Inventory Planner

Job Summary

Manage replenishment to achieve store in-stock targets. Reports To: Manager of Inventory Planning.

Responsibilities

• Generates replenishment orders for assigned categories.
• Maintains PO accuracy, keeping expected delivery dates, costs, and order quantities current until PO finalization.
• Tracks POs to receipt and communicates status to cross-functional partners as needed.
• Maintains in-stock levels and communicates status updates for high-risk or chronic out-of-stock situations.
• Analyzes and prioritizes store replenishment needs using category knowledge, performance trend, seasonality, and historical sales data.
• Coordinates changes to department order point calculation rules with the Manager of Inventory Planning.
• Audits order point effectiveness, forecast accuracy, and in-stock for new SKUs, new stores, and trending items.
• Executes orders for resets and new stores, tracks deliveries, and escalates in-stock risks.
• Responsible for promotional items in stock in assigned categories: documents & addresses inventory risks prior to final proof and executes timely order placement & tracking to ensure product is in stores 2 weeks prior to the Ad.
• Tracks daily in-stock levels for assigned categories and takes immediate action to mitigate lost sales, ordering vendors out of cycle where necessary to maintain service level expectations and achieve in-stock goals.
• Follows up on outdated and expired purchase orders weekly.
• Provides forecasts and demand projections to key vendors to secure future product availability for planned events.
• Communicates issues and requests for PO prioritization to the Manager of Inventory Planning.
• Analyzes in-stock trends, vendor fill rates, lost sales, seasonality, and category inventory levels to optimize vendor order cycles.
• Communicates chronic OOS issues and executes alternate vendor ordering per documented ‘Vendor Protocol’ (including alignment with PM & coordination with the MA to ensure file maintenance reflects exceptions).
• Investigates and responds to store inventory concerns and feedback via email.
• Maintains shelf overstock, assesses vendor minimums & order multiples, and partners with the Merchandise Analyst to utilize POG data to set max capacity replenishment constraints on high overstock risk items.
• Maintains stocking levels on high consumable & “project” items, ensuring changes are properly recorded according to the ‘Job Lot Inventory Management’ process and tracking over time for effectiveness.
• Collaborates with the category team to evaluate fulfillment optimization, vendor minimum, and order efficiency opportunities.
• Executes approved changes systemically to drive improved performance.
• Pursues, tests, and converts vendors to EDI ordering.
• Utilizes demand patterns, vendor order requirements, and the sales contribution of each assigned vendor’s SKU mix to identify opportunities and convert vendors from manual to auto-approved ordering.
• Owns the logistical components of order fulfillment for assigned categories. Manages freight decisions, coordinates delivery communication, and ensures fulfillment method changes are executed according to process.
• Participates in weekly meetings and attends store walks as needed.
• Generates & publishes reporting & analysis to inform the business, per direction from management.
• Completes special assigned projects and assists in training new team members.
• Assists with File Maintenance for departments as needed.

Special Skills/Training

• Excellent understanding of retail math, strong analytical skills, and high math aptitude.
• Expert understanding of replenishment and inventory system concepts required.
• Epicor expertise preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Strong Excel Skills.
• Proven ability to problem solve, perform under pressure, and prioritize effectively to carry out duties and achieve goals.
• Excellent communication skills, assertive, and collaborative.
• Performs well on a team.

Experience/Education

• 5 + years total retail experience.
• 3+ years in a data analysis, demand forecasting, inventory planning, or merchandising position required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in inventory planning or merchandising.

Physical Requirements

• Able to sit and work at a keyboard for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions

• This position qualifies for remote working opportunities.
• The successful candidate will live within a 2-hour driving distance of Mount Angel for occasional meetings.
• Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance.
• Profit Sharing Program.
• 401K Retirement Plan - up to 6% Employer Match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Referral Bonus - refer a friend or family member.
• Long-term disability and Life/AD & D Insurance.
• Generous Employee Discount.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• On-Demand Pay.
• Holidays and paid time off.

About Wilco

Backed by a commitment to our values and a passion for customer service, Wilco has stood the test of time since the early 1930s. With a variety of departments, including Garden, Pet and Animal Supply, Hardware, Paint, Clothing, and Pet Grooming, partnered with personalized service, our customers consider Wilco a preferred retail destination. Wilco has been named a Top Workplace in Oregon and SW Washington by the Oregonian from 2012 - 2023. We are dedicated to our team and attribute this distinction to them.

Hiring Veterans/Military Friendly

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize and encourage the valuable and enriching contributions that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring to our organization. As a values-based cooperative, we believe all individuals should be treated on the basis of merit without prejudice.