Import Planner

Uses MRP, combined with inventory policies and procedures, to create purchase orders and communicate with agents and suppliers outside the USA.

include the following. Other related duties in line with meeting corporate goals may be assigned.

• Review MRP requirements and issue import purchase orders; expedite, delay, or cancel purchases as needed to support current business priorities and inventory strategies.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining adequate import inventory levels taking into consideration the country of origin, factory MOQ, lead times as well as inland and ocean distribution challenges.
• Work with and challenge factories to reduce MOQ and transship to other factories when appropriate to maximize container capacity.
• Regularly review the open order report to ensure timely shipments. Partner with Import Buying Agents to resolve production-related delays and/or container capacity concerns.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of item setup and entering trade agreements for new items and maintaining item integrity on existing items.
• Communicate commercial invoice approval to Accounts Payable.
• Provide monthly reporting for key imported Production Materials and new items, including tracking, inventory analysis, and status updates to support planning and decision-making.
• Monitor and update safety stock levels maintained at factories to align with projected demand.
• Prepare a monthly Import Summary report that details spend analysis for all imported products.
• Evaluate vendor performance through KPIs, including on-time delivery, lead time accuracy, order fulfillment, quality issues, and communication responsiveness and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate agreements with freight forwarders and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations.
• Assist Production and Inventory Control Manager in the annual update of the Import Compliancy Manual.
• Assist in the determination of product classifications and harmonized tariff schedules and proper duty rates.
• Provide other reports and updates as requested.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in inventory planning, material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing, import logistics, supply chain coordination, or a related role.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Experience coordinating ocean freight, customs clearance, freight forwarders, and import compliance activities preferred.
• Experience analyzing inventory performance, supplier performance, lead times, and purchasing trends to support business decisions.

• Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, inventory management principles, forecasting, safety stock strategies, and replenishment planning.
• Working knowledge of international supply chain operations, import logistics, freight terms, customs processes.
• Understanding of Incoterms, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country-of-origin requirements, and import compliance regulations preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, AI, and reporting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory management software; experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar enterprise systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of data, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve inventory availability, and service levels.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization and with international suppliers, agents, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and external business partners.
• Ability to present inventory, logistics, and supplier performance information in a clear and concise manner.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret inventory, purchasing, freight, and financial data.
• Ability to develop reports and perform root-cause analysis to support inventory and supply chain decisions.

• Ability to identify risks within the supply chain and proactively develop solutions to mitigate disruptions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using data, operational…