Import Planner

Import Planner# Import Planner Hybrid   
• Legal Address - Kokomo, IN 46901## Overview Position Type Full Time Education Level4 Year Degree

Travel Percentage Up to 25%## Description
** SUMMARY
* * Uses MRP, combined with inventory policies and procedures, to create purchase orders and communicate with agents and suppliers outside the USA.
** ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
** 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.###
** EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
*** 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.###
** TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
*** 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…