Inventory Planner

Inventory Management Specialist

Achieve company inventory management goals for aligned suppliers which include but is not limited to: exemplary customer service, purchase order (PO) accuracy (cost, quantity, dates), minimal spoilage and shrink, and managing inventory to the lowest possible Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). Execute a replenishment strategy that supports supply chain efficiencies; in conjunction with: Shipping and receiving. Warehousing. Order filling, picking, and packing. Inventory control and records management. Utilize Inventory systems to achieve optimum inventory and service levels through supplier and item level settings, supply chain best practices, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Take strategic action to maintain inventory levels while maximizing customer service levels.
• Manage Inventory DSO, aged inventory, obsolete inventory, spoilage and shrink to achieve company goals.
• Collaborate with the local, market and corporate merchandising teams, suppliers, and other functional areas.
• Demonstrate an intermediate to advanced level of proficiency of the Manhatten inventory planning tool Demand Planning Replenishment (DPR), to drive the team's performance as indicated by DPR scorecards, dashboards and merchandising key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Work with the logistics team to maximize supply chain efficiencies.
• Collaborate/strategize with Inbound Planning to develop programs to maximize efficiencies of receiving and warehousing.
• Manage Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) count (min 2,300-4,000 SKUs vendor direct, 3500+ redistributed or 750 purchase order perishable lines weekly) and resolve replenishment issues as required.
• Performance to be sustained at this level while meeting established KPIs.
• Execute purchasing of new items and proper system set up timely.
• Actively process salesforce 360 request including NISR and MSR request in timely manner.
• Follow and react to market conditions within established corporate and market guidelines.
• Understand seasonal trends for aligned suppliers
• Manage and understand commodity purchasing dynamics.
• Execute enterprise purchasing initiatives.
• Confirm all POs for pricing and quantity.
• Investigate and resolve late/missing POs.
• Respond and resolve Cora requests in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: 3+ years of experience. May substitute an equivalent combination of education and experience in place of 3 years Inventory Management/Purchasing experience (Bachelors: +1 year Inventory Management/Purchasing experience). Experience working within a retail, wholesale or distribution environment. Inventory Management/Purchasing experience in distributor with 10,000+ SKUs preferred.

Professional Skills:

• Proficient Excel skills.
• Strong communication skills with stakeholders on any gaps in product service level.
• Ability to work cross-functionally across the enterprise.
• Superb attention to detail and follow up.
• Proactive attitude to highlight and address issues as they arise.
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Adapt to change based on company's priorities. Understand/execute standard replenishment processes and best practices.
• Excellent tactical replenishment execution skills.
• Solid organizational and planning skills.
• Negotiate with suppliers to execute the inventory depletion process.
• Knowledgeable of product forecasting