Inventory Planner

Inventory Planner

We are seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Planning Analyst to support inventory management, material planning, and supply chain operations for our client in Mesa, AZ. This role is responsible for ensuring the right materials are available at the right time to meet customer and operational requirements while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing excess investment.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills, ERP system expertise, and advanced Excel capabilities with a proactive, customer-focused approach. You will work closely with engineering, purchasing, warehouse operations, suppliers, and customers to maintain inventory accuracy, improve material availability, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze replenishment data and inventory trends to ensure adequate material availability.
• Monitor inventory levels and align on-hand, on-order, and in-transit inventory with forecasted demand.
• Generate and review ERP reports, export data to Excel, and perform detailed analysis to support planning decisions.
• Create, review, and process purchase requisitions and material demand requirements.
• Monitor inventory performance and identify risks related to shortages, excess stock, and obsolescence.

Supply Chain Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding forecasts, new part introductions, reorder points, min/max levels, backorders, and inventory planning activities.
• Collaborate with engineers, buyers, commodity managers, and tool owners to review forecasts, consumption trends, material changes, and new product requirements.
• Communicate inventory concerns and potential shortages to buyers, managers, and operational leaders to prevent stock-outs and production downtime.
• Coordinate with suppliers to resolve material issues and support supply continuity.

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Coordinate cycle counts and physical inventory activities to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and reconcile system variances.
• Maintain accurate ERP data, including master records, bills of materials (BOMs), and inventory parameters.
• Support material returns and repair processes by coordinating with warehouse and shipping/receiving teams.

Continuous Improvement

• Manage material quality concerns and provide recommendations for corrective action and process improvement.
• Identify inventory optimization opportunities, cost-saving initiatives, and efficiency improvement projects.
• Support best practices that improve planning accuracy, inventory turns, and operational performance.

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of experience in inventory planning, materials planning, supply chain, purchasing, or inventory control.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:
• Pivot Tables
• VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP
• Data analysis and reporting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.