Supply Planning Specialist

Supply Planning Specialist

DLF North America is currently recruiting for a Supply Planning Specialist for our operation located in La Crosse, WI. DLF Group is the world leader in the development and sale of high-quality grass seeds for the agricultural forage and (professional) lawn markets. By continuously developing new innovative varieties and products, and with a strong focus on quality and reliability, DLF Group offers demonstrable value to the business of their customers and other relationships. DLF North America SBU, is one of our four Strategic Business Units. DLF employees are characterized by a high level of competency, passion, and commitment. In everything we do we act with respect, trust and integrity. Come grow with DLF!

About the Job

The Supply Planning Specialist is responsible for ensuring all distribution site seed requirements are accurately forecasted, secured, and positioned to support operational needs and customer demand. This role works across the supply chain to maintain product availability, optimize inventory placement, and support efficient distribution operations. The Supply Planning Specialist plays a key role in ensuring seed is available where and when it is needed to best serve both internal and external customers while supporting company growth and service objectives.

Job Summary

The Supply Planning Specialist is responsible for ensuring the right products are available at the appropriate locations to support mixing operations and meet customer demand. This position develops and maintains supply forecasts, analyzes inventory and sales trends, coordinates procurement and inventory movement activities, and works closely with operations leadership to optimize inventory levels throughout the distribution network.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a 12-month rolling supply forecast based on demand, historical sales trends, and business requirements.
• Ensure all distribution site seed requirements are forecasted and secured to support operational and customer needs.
• Coordinate and monitor the timely delivery of incoming goods, including purchased materials and intercompany transfers.
• Maintain accurate inventory information and support inventory integrity across all locations.
• Monitor the quality, quantity, cost, and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods, including raw materials, packaging, and related items.
• Analyze sales demand on a weekly and monthly basis to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained at the appropriate locations.
• Provide bi-weekly reports to leadership regarding inventory availability and the organization's ability to meet forecasted sales demand.
• Partner with the operations management team to ensure seed supply is procured and positioned to meet business needs.
• Collaborate across departments to align resources and inventory strategies with changing business requirements.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through strategic inventory placement and distribution planning.
• Communicate key planning issues, risks, and opportunities to the management team and provide recommendations to support business decisions.
• Work closely with the SSS team to place orders in the most effective locations to serve customers.
• Establish and improve cross-functional operational processes that enhance planning efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure management, sales teams, and employees are informed of planning objectives, inventory strategies, and new initiatives.
• Create and maintain minimum and maximum inventory levels for regularly used items at each site.
• Provide detailed planning information to support floor stocking plans across all distribution locations.
• Ensure incoming items are assigned to the appropriate item segment codes and inventory classifications.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory planning, forecasting accuracy, and supply chain performance.

Qualifications

Experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, procurement, logistics, or a related field. Strong analytical and data interpretation skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, reporting, and data analysis. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and policy manuals. Ability to perform business calculations including discounts, freight estimates, dimensional weight calculations, invoices, and percentages. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to learn and effectively utilize new software applications and systems. Preferred: Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision). Experience with supply forecasting and inventory planning methodologies. Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement practices. Experience in a distribution, manufacturing, agricultural, or supply chain environment.

Compensation and Benefits

This position comes with a competitive compensation plan that includes a base wage, health and wellness benefit options, retirement savings plan with company contribution, vacation, and personal days.

Why Work for DLF?

Turf grass is more than just a pretty sight – it helps fight climate change by trapping carbon and preventing soil erosion, making it a vital ally in preserving the environment. Grass acts as a natural filter, purifying water and improving air quality. Perennial forage grass and legume crops also provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife, showcasing the crucial role of supporting biodiversity and sustaining ecosystems. Grass, alfalfa and clover feed animals and produce oxygen. Just a few reasons.... and many more!

Ready to make an impact? We invite you to come and grow with us! We thank all applicants who apply for this position but advise only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. DLF USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities will be provided upon request during the recruitment, assessment, selection, and placement process. Alternate format available upon request.