A combination of education and work experience is the clear pathway to become a replenishment manager. Although college is not required of each applicant, a four year degree certainly helps you rise above other prospective employees during the hiring process. Alternatively, many workers begin as inventory counters and work their way up to the management level.
Earning a bachelor's degree in business or another related field is a common way to become a replenishment manager. One of the many duties this manager must perform is estimating future inventory levels; he or she must ensure that there is enough product on the shelves for customers while reducing the risk of having too many unsold items left over. The college degree earned should reflect courses in mathematics and statistics so that you can work with estimating formulas for a successful career.
Workers who have a background in retail or distribution may be able to become a replenishment manager without a four year college degree. The main drawback to this approach is its limitations; you may only be able to work and oversee one facility. Companies with multiple facilities, such as retail chains, will normally employ one manager to supervise several stores only if he or she has a bachelor's degree. These managers tend to earn more money than those overseeing one store. In addition, there may be more promotion opportunities for a college graduate as compared to a high school graduate.
Some workers become a replenishment manager by climbing the company ladder. Many employees begin at a retail store as basic inventory counters; these workers may work at night to count an entire store's product line to verify a monthly or quarterly inventory reconciliation. Employees who show attention to detail and offer helpful solutions to inventory discrepancies may be promoted to a higher position in management.
On-the-job training is usually necessary to become a replenishment manager. Each retail industry has different variables that affect inventory levels, especially if the product is perishable, like frozen foods. An experienced manager may mentor an aspiring worker to ensure that inventory processes are followed correctly. Well-rounded workers may offer new ideas for better product control that can be implemented as they are trained.
A successful replenishment manager must have good communication skills. Large portions of the work day may be filled with telephone calls to product suppliers and shipping companies. The replenishment manager must be able to develop rapport with suppliers to ensure that product shipments are rapidly and correctly filled, allowing the store to conduct its business without interruption.