Demand Planner (Purchasing & Pricing

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for purchasing inventory to support company sales and inventory plans. This includes sales forecasting, inventory and receipt planning, inbound logistics planning, product purchasing, and inventory analysis.

Sales Planning and Forecasting:
Work with Demand Planning Manager and the Portfolio Managers to incorporate item sales forecasts into purchasing software to meet corporate and supplier depletion plans/forecasts. Monitor sales trends and review sales forecasts to ensure accurate replenishment. Work exception reports to improve forecasts, reduce inventories and increase in-stock percents. Incorporate promotional program plans into purchasing system forecasts.

Set up and maintain all purchasing criteria in Blue Ridge to achieve efficient and timely placement of orders to support sales plans, inventory days of supply goals, service levels, and in-stock plans. Manage exception tools to optimize Blue Ridge effectiveness including forecast, lead time, safety stock, projected out of stocks, and over stock exception reports. Manage receipts to meet inventory turnover and days of supply plans without jeopardizing in-stock.

Monitor shipping and in-transit status of purchase orders and follow up when necessary.

Analyze inventory condition to identify slow selling product, overstocks, close-outs, and chronic out of stocks. Communicate problems and recommendations to the Portfolio Managers. Incorporate promotional programs into Blue Ridge and evaluate results, communicate recommendations. Analyze new item stock to sales performance and make recommendations on reasonable opening inventory levels. Evaluate aging inventory and impact of purchasing and supply chain on potential aging issues.

Utilize logistics strategies that minimize lead times and freight costs while meeting inventory days of supply objectives. Manage order cycles, bracket ordering and item parameters to ensure the smooth flow of product through the supply chain and to facilitate the warehouse receiving operation. Work with the Demand Planning Manager and Director of Compliance and Logistics to develop efficient and cost-effective transportation strategies from common shipping points across multiple divisions and sister companies.

Ensure that service levels, forecast accuracy, in-stock performance and inventory levels meet established annual objectives while supporting corporate sales, Profit, And Inventory Plans.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and perform complex data analysis.
• Ability to work well under pressure, perform and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships internally and externally.
• Must exercise good judgment, initiative, and sound problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented, Organized, Highly Accurate.

Base Salary: $75,000-$85,000

Bonus:
Eligible to earn up to a 5% Incentive Bonus annually

Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans

Bachelor's Degree preferred. 2-5 years of related inventory management and analytical experience. Proficient PC