Materials Planner/Supply Chain Analyst

Under the leadership of the Materials Planning Manager, the Materials Planner is responsible for assigned product group supply and the forecasting and maintenance of customer volume demand in accordance with established company targets. The role uses skills to influence the improvement of efficiencies, identification of gaps and continuous improvement opportunities on the Materials Planning & Management Team.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Overall planning, purchasing, and monitoring of inventory levels to customer demands and identified standards/budget requirements and overall team KPIs/goals/objectives
• Monitor current inventory levels (finished goods/bulk) within warehouses, issue customer service orders (POs), reconcile inventory with ERP/warehouses, adjust forecasted information, track order discrepancies, expedite backorders, track freight, review demand flow
• Ensure an open line of communication with internal teams and vendors by promptly responding to email requests and providing updates on current/in-transit orders, past-dues, volumes, lead-times/fulfillment dates
• Ensure to communicate with vendors on a monthly basis at minimum regarding PO line status to determine late arrivals/disruptions impacting sales
• Support manager in establishing, tracking and reporting KPIs as required (inventory standards, excess values, lead times, fulfillment timelines, budget requirements, past-due units, fill rates, freight costs, on-hand/backorder/return rates, kit/ship accuracy rates, cost to carry, safety stock, non-working inventory, supplier quality index, etc.
• review category responsibility and ensure inventory does not exceed 8 months of on hand inventory
• Regular analysis of inventory forecasts/sales/supply chain data to evaluate requirements and ordering needs
• Submit orders to vendors per MRP and vendor requirements
• Provide improvement recommendations on inventory reporting, processes, sourcing, and efficiency enhancements, using best practice measures
• Detail vendor relationship status and inform on vendor’s performance (on time delivery, backorder unit’s, recovery plan consistency)
• Track, measure and dispose of excess/obsolete inventory, as necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to communicate updates on inventory/sourcing/lead-times/analysis, identify/solve inventory and receiving issues, plan product packaging/purchasing.
• Assess freight options using cost and delivery considerations during supplier replenishment cycles to ensure optimal cost-benefit ratio in conjunction with the Transportation function
• Periodically assist with pricing updates, reporting for planning/accounting/sales, review forecast accuracy, product launch coordination, data management, BOM management, inventory review of 3PLs, etc.
• Work on “special” projects as it relates to inventory requirements, distribution inventory flow enhancements, new customer requirements, new customer rollouts or changeovers, freight cost reductions, etc.
• Generate scheduled weekly/ daily departmental reports and distribute to leadership
• Actively participate in team meetings and effectively communicate with planning team
• Backup team members and planning activities for other product categories/divisions, including the Demand Planning function, as needed
• Other duties as required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management/ Inventory/Demand Planning
• 3-5 years within a Inventory Planning position within a Distribution Center (preferably Automotive Aftermarket)
• Demand Planning experience highly preferred
• Broad knowledge of Supply Chain & Inventory Planning field
• Knowledge & experience using APICS global standards
• Expert in Excel functions (V-lookups, Pivots, etc.)
• Expert warehouse/manufacturing systems experience (ERP)
• Strong analytical skills – particularly for large data sets – to identify issues, develop solutions, and drive resolution.
• Excellent attention-to-detail to maintain high accuracy on various parameters and reports
• Excellent communication, negotiation, at all organizational levels, written/verbal
• A critical thinker and strategic planner with a “continuous improvement” mind-set and eagerness to learn
• Ability to work professionally with internal teams at various levels and comfortable with decision-making
• Highly organized with ability to prioritize and re-prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Memphis, TN: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person