Supply Planner
A Supply Planner is responsible for the strategic management of inventory, ensuring adequate stock levels to meet customer demands while minimizing excess supply.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Supply Planner
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Junior Supply Planner is responsible for assisting in the management of supply chain operations, including inventory control, demand forecasting, and materials planning. This role supports the optimization of stock levels and ensures the efficient distribution of goods to meet customer demands while minimizing costs.
Required Skills
- Data analysis and reporting
- Familiarity with Supply Chain Management software
- Time management and organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Proactive approach to resolving issues
- Negotiation and relationship building with suppliers
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Knowledge of supply chain processes and inventory management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork capabilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and maintaining inventory plans to balance demand and supply.
- Collaborate with various departments to gather data for demand forecasting.
- Participate in the implementation of supply chain optimization projects.
- Monitor inventory levels and generate reports on stock status.
- Work with suppliers to resolve any supply issues that may arise.
- Support the Supply Chain Manager in strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, as well as local, state, and federal regulations regarding supply chain operations.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Supply Planner is responsible for managing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and ensuring that products are available to meet customer needs while optimizing inventory costs. An effective Supply Planner should be skilled at analyzing data, coordinating with different departments, and creating efficient supply chain strategies.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in demand forecasting and inventory management principles.
- strong analytical and data analysis capabilities.
- Effective communication and negotiation skills.
- Familiarity with supply chain management software and tools.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, or a similar role.
- Experience with ERP systems and supply chain planning software.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain an efficient inventory management system to ensure a balance between demand and supply.
- Conduct demand forecasting and develop strategies to address demand variability.
- Work closely with procurement, production, and logistics departments to optimize supply chain processes.
- Analyze supply chain data to identify trends, potential issues, and opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to understand market trends and customer needs.
- Monitor supplier performance and manage relationships to ensure timely deliveries and quality compliance.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs.
- Prepare and present reports on inventory levels, supply chain performance, and forecast accuracy to management.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Supply Planner will be responsible for overseeing and managing the company's overall supply chain and logistics strategy in order to maximize the process efficiency and productivity. The role involves planning and carrying out all supply chain activities, ensuring consistency with company goals. The position requires an experienced professional who can manage and execute strategic supply chain planning.
Required Skills
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong project management and leadership skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and supply chain software.
- Data-driven decision-making capabilities.
- Adaptability and flexibility in a rapidly changing environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, or a related role.
- Strong working knowledge of supply chain management best practices and industry standards.
- Proven record of successful supply chain improvement initiatives, demonstrating significant results.
- Expertise in supply chain risk management and ERP systems.
- APICS CPIM or CSCP certification is an asset.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement efficient inventory management strategies to ensure the company's targets are met.
- Monitor demand forecasts and ensure timely adjustments to inventory and production levels.
- Work closely with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams to achieve optimal supply chain performance.
- Evaluate and analyze supply chain data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvements.
- Collaborate with sales team to balance supply and demand, and to optimize stock levels for key products.
- Manage risks that could affect supply chain operations, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
- Optimize supply chain processes to increase speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
- Stay current with the latest supply chain management trends and advances in technology.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain.
- Prepare regular supply chain reports and present to management.
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