Inventory Planner

Responsibilities

• Strategic purchasing and maintain strong, professional supplier relationships
• Optimize order placement and inventory flow to ensure product availability for Johnstone Supply stores
• Understand and manage supply chain variables including carrying costs, capacity limitations, and lead-time variability
• Ensure optimal efficient generation of ERP generated supply suggestions from MRP/DRP (SX.e, John Galt Atlas)
• Review system generated supply suggestions for accuracy and optimization, then make corrections prior to purchase order placement
• Update (or coordinate the update) of MRP/DRP master data/key item parameters such as lead times, order multiples, lot sizes, minimums, safety stocks, etc. to ensure system accuracy
• Maintain data integrity for all planning/purchasing data
• Manage inventory levels, leveraging stock transfers between locations and other available stocking strategies
• Participate in excess inventory processes, communication, reporting, and disposition activities
• Collaborate and communicate with all appropriate functional teams on excess inventory activities
• Create, maintain, and manage all aspects of purchase orders from creation to close while maintaining a high level of timeliness, transactional, and data accuracy
• Review and execute purchasing activities to align with strategic, opportunity, or other operations plans
• Monitor inventory levels and execute corrective actions to balance the flow of inventory
• Cook up, expedite, and monitor deliveries of purchase orders
• Utilize strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with Suppliers, Finance, Operations and Product Management Teams
• Provide purchasing forecasts, expediting lists, and communicate other tactical requirements to suppliers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's (BA/BS) degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics (required), with preference given to a specialized degree
• 2-3 years' relevant experience (preferred)
• Supply chain certifications from organizations such as APICS (CSCP, CPIM, CLTD, SCOR-P), or ISM (CPSM, CPSD), or SCPro (CSCMP), or equivalent (preferred)
• Proven capability to anticipate and mitigate stockouts, excess, and aged inventory
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, from operational teams to senior leadership, both internally and externally
• Ability to clearly explain inventory and supply decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven experience collaborating cross-functionally to align supply chain objectives with business priorities
• Operational awareness of warehouse and distribution constraints, ensuring inventory decisions align with storage and capacity realities
• Risk management skills, including identifying supply vulnerabilities and creating contingency plans
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on improving inventory accuracy, efficiency, and process effectiveness
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and support peers by sharing knowledge, best practices, and practical guidance
• High level of comfort working with ERP systems, inventory tools, and Excel based analysis