing and translating operational and inventory data into forward-looking insights that support business performance. This role will support analysis and reconciliation of forecasts across demand, supply, and inventory, connecting business strategy, execution, and financial outcomes. This position plays a critical role in identifying drivers of performance, diagnosing root causes of variances, and delivering clear, data-driven recommendations to support decision-making. The role operates in a cross-functional environment and influences outcomes through analysis, insight, and collaboration. RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Forecasting & Analysis * Partner with plant and planning teams to support and improve operational and inventory forecasting processes * Analyze and reconcile forecast inputs across demand, supply, and execution to identify gaps, misalignment, and improvement opportunities * Evaluate forecast accuracy and performance, identifying root causes of variation and systemic drivers * Assess forecast assumptions, risks, and confidence levels, and clearly communicate implications to stakeholders Data Analysis & Business Insight * Analyze large and complex datasets to evaluate operational and inventory performance * Identify root causes of inventory imbalances, service issues, and execution gaps * Reconcile inconsistencies across systems, plans, and data sources Decision Support & Recommendations * Translate analysis into clear, actionable recommendations with defined risks and tradeoffs * Proactively identify and communicate performance risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities * Support leadership decision-making by connecting operational performance to financial outcomes Inventory Performance Management * Monitor key inventory metrics, including days inventory on hand (DIO), excess and obsolete inventory, and supply-demand alignment * Explain drivers of inventory performance across sites, product segments, and planning assumptions * Support inventory optimization initiatives and track results of corrective actions Cross-Functional Collaboration * Partner with demand planning, supply planning, materials, procurement, operations, and finance teams * Facilitate alignment across functions by providing a consistent, fact-based view of performance * Support coordination and follow-through of planning and inventory-related initiatives REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED * 7+ years of experience in forecasting, inventory management, supply chain analytics, or related disciplines * Strong analytical skills with the ability to work with large, complex datasets * Demonstrated ability to translate data into insights and actionable recommendations * Experience operating in fast-paced environments with evolving or incomplete information * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel * Experience with ERP or planning systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar)