Supply Chain - Sr. Inventory Planner

Senior Inventory Planner

The Senior Inventory Planner is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and optimization of inventory across manufacturing plants, warehouses, and ERP systems. This role serves as the lead for inventory reconciliation activities, including monthly inventory close processes, physical inventories, cycle count programs, and variance investigations. The Senior Inventory Planner partners closely with Operations, Finance, Procurement, and Supply Planning to identify root causes of inventory discrepancies and implement sustainable process improvements.

This position requires advanced SAP expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives that improve inventory accuracy, reduce operational waste, and strengthen inventory controls.

Inventory Reconciliation & Financial Accuracy

• Lead monthly inventory reconciliation processes between plant records, SAP inventory balances, and financial book inventory.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions to ensure timely month-end close.
• Partner with Finance and Operations teams to validate inventory valuations and adjustment postings.
• Analyze inventory transactions and identify trends impacting inventory accuracy and financial reporting.
• Ensure inventory adjustments are properly documented, approved, and recorded in accordance with company policies.

Physical Inventory & Cycle Count Leadership

• Lead annual and periodic physical inventory activities across manufacturing and distribution facilities.
• Develop and manage cycle count programs to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy.
• Coordinate inventory count schedules, procedures, and execution with plant and warehouse personnel.
• Monitor cycle count results, identify recurring issues, and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and inventory governance standards.

SAP Inventory Management

• Serve as the subject matter expert for inventory-related SAP transactions and processes.
• Ensure accurate inventory movements, material master data integrity, and transaction processing.
• Investigate and resolve inventory-related SAP errors, discrepancies, and transactional issues.
• Collaborate with IT and business stakeholders to enhance SAP inventory controls, reporting, and system capabilities.
• Support inventory reporting and KPI development utilizing SAP and related reporting tools.

Inventory Variance Reduction & Continuous Improvement

• Lead strategic projects focused on reducing inventory variances and improving inventory accuracy.
• Conduct root cause analyses on recurring inventory discrepancies and develop sustainable corrective actions.
• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to improve inventory processes and controls.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process standardization, and improved inventory visibility.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce working capital, improve inventory turns, and enhance operational efficiency.

Reporting & Performance Management

• Develop and monitor inventory-related KPIs, including:
• Inventory Accuracy
• Cycle Count Accuracy
• Physical Inventory Variances
• Inventory Adjustments
• Inventory Reconciliation Timeliness
• Inventory Turns
• Present inventory performance metrics and improvement recommendations to leadership.
• Support internal and external audit requirements related to inventory controls and processes.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field required.

Experience

• 5+ years of inventory planning, inventory control, supply chain, or related experience in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Advanced experience working with SAP inventory management processes and transactions.
• Experience leading physical inventories, cycle counts, and reconciliation activities.
• Proven track record of driving process improvements and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Experience partnering with Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced SAP knowledge with strong understanding of inventory transactions and controls.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Expertise in inventory reconciliation and root cause analysis.
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities.
• Knowledge of inventory accounting and financial impacts of inventory transactions.
• Strong project management and continuous improvement mindset.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and lead change initiatives.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and prioritization skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) preferred.
• Experience with manufacturing, warehouse management systems (WMS), and inventory audit processes.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or continuous improvement experience preferred.
• Experience with Power BI or other data visualization/reporting tools…