Inventory Planner

Role Summary

Responsible for forecasting, demand planning, procurement, and distribution of service parts for Subaru of America (SOA).

Creates purchase and transfer orders, monitors supplier compliance to purchase order due dates through continuous vendor management and expedites parts that are in short supply.

Conducts the daily review of, and addresses and resolves, parts supply issues.

Primary Responsibilities


* Conducts daily review of stock keeping units (SKUs) assigned in the planning system work queue to address backorders, projected stock outs, purchase orders, expedites, and inventory allocations.


* Chooses the correct forecasting method for each SKU and understands the concept of bill of materials (BOM) planning.

Develops seasonal demand forecasts and end-of-model sell down strategies as well as new model launches Initial Order Quantities.


* Conducts daily checks of identified or suspected data integrity issues and works to resolve or escalate those issues as appropriate.


* Analyzes demand on a daily basis and distributes stock across Subaru of America's (SOA's) parts Regional Distribution Center (RDC) network.


* Communicates and collaborates with SOA, Subaru Corporation (SBR), Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), and any relevant internal departments at SOA to provide estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) and parts supply issue resolution, in order to provide the best parts service to the end customer.


* Collaborates daily with RDCs teams to process hot shipments and transfers.


* Adapts, innovates, and implements solutions to ever-changing supply chain demands, scenarios, and exceptions.


* Resolves receipt discrepancies and provides direction for defective inventory and part returns to vendors, including coordinating necessary activities with RDCs in the event non-conforming inventory is found to have been supplied by a vendor.

Required Skills & Personal Qualifications


* Proficiency with parts planning system software and Oracle software.


* Willing to take ownership of the managed parts through its entire lifecycle.


* Familiar with supply chain processes (inventory planning, warehouse management).


* Assertive customer-focused mindset with ability to communicate on inventory availability with all levels of the organization.


* Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Qlik).


* Strong interpersonal, communication, and multitasking skills.


* Strong attention to detail and ability to follow through.


* Outstanding organizational skills.


* Ability to adapt, innovate and change in response to continuously shifting business needs and dynamics while supporting organizational goals.


* APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) Certification, Upon Hire preferred or PICS Certified in Supply Chain Certification (CSCP) Certification, Upon Hire preferred.

Education/Experience Requirements


* Bachelor's degree required...