Distribution Planner
Position Summary
The Distribution Planner will manage a smooth flow of Nordic Naturals products from manufacturing warehouses to outbound warehouses, utilizing demand and supply data, DFC, and transit times. This role oversees inventory allocation across regional distribution centers to maximize order fulfillment rates, minimize stockouts, and optimize freight costs.
Essential Function Statements
Inventory Distribution Management & Optimization: Maintain appropriate levels of finished goods inventory across US and international/global distribution centers, balancing supply with customer demand to avoid stockouts or excess inventory. Manage inventory availability across DCs to meet both online and retail customer orders, minimizing stockouts and ensuring optimal service levels. Collaborate with sales (US Retail, International and ECommerce) teams to anticipate demand spikes during promotions and adjust distribution plans accordingly.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply planning teams to ensure distribution plans align with promotions, product launches, and seasonal demand fluctuations. Communicate regularly with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure the timely shipment of finished goods and troubleshoot any issues that may impact fulfillment.
Planning System Utilization: Leverage advanced planning systems such as John Galt, O9, Logility, OMP, Blue Yonder, or Kinaxis to generate reporting and maintain optimal distribution plans. Continuously improve the planning process by refining system inputs and collaborating with stakeholders to increase forecast accuracy.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyze supply chain data to track Nordic Naturals key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, fill rate, and on-time delivery. Generate and present regular reports to senior management highlighting distribution performance and inventory status. Identify opportunities for process improvements or cost savings through data-driven insights. Provide comprehensive feedback to the demand planning team by analyzing historical trends across customers, SKUs, and distribution points, ensuring continuous improvement in demand accuracy and forecast reliability.
Position Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Mathematics, Statistics from a well-regarded 4-year accredited university.
5-7 years of experience in data analytics, demand planning, materials planning, distribution planning or supply chain planning.
Experience working with advanced planning systems such as John Galt Atlas, SAP, Oracle, Logility, OMP, Blue Yonder, or Kinaxis.
Experience with retail, international and e-commerce fulfillment and distribution processes, including understanding the unique demands of direct-to-consumer channels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Proficiency in SAP systems and advanced knowledge of Excel for data analysis.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
Experience in the supplement, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing industries.