Job Summary

The Inventory Planner(IP) supports the company by executing the planning and purchasing of materials and goods assigned to the vendors that he/she manages. The IP must keep the proper levels of inventory in the required stocking locations, minimize both freight costs and lead times, and maximize purchasing power to achieve the lowest possible item costs along with best-in-class fill rates. The IP works closely with the sales and inventory management teams to achieve the company’s growth goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

The Supply Chain Buyer will be responsible for the following:

• Owns the day-to-day purchasing activities of assigned vendors/categories.
• Initiates and places purchase orders, work orders, and store transfers.
• Negotiates terms, conditions, and pricing in conjunction with our Product Management team with new suppliers, and manages completely with existing suppliers.
• Determines and maintains the appropriate purchasing parameters (stock levels) for stocked products that he/she manages in all locations.
• Monitors inventory levels and develops plans to achieve optimal balances in accordance with company goals.

• Monitors supplier performance through KPI statistics and coordinates corrective action for unsatisfactory performance.
• Supports and/or initiates cost containment and cost reduction opportunities in accordance with company goals.
• Contacts vendors to ensure timely delivery of POs or to advise of changed due dates.
• Monitors the receipt of incoming materials and follows up on late shipments.
• Communicates schedules and deadlines to all internal departments and external vendors as needed.
• Disposition of rejected/damaged material.
• Processes vendor and warranty returns; follows up with suppliers to ensure proper credit memos/warranty replacements are received.
• Maintains positive and collaborative relationships with suppliers, salespersons, and other colleagues.
• Works with Accounts Payable and the Warehouse Receiving Department to resolve pricing and receiving discrepancies.
• Prepares, modifies, and maintains required monthly reports for suppliers.
• Other duties and projects as needed to facilitate continuous improvement and the ongoing operations of the business.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:

• Integrity: Ironclad; Does not ethically cut corners; Earns trust of co-workers; Puts organization above self-interests.
• Leadership: Able to influence others without having direct oversight of personnel in other departments
• Understanding of the 3 flows: Maneuvers the 3 flows that govern the organization: financial, informational, and physical flows to the benefit of the company’s operations.
• Excellence: Sets high stretch standards of performance for self and others. Low tolerance for mediocrity. High sense of responsibility.
• Customer Focus: Aims for maximum customer satisfaction (internal and external). Establishes partner relationships with customers and is visible and accessible to all customers.
• Analytical: Above-average ability to independently evaluate trends, explore areas for improvement, interpret large amounts of data, and provide possible solutions.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; work well in group-solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; remain open to others' ideas and try new things.
• Teamwork: Balance team and individual responsibilities for group efficiencies. Exhibit objectivity and openness to others’ views, able to work effectively with all levels of management to obtain team objectives.
• Enthusiasm / Passion: Exhibits dynamism, excitement, and positive can do attitude.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field.
• 2-3 years’ work experience in a Buyer or Planning role (or in a similar capacity).
• Demonstrated ability through improvement with prior/current set of suppliers.
• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset
• Experience using ERP systems with forecasting/demand planning capabilities.
• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).