Procurement Manager - Process Improvement Manager

Position Summary This position is responsible for the design, development and execution of key strategic initiatives in Inventory Management, which is part of the Supply Chain organization. These strategic initiatives will focus on driving improved store in-stock levels and higher inventory turn. Areas of process improvement review will be stocking strategy refinement and forecasting improvements. The position is also responsible for key execution/project management to drive seasonal Merchandise Sales Plan (MSP) replenishment strategies.   Position ResponsibilitiesDevelop methods to improve forecasting on initiatives such as Collaborative Planning Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR), Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and event driven ad lifts utilizing statistical analysis techniques including quantitative forecasting, statistical forecasting, regression analysis, and qualitative forecasting. Identify, develop and monitor inventory initiative improvement plans. Implement initiative plans through coaching and training Demand Planners and Supply Planners.  Research, develop, adapt and implement inventory management Best Practices.May lead and manage groups to support key initiatives.  Develop and manage collaborative scorecard process between inventory management and merchandising.Research, analyze and implement stocking strategy refinement by category by reviewing POS data, store clustering data and retail store sizing techniques to determine replenishment alternatives and improvements.  Lead the Merchandise Sales Plan (MSP) execution from an Inventory Management perspective to drive key initiatives throughout the year.  Project management of this initiative includes working closely with IT and the business units to coordinate and implement strategies.Understand and improve the job specific functions of the forecasting and replenishment team to streamline policies and procedures, which will result in improved turns, margins, and service levels.Demonstrate a commitment to OfficeMax core values of safety, integrity, process improvement, and customer satisfaction.The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary. Quantitative Dimensions*This person is accountable for OfficeMax’s Inventory Management function to provide and support the development, management, and dissemination of process improvements.  *This person is also responsible for using best practices as a means to leverage retail in-stocks, inventory turns, and forecast accuracy.  These will be accomplished through, project execution and management.  *This position will work with over a $600 million inventory budget.  *It is preferred this position has a systems background in SAP/Manugistics as well as proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project*APICS or IBF (Institute of Business Forecasting) certification a plus. 


Business degree (preferably M.B.A.) or equivalent knowledge of total business interactions through work experience
At least 10 years office product industry experience involving close contact with suppliers, products, customers, purchasing and marketing
Strong negotiation skills and very strong analytical skills
Knowledge of inventory management and operations
Strong communication skills
Travel is required and may involve up to 25% of the associate’s time