Planet Access Retail Inventory Manager

Location: Planet Access – Chicago, IL (Lincoln Square & Wicker Park) and Lincoln Park Administrative Office
Benefits Offered: Medical, Life Insurance, 401k, Dental
Employment Type: Full Time
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Reports to: Senior Director of Social Enterprise and Development
Salary: $50,000/year 

About the Role: The Retail Inventory Manager is responsible for inventory operations across Planet Access retail locations, ensuring accurate inventory levels while using reporting, merchandising insights and sales trends to guide purchasing decisions, reduce shrink and increase sales.  

Working collaboratively with store leadership, this role develops inventory strategies that support sales strategies, optimize product availability, enhance the customer experience and promote operational excellence across both stores. This position will serve as the primary resource for all inventory questions and procedures. 

Benefits We Offer: 

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. 

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Pet Insurance too! 

• Financial Support: 401(k), flexible spending account, and help with loan forgiveness programs. 

• Professional Growth: Ongoing training, staff development, and appreciation events. 

• Employee Perks: Discounts, swag, and more! 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred. 

• Minimum of 2–3 years of retail inventory management or inventory control experience. 

• Experience using retail inventory management systems and point-of-sale software (Lightspeed preferred). 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales and inventory data. 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools preferred. 

• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. 

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced retail environment. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills. 

• Ability to lift/carry up to 44 lbs., 

• Ability to perform basic physical moves such as kneeling, reaching, crouching, bending, and twisting, 

• Availability to work weekend and evening shifts as business needs require. 

Responsibilities: 

Inventory Management:

• Oversee all aspects of inventory management for both retail locations. 

• Maintain accurate inventory records through regular cycle counts. 

• Coordinate and execute inventory transfers between store locations to optimize product availability, when needed. 

• Monitor inventory levels and identify replenishment needs based on sales trends and merchandising plans, alongside Senior Retail Operations Manager. 

• Receive, process and reconcile incoming merchandise shipments alongside team while ensuring accuracy and timely distribution. 

• Manage inventory adjustments, damaged merchandise, returns and product write-offs according to company procedures, alongside Store Managers. 

• Lead annual physical inventory processes each June. 

Inventory Reporting & Shrinkage Prevention:

• Analyze inventory, sales and sell-through reports to identify purchasing needs and dead stock. 

• Pull monthly Visibility Arts sales reports. 

• Develop and implement inventory control procedures that minimize shrink and improve inventory accuracy. 

• Investigate inventory discrepancies and identify trends related to loss prevention. 

• Train store staff on inventory handling procedures, receiving standards, transfers, shrinkage strategies and inventory best practices. 

Sales Strategies & Other Operations:

• Partner with store leadership to support sales strategies to maximize profitability at both stores. 

• Support new product launches and store events. 

• Support sales floor and other operational needs during unplanned absences, leaves of absence and special events. 

Why Join Search360: 

Make an impact: Help support a mission that changes lives through meaningful work. 
Grow your career: Take advantage of training, professional development, and opportunities to advance. 
Be part of a collaborative team: Work alongside supportive leaders and coworkers who value your ideas and contributions. 
Use your skills to drive success: Help improve inventory accuracy, support store operations, and contribute to the success of both Planet Access locations.