Inventory Head

About the Role

We are looking for a strategic and detail-oriented Inventory Head to lead and optimize inventory management across our expanding retail and omnichannel network. You will drive inventory efficiency, ensure stock accuracy, and align supply with demand to support business growth and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory Strategy & Planning

• Define and implement inventory policies across categories, store clusters, and ticket sizes
• Design assortment architecture (core, new launches, festive collections)
• Drive inventory turns, ageing control, and working capital efficiency

2. Demand Forecasting & Replenishment

• Develop store-wise and category-wise demand forecasting models
• Manage replenishment cycles with defined minmax levels and safety stock
• Plan allocations for new store launches, promotions, and seasonal demand spikes

3. Purchase Planning & Vendor Coordination

• Convert forecasts into Open-to-Buy purchase plans aligned with margin strategy
• Coordinate with sourcing and manufacturing partners for timely deliveries
• Ensure SKU standardization, including naming, barcoding, and certification mapping

4. Inventory Control, Accuracy & Audits

• Maintain high inventory accuracy across ERP, POS, and e-commerce systems
• Implement audit mechanisms, including cycle counts and physical audits
• Drive shrinkage control through root-cause analysis and corrective actions

5. Inter-Store Transfers & Reverse Logistics

• Optimize inter-store transfers to balance stock and reduce dead inventory
• Manage returns (customer, franchise, repairs) with proper QC and documentation
• Ensure accurate and transparent inventory movement records

6. QC & Certification Alignment

• Ensure all inventory meets quality and certification standards before sale
• Manage tagging, barcoding, and packaging integrity
• Track and resolve non-saleable inventory exceptions

7. Franchise (FOFO) Inventory Governance

• Define and enforce inventory SOPs for franchise operations
• Monitor franchise inventory through dashboards and reporting
• Train franchise partners and ensure compliance

8. Omnichannel Inventory Enablement

• Enable real-time stock visibility across channels
• Define allocation, reservation, and order fulfilment policies
• Support models like ship-from-store and click & collect

9. Team Leadership & Process Excellence

• Lead and mentor a centralized inventory team
• Establish SOPs, RACI frameworks, and performance KPIs
• Drive continuous improvement through data-driven decision-making

Requirements

• Proven experience in inventory management, supply chain, or retail operations
• Strong analytical and forecasting capabilities
• Experience working with ERP/POS systems and inventory tools
• Strong understanding of retail, omnichannel, and franchise (FOFO) models
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills

Preferred: Experience in jewellery, diamonds, or high-value retail inventory.