Manager, Inventory Operations
Warner Bros. Discovery - Chicago, IL
Apply NowJob Description
_Welcome to Warner Bros. Discoveryu2026 the stuff dreams are made of._ Who We Areu2026 When we say, u201cthe stuff dreams are made of,u201d weu2019re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBDu2019s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the _storytellers_ bringing our characters to life, the _creators_ bringing them to your living rooms and the _dreamers_ creating whatu2019s nextu2026 From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive. Your New Roleu2026 The Manager, Inventory Operations serves as the operational leader for all product intake, back of house organization and inventory execution within Harry Potter Shop Chicago. The role ensures that every product moves efficiently from delivery through to the sales floor, enabling exceptional guest experiences supported by high product availability and operational readiness to drive commercial performance. This will include ensuring ownership over all aspects of inventory and stock integrity, being consistently mindful of the criticality of effective management to ensure product counts are accurate, spaces are efficiently structured and have a sound knowledge of all product. This position functions as the key deputy to the Senior Manager. During periods of absence, the Inventory Operations Manager steps into elevated responsibilities to support the Director, Retail Operations and maintain leadership continuity across the location. The role requires a highly organized and experienced leader with strong communication skills, excellent follow up and the ability to coach and motivate a team to execute with accuracy and pace. Your Key Responsibilitiesu2026 Operations u2022 Lead the full product intake process for Harry Potter Shop Chicago, ensuring timely, accurate receiving, processing and movement of merchandise through the space, connecting with delivery partners and the warehouse closely on a daily basis. u2022 Oversee all back of house operations including stockroom layout, storage standards, organization systems and daily workflow planning. u2022 Deliver a structured replenishment strategy that keeps the sales floor fully stocked throughout trading hours, driving density, standards and consistency. u2022 Partner with Visual Merchandising and Sales leadership to support product launches, floor moves and seasonal changes. u2022 Maintain full compliance with operational, health and safety and inventory management processes. u2022 Identify opportunities to streamline receiving, storage, stockroom workflows and replenishment processes. u2022 Implement improved systems that reduce labor hours, increase accuracy or improve replenishment. u2022 Maintain strong facility standards including cleanliness, equipment maintenance and adherence to safety procedures. u2022 Own technology processes in-store in relation to receiving and inventory management. u2022 Take responsibility for personalization operations, equipment, processes and inventory as required. Inventory u2022 Drive cycle counts, stock audits, adjustments, damages and shrink control routines to maintain consistently accurate inventory. u2022 Track and analyse inventory metrics to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement, partnering with Inventory & Systems Analyst for data. u2022 Ensure accurate SKU-level documentation for all deliveries, transfers, returns, damages and adjustments, maintaining constant visibility over store inventory and taking action swiftly. u2022 Support the Senior Manager in preparing inventory reporting for cross functional partners. u2022 Maintain the role of inventory expert for the store, knowing product quantities, additional density requirements, storage needs and take responsibility for communicating to Merchandising team. u2022 Own reporting on negative inventory, stock adjustments, damages, best-before dates, delivery discrepancies and create action plans from planning through to execution and review. People u2022 Provide direct line management to all back of house team, enabling and maintaining a strong team culture focused on exceeding expectations of service, employee morale and high performance. u2022 Oversee recruitment, training, onboarding and ongoing development for all back-of-house roles, engaging with People & Culture and Talent Acquisition for back filling roles swiftly. u2022 Conduct performance reviews for back-of-house leadership, collaborate with Senior Manager to oversee performance of all team members, setting the expectations and standards clearly. u2022 Partner with People & Culture to conduct any required disciplinary or respond to any escalated people situations, ensuring compliance with all WBD policies. u2022 Ensure clear expectations for inventory management, receiving procedures and organization, coaching to develop and grow team, focusing on feedback as a tool for improvement. u2022 Maintain clear communication, in conjunction with Senior Manager, with team members at Harry Potter Shop Chicago, creating a safe and thriving environment for all employees to grow. Cross-Functional u2022 Act as the deputy for the Senior Manager and take on escalated responsibilities in their absence. u2022 Drive the in-store tech partnership relationship, ensuring that any and all tech issues relating to inventory are swiftly reported, tracked, escalated and actioned, raising with Senior Manager and Director for support as required. u2022 Partner with the Senior Manager and Director, Retail Operations on planning, workload and priorities for the operation. u2022 Serve as the escalation point for any inventory or back of house operational issues. u2022 Maintain strong working relationships with Merchandising, Buying, Visual Merchandising, Security and Warehouse teams. u2022 Keep a high level of visibility on the shop floor and back-of-house at all times, driving experience and service as much as inventory by setting an example and keeping standards as a top priority. Qualifications and Competencies u2022 Over 3-5 years of progressive retail leadership experience, with 2 at a Manager level, overseeing high-volume stores and flagship locations in relation to inventory management. u2022 Proven ability to lead teams in a high volume and fast paced retail environment. u2022 Experience leading large teams, including other managers, in a fast-paced, high volume and/or experiential retail environment. u2022 Understanding of retail financials, including labor planning and general expenditure. u2022 Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally with central teams in merchandising, marketing, P&C finance and facilities. u2022 Experience managing complex operational challenges and able to manage challenging people or store situations. u2022 Experience stepping into senior leadership responsibilities is an advantage. u2022 Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and operate with a high degree of autonomy. u2022 Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence. u2022 Proficiency with retail systems, reporting tools and Microsoft Office or equivalent platforms. u2022 Bacheloru2019s degree in Business, Retail Management, Hospitality or related field preferred, or equivalent experience. Work Pattern u2022 Up to 40 hours a week working 8-hour shifts, this role will require a minimum of two working weekends per month. This role will be based in-store at Harry Potter Shop Chicago. How We Get Things Doneu2026 This last bit is probably the most important Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview. Championing Inclusion at WBD Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law. If youu2019re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page ( for instructions to submit your request. In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discoveryu2019s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $80,465.00 - $149,435.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.
Created: 2026-02-02