Inventory Planner I

JOB SUMMARY

Primary Responsibilities include buying products to meet Customer order demands and maintaining appropriate inventory levels for assigned vendor product lines, to help achieve Hose and Fittings Group and Cross Company goals, using approved purchasing / inventory management best practices & KPIs. The HFG Inventory Planner I is watchful and proactive to Company metrics related to budgeted inventory levels, non-moving inventory products, customer committed inventory agreements, etc. and communicates with the HFG Process and Operations Manager for development of action plans, where applicable.

ESSENTIAL

FUNCTIONSThe Planner will review and process information for timely procurement of inventory (through purchase orders and/or transfer orders) to replenish stock levels and to fulfill open demand for products. This includes attainment of vendor target amount, purchase order consolidation and opportunities to use release dates with vendors to manage our cash asset. Purchase at best cost, considering other costs like inbound freight charges, cost of carrying inventory and handling.

Review and adjust stocked products ordering values (min/max) as directed to meet current usage figures and best cost purchasing levels. Determine correct replenishment path based on product usage and other warehouses stocking levels. Review inventory item data during the purchasing process and adjust values accordingly. Communicate significant changes with the HFG Process and Operations Manager.

Ensure product data integrity in the ERP system. This includes the review for accuracy of new products entered (part numbers and descriptions, product category, vendor information, rebate coding, Item Group and Assembly item set-up). Manage, coordinate, advise and implement vendor price / cost changes. This includes acquiring timely information from the vendor and preparing data to be communicated with the IT Department for updating product list prices and replacement costs which are set up in our system. Maintain current information on purchase orders through review of vendor acknowledgements, including expected vendor shipping dates for open PO lines. Use vendor resources to obtain needed updates. Work with Warehouse Associates for any receiving issues and with Accounting Associates for any cost variances and/or freight issues for assigned vendors.

Maintain accurate vendor rebate information on inventory item record.

Manage zero usage inventory to achieve HFG and Cross Company goals, using established processes which include stock rotation to vendors, potential conversion for items with delivery issues, information to Customer Service Associates to contact previous customers for potential sale, sales to approved surplus houses, and suggested cost value write-off. Monitor surplus and Pre-Zero usage inventory to address inventory issues before product becomes zero usage. Work with the HFG Process and Operations Manager and HFG Inventory Specialist for the disposal of zero-costed inventory aged beyond expected shelf life / expected sale time-frame. Monitor returns to vendors to ensure timely receipt and posting of the vendor credits.

ADDITIONAL

RESPONSIBILITIESParticipate in HFG Purchasing meetings as scheduledAssist with WMS tasks associated with inventory quantities.

Complete other tasks and projects as required by management.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE2

to 3 years industry-related experience in inventory procurement / handling required.

BS degree preferred in accounting / business-related area preferred

REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL

COMPETENCIESCommunicates EffectivelyManages ComplexityBusiness InsightServant LeadershipCustomer FocusDrives ResultsAction OrientedEnsures AccountabilityTech Savvy

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to learn & master new material quicklyDexterity to operate a computerAbility to sit for extended periods while working at a deskAbility to drive to other HFG Locations locations as neededExcellent verbal and written communication skillsDISCLAIMERThe job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise; employment in this job is an at will employment relationship.