Director of Inventory and Demand Planning

Director of Inventory and Demand Planning Join to apply for the Director of Inventory and Demand Planning role at Unrivaled Teamwear The Director of Inventory Planning & Purchasing is responsible for providing leadership, strategic direction, and accountability for inventory planning, demand forecasting, purchasing, and inventory management across a variety of brands under the Unrivaled Teamwear banner (Champion and Knights Apparel). Overview This position plays a critical role in aligning inventory strategies with business objectives, optimizing working capital, and supporting profitable growth. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Sales, and Supply Chain teams to ensure the right inventory is available at the right time while minimizing excess and obsolescence. About Unrivaled Teamwear Unrivaled Teamwear serves as the parent company of Champion Teamwear, Gear for Sports, and Knights Apparel, each an industry leader in the sports and team apparel space. Our family of brands knows what goes into great decorated garments, using top-quality fabrics and offering creative decoration options. Each brand offers customers a premier selection and exceptional service for all their sportswear needs, from t‑shirts and caps to fleece, performance wear, and outerwear. Job Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy Lead the development and execution of inventory planning and purchasing strategies across all brands. Partner with senior leadership to ensure inventory strategies support company objectives and customer demand. Demand Planning & Forecasting Oversee creation and maintenance of demand forecasts at the SKU, category, and brand level. Align demand forecasts with sales, marketing, and product development teams to anticipate changes in demand. Continuously improve forecast accuracy using data‑driven methodologies and tools. Lead cross‑functional planning process on SIOP/S&OP, ensuring sales expectations, brand strategy and operations are aligned into one unified plan. Collaborate on management and reporting of excess and obsolete. Financial & KPI Accountability Understand and manage the impact of inventory on cash flow, the balance sheet, and profitability. Own key inventory‑related metrics including turns, days on hand, forecast accuracy, and service levels. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work closely with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align on budgets, forecasts, and operational plans. Partner with Sales and Product teams to support seasonal planning, new product launches, and promotions. Serve as a key liaison between Finance and Operations, providing transparency and actionable insights. Continuous Improvement Identify and implement process improvements to streamline demand planning and purchasing processes (manage lead times, MOQ negotiation, etc.). Evaluate and recommend technology solutions to enhance inventory visibility, forecasting, and reporting capabilities. Lead initiatives to optimize working capital while supporting customer service goals. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Finance, Business, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred). 10+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, demand forecasting, and procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience with both domestic and international sourcing and purchasing. Strong understanding of financial impacts of inventory on cash flow, balance sheet, and profitability. Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence at all organizational levels. Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory planning software, and Excel (advanced). This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the associate. Other duties will be assigned as needed. EOE/AA: Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing as well as participate in E‑Verify. Seniority level Director Employment type Full-time Job function Management and Manufacturing Industries Retail Apparel and Fashion Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Unrivaled Teamwear by 2x. Get notified about new Director of Inventory Management jobs in Lenexa, KS. #J-18808-Ljbffr