Inventory Buyer/Planner

Job Description

Job Description

Are you in search of a company that resonates with your proactive spirit and entrepreneurial mindset? Your search ends here with Premier Truck Rental !

Company Overview

At Premier Truck Rental (PTR), we provide customized commercial fleet rentals nationwide, helping businesses get the right trucks and equipment to get the job done. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, PTR is a family-owned company built on a foundation of integrity, innovation, and exceptional service. We serve a wide range of industries—including construction, utilities, and infrastructure—by delivering high-quality, ready-to-work trucks and trailers tailored to each customer's needs. At PTR, we don't just rent trucks—we partner with our customers to drive efficiency and success on every job site.

 

POSITION SUMMARY  

The Inventory Planner is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring trucks, chassis, and passenger vehicles to support fleet demand. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and terms, analyzes sales, production & utilization data, and ensures the timely acquisition of equipment aligned with operational and financial objectives. The Demand Planner collaborates cross-functionally with operations, sales, fleet, and finance to balance fleet availability, cost control, and market demand when making purchasing decisions. 

 

LOCATION  

Onsite in Fort Wayne, IN

 

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive compensation package, benchmarked to regional market standards. It consists of a base salary plus the opportunity for quarterly profit sharing after one year of employment. 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Purchases and Negotiation  

• Analyze fleet growth, order bank timing, allocation availability, financial goals, and replacement cycles to recommend truck, chassis, and passenger vehicles purchases.
• Evaluate OEM incentive agreements, dealer quotes/terms, specifications, and service offerings to make purchasing mix recommendations.
• Issue purchase orders and manage order lifecycle from placement through delivery. 

Coordination and Tracking  

• Partner with Fleet and Operations to plan and coordinate the physical movement of assets.
• Assist Premier Partners with setting and maintaining OEM drop ship codes.
• Train Premier Partners on OEM processes and procedures. Provide updates as processes change and evolve.
• Monitor production schedules, OEM allocations, and delivery timelines to proactively address delays or constraints. 

Supplier Management  

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, dealers, and upfit partners.
• Resolve supplier-related issues, including damage claims, recalls, rejections, cancellations, pricing discrepancies, and engineering changes.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, lead time, pricing, and reliability. Partner with suppliers to drive meaningful change. 

  Master Data Management and Auditing  

• Support accurate Master Data Management for all purchased assets within ERP and fleet systems.
• Maintain detailed procurement records and documentation.
• Analyze purchasing, utilization, and supplier data to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Relationship Building  

• Interact professionally with external suppliers, fostering positive and long-lasting partnerships.
• Demonstrate negotiation and problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution.
• Collaborate in developing strong relationships and facilitate effective communication across the business and Premier Partner sites.
• Communicate delivery updates and potential delays to internal stakeholders. 

Attention to Detail and Customer Service  

• Demonstrate close attention to detail, follow-up, and a strong commitment to customer service. 
• Provide excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure equipment meets operational specifications and business requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand their needs and ensure a high level of satisfaction.
• Apply strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to drive timely solutions. 

 

REQUIREMENTS  

MUST HAVE  

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive purchasing or equivalent related experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of the automotive industry.
• Excellent negotiation skills with demonstrated success.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends and supplier performance.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

NICE TO HAVE  

• Associate's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Certification in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., CPSM, CPIM). 

Employee Benefits

At Premier Truck Rental (PTR), we invest in our people by offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and growth opportunities designed to support you both professionally and personally.

Wellness & Fitness

Take advantage of our on-site CrossFit-style gym, featuring a full-time personal trainer dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals. Whether you're interested in group classes, virtual personal training, personalized workout plans, or nutrition coaching, we've got you covered.

Exclusive Employee Perks

Enjoy a variety of additional benefits designed to make life a little easier and more enjoyable:

• PTR Swag & Uniform/Boot Allowance
• On-site Micro-Markets stocked with snacks and essentials
• Discounts on phone plans, supplier vehicles, mobile detailing, tools, and equipment
• Additional partner and vendor discounts

Performance Incentives (Commissions, Bonuses & Profit Sharing)

At PTR, we believe in rewarding success. Certain roles offer commission structures, bonuses, or profit-sharing opportunities based on performance. Incentive eligibility varies by position, so be sure to ask your recruiter about the compensation opportunities available for your role.

Comprehensive Benefits — Starting Day One

✔ Premium healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision, mental health & virtual healthcare)
✔ 401(k) matching and long-term financial planning support
✔ Paid time off so you can recharge
✔ Life, accidental death, and disability coverage
✔ Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Training, Growth & Recognition

We partner with the Predictive Index behavioral assessment tool, which helps identify natural behavioral drives such as dominance, extraversion, patience, and formality. This tool supports hiring decisions, team development, and employee engagement throughout the entire employee lifecycle.

Culture & Connection — More Than Just a Job

At PTR, we don't just build relationships with our customers—we build them with each other. Our tech-forward, highly collaborative culture is rooted in our core values.

Connect and engage through:

✔ PTR Field Days & Team Events
✔ The Extra Mile Recognition Program
✔ PTR Text Alerts & Open Communication

Employment Classification

Premier Truck Rental hires full-time, part-time, contractor, and intern positions, depending on business needs.

Benefits eligibility varies by employment classification. Contractors, interns, and part-time employees are not eligible for the full-time employee benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Premier Truck Rental is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law