DEMAND PLANNER/INVENTORY CONTROL (ONSITE MON-FRI 8AM-5PM)

Job summary

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and executing purchasing strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels. They also perform cycle counts, reconcile inventory variances, and ensure accurate inventory records within the distribution center.

Job details

Description Position Summary The Demand Planner / Buyer / Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts for the Houston TX distribution center while partnering closely with Demand Planners and Buyers in Memphis to execute purchasing strategies by product line. This role ensures optimal inventory levels are maintained across both Houston and Memphis locations to support customer demand, minimize costs, and achieve targeted service levels. In addition, this position plays a critical role in inventory accuracy and control within a fast-paced distribution environment. Responsibilities include performing cycle counts, researching and reconciling inventory variances, maintaining accurate inventory records, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate is analytical, detail-oriented, and capable of balancing forecasting, purchasing, and inventory control responsibilities in a dynamic warehouse and supply chain environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Demand Planning & Purchasing Develop, maintain, and analyze product demand forecasts for the Houston location using historical sales data, market trends, and business inputs. Execute purchasing activities, including the creation and management of purchase orders for direct shipments and combination buys. Monitor purchase order status and supplier delivery performance to ensure timely replenishment. Maintain appropriate inventory levels and safety stock to prevent out of stocks and excess inventory. Collaborate with Memphis Demand Planners/Buyers, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align forecasts and inventory strategies with business objectives. Measure forecast accuracy and implement improvements to enhance planning effectiveness. Identify potential supply chain risks and proactively develop mitigation plans. Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues impacting service, quality, or delivery. Inventory Control Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts across designated warehouse locations. Investigate and reconcile inventory discrepancies by reviewing system transactions, auditing physical inventory, and collaborating with receiving, picking, and shipping teams. Document count results and accurately update inventory records within company systems. Analyze inventory variances and identify root causes to support corrective and preventive actions. Ensure proper product labeling, bin accuracy, and inventory placement to maintain inventory integrity. Assist with physical inventory counts, audits, and inventory-related projects. Utilize RF scanners, handheld devices, and inventory management systems to verify and track inventory movements. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment that supports accurate inventory management. Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and standard operating practices. Requirements Education and Experience Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 2-5 years of experience in demand planning, purchasing, procurement, inventory management, or related supply chain functions. Experience managing inventory within a distribution, warehouse, or logistics environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Proficiency with ERP, MRP, warehouse management, and inventory control systems. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Basic mathematical and computer skills, including data entry and spreadsheet management. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods, as required. Preferred Qualifications Experience with demand planning, forecasting, and inventory optimization software. Demonstrated success in a high-volume distribution or supply chain environment. Effective communication, negotiation, and supplier relationship management skills. Forklift and/or pallet jack certification. Knowledge of Lean, Continuous Improvement, or inventory management best practices. What You'll Do Build and maintain accurate demand forecasts to support customer requirements. Create, manage, and track purchase orders to ensure product availability. Balance inventory investments while minimizing stockouts and excess inventory. Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counting and variance resolution. Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, and warehouse teams to support business objectives. Analyze data and identify opportunities to improve forecasting, purchasing, and inventory performance. Key Success Measures Forecast accuracy Inventory turns and carrying costs Service levels and product availability Inventory accuracy and cycle count results Purchase order and supplier performance metrics Continuous improvement contributions and process efficiencies

What you’ll do

The Demand Planner is responsible for developing accurate demand forecasts and executing purchasing strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels. They also perform cycle counts, reconcile inventory variances, and ensure accurate inventory records within the distribution center.

Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a related field and 2-5 years of experience in demand planning, purchasing, or inventory management. Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills are required for this role.

Listed skills

• ERP systems · Preferred
• Inventory Control · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Supply chain management · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Data analysis · Preferred
• Microsoft Excel · Preferred
• Inventory Reconciliation · Preferred
• Procurement · Preferred
• Forecasting · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Demand planning
• Inventory control
• Purchasing
• Procurement
• Forecasting
• Data analysis
• ERP systems
• MRP systems
• Warehouse management
• Microsoft Excel
• Cycle counting
• Supply chain management
• Inventory reconciliation
• Supplier management
• Problem solving
• Attention to detail
• Optimal Inventory Levels
• Pallet Jack Certification
• Supply Chain
• Demand Planning
• Business Objectives
• Ability To Meet Deadlines
• Lifting Ability
• Effective Communication
• Planning
• Data Analysis
• Auditing
• Business Administration
• Management
• Corrective And Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Communication
• Computer Literacy
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Customer Demand Planning
• Cycle Counting
• Data Entry
• Delivery Performance
• Demand Forecasting
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Finance
• Sales
• Packaging And Labeling
• Forklift Truck
• General Mathematics
• Warehousing
• Mobile Devices
• Inventory Control
• Inventory Control Systems
• Inventory Management
• Inventory Management System

Job areas

• Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Management & Leadership
• Administrative
• Inventory Control Planner
• Demand Planner
• Buyers
• Logisticians

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