Inventory Optimisation Manager, Rathnew

Avoca operates in 14 Store locations, Central Bakery & Kitchen, Central Stores and Weaving Production Mill across the country. After all this time, the ethos of Avoca remains the same. We cherish our time-honoured traditions, which have been lovingly passed down through several generations. Today, there are third generation weavers working at the Mill. Our skills might be steeped in a long and rich tradition, but our attitude is to look to the future. Now heralded as one of Ireland's most exciting retail stores, there are Avoca ceramics, clothing, perfumes, soaps and more from our own design studio. We have a host of award-winning cafes and restaurants, Food Markets crammed with artisanal ingredients from near and far, as well as a best-selling range of Avoca cookbooks. There are also gardens to explore at many of our stores, as well as florists and garden centres. The list goes on. And all of this from a modest handwaving mill, established in a rural Irish village in 1723.

Role Purpose

Reporting in the Financial Director, the Avoca Inventory Optimisation Manager is a hands on role and will oversee the end-to-end flow of goods, including inventory accuracy, warehousing, order fulfilment, optimising stock levels, reducing costs, merchandise planning, and inventory reporting. The individual will function as a key change agent in driving fit for purpose solution within the business.

Key duties & responsibilities

       Avoca End to End Inventory management from intake to final exit from the business

       Ownership of the End-to-End process of ensuring inventory works through the business in the most efficient way possible

       Ensuring success of the End-to-End system via the People, Process and Technology

       Integrate change management, communication, and training plans to ensure success of the End-to-End process

       Identify new ways of doing things in the business to contribute to most efficient journey of inventory

       Evaluation of systems to guarantee a fit for purpose solution

       Establish KPI's and reporting structure

       Implement replenishment system based on demand/rate of sale, so as not to miss opportunities

       Implement policies to maximise sale of inventory

       Implement controls to minimise waste and stock write off

       Take responsibility for the stock take process and make sure each stock take is conducted efficiently based on the cycle calendar

       Ownership of merchandise planning

       Ownership of Hamper process

Stakeholders

       Central Stores (CST) - CST Manager will report into Inventory Optimisation Manager

       Logistics Manager

       Central Bakery (CBK) Manager

       General Managers of Avoca Shops

       Regional General Manager

       Category Buying Teams

       Financial Director

       Managing Director

       Avoca Mill Manager

       Online Manager

       Stock Room Leads

The successful candidate will be/have:

• 5+ years working in an inventory/Logistics environment
• Experience of working within a Retail environment is essential, with experience in Allocation, Replenishment and Forecasting
• A third level degree, while advantageous, is not necessary
• Strong record of supporting process improvement and system/automation projects.
• Strong Communication, presentation & Influencing Skills
• Evidence of continuous improvement skills e.g. lean qualifications.
• Ability to influence teams across the business.
• Ability to work to structured deadlines and project management disciplines.
• Growth mindset & behaviours to ensure success.
• Exhibits the drive to develop further through continuous professional and experiential learning.