Inventory Planner, Level 1

POSITION: Inventory PlannerLevel 1

SUPERVISOR: Sr. Director of Inventory Planning

STATUS: Hourly/Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $28.00 Hourly

COMPANY

The mission of the Food Bank is to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community. To fulfill our mission, we source and acquire nutritious food and other products and distribute them to people experiencing nutrition insecurity through our partner agency network and directly through programs; energize the community to get involved and support hunger relief; and conduct hunger and nutrition education and awareness campaigns and advocate for public policies that benefit the people we serve. Food Bank employees are hired because of their unique skills, diverse perspective, and their commitment to our mission. This means that each of us, working together, will do all that we can to fulfill our vision that no one goes hungry in Los Angeles County. Our core values include: Respect, Stewardship & Accountability, Collaboration, Urgency, Service, Integrity and Diversity. Our organization is committed to maintaining a positive and engaging workplace for all employees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

A major focus of the Inventory Planner, (“IP”), will be in the area of inventory planning, where the IP will act as a primary support resource to the Senior Director of Inventory Planning (“SDIP”). The IP will help the organization analyze inventory to support inventory donations, purchases, allocations, and forecasts. The IP will accomplish this by becoming deeply involved in all inventory transactions including receipts, distributions, transfers, kit building, waste, budgets and projections.

Additionally, the IP will identify areas for change and make recommendations while managing multiple demands and competing priorities. They will regularly interact with cross-functional teams throughout the organization and interpret inventory transaction information effectively to form meaningful analyses for management. The IP exercises good judgment, is results driven, and ensures the integrity of inventory reporting in a fast-paced dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Inventory Analysis and Reporting: Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual inventory analyses, summaries, and reports. Compile and present data to compare against financial and inventory projections and forecasts. Report actuals to forecast by product type, item category, and inventory posting group. Prepare regular inventory reports detailing inventory on-hand, receipts, and distributions. Assist the Sr. Director of Inventory Planning in the preparation of accounting and other statistical reports.

Inventory Management and Allocation: Determine aggregate receipt and distribution requirements for LARFB teams. Coordinate with operations and programs to allocate inventory to meet organizational objectives. Monitor and validate the poundage/volume dollar value of all inventory transactions/projections. Assist in determining demand requirements for product donations and purchases. Work closely with other teams to troubleshoot and resolve inventory planning issues.

Data Management and System Support: Responsible for item master data and item setup process and monitoring. Act as a liaison between internal departments for questions and issues related to program planning and inventory. Work with Inventory Control to update production and delivery schedules. Perform inventory planning testing as needed for information technology projects.

Budgeting and Forecasting Support: Support the creation of the annual budget, forecasts, and projections. Assist the Sr. Director of Inventory Planning in the preparation of a variety of narrative reports required by agencies and management. Perform other related duties as assigned. By categorizing these responsibilities into thematic groups, it becomes easier to understand the core functions and tasks associated with each aspect of inventory planning and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Some college coursework with major based on work experience; 3 - 4 years’ experience in Inventory or equivalent position

• Food or Distribution industry experience preferred

• Proven track record working in cross-functional teams within a distribution/logistics environment

• Advanced knowledge of Excel

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics/Navision highly preferred or similar multidimensional ERP software

• Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent data visualization software, preferred

• Valid CA Driver’s License and access to a reliable and insured vehicle. Required to travel within Los Angeles County. May be scheduled to work at either facility in Vernon, CA or City of Industry, CA

• Passion for the Food Bank’s mission and commitment to the seven values of the organization: respect, stewardship & accountability, collaboration, urgency, service, integrity, and diversity.
  

SKILLS

• Interviewing / requirements gathering skills

• Effectively handles pressures and demands of multiple internal/external customers and competing priorities

• Champion for continuous improvement

• Resiliency and ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to work with internal stakeholders across multiple departments with varying technical abilities.

• Able to prioritize projects, resolve issues, and oversee multiple priorities and goals to completion in a timely manner.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to accomplish responsibilities, goals and projects.

• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external constituents.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Possess a positive and productive attitude.

• A proactive contributor who takes initiative.

• Passion for the advancement of the organization’s mission.

• Commitment to the seven values of the organization: respect, stewardship & accountability, collaboration, service, and IDEA.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical: Employee HMO coverage as little as $10 per paycheck and access to Nonstop Health funds
• Dental: Employee HMO coverage available at no cost
• Vision: Comprehensive vision insurance with generous allowances for examinations and material costs
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Optional Long-Term Care Insurance
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with expanded Mental Health
• Employee recognition programs
• Growth & career development support for professional certifications and additional training resources
• Vacation: Two weeks annually for the first three years
• Holiday: Nine paid holidays; eligible upon date of hire
• Sick Leave Time available

As a part of the Food Bank’s pre-employment screening process, all potential employees are subject to a Criminal Background Check.

In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is proud to be an “Equal Opportunity Employer.” Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Food Bank fosters an organizational culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, and serve in a rapidly changing world. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply.