Supply Planner - iHerb

The primary role of the Supply Planner is to develop, execute, monitor, and manage the execution of the supply plan for assigned goods. Tasked with applying internal forecast data, historical sales, system parameters, along with other inputs and insights to purchase and manage supply plans required to support corporate goals and objectives. This role will partner with Marketing, Operations, Supply Planning and Purchasing to drive efficient inventory levels. To succeed in this role, you must be professional, highly analytical, and possess excellent communication skills.  This role requires both an analytical mind and an intuitive understanding of business and purchasing strategies. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and adjust to change quickly.

Job Expectations:

• Review and analyze demand history and business inputs to develop an executable procurement plan in support of strategic objectives.

• Execute strategic procurement plan using demand plan output, inventory, and system metrics in support of strategic business objectives.

• Create and execute purchases and perform purchase order maintenance using the ERP system.

• Manage new product introductions

• Establish, monitor, and manage supplier delivery plans to achieve desired service levels, minimize stock-outs, working capital expense and delivery costs.

• Manage product flow for maximum inventory efficiency based on supplier capabilities

• Support the division's sales and marketing programs, rebate commitments and initiatives to ensure adequate inventory is planned and available to support product launch, business initiatives, promotions, and events.

• Collaborate and meet regularly with suppliers

• Manage and enforce supplier compliance requirements such as; accurate lead times, high fill-rates and on-time delivery.

• Work closely with the Data Management team to ensure system integrity of supply chain parameters and settings in support of approved business and working capital objectives.

• Provide actionable analysis and reporting to collaborators of the Planning team's KPI results

• Monitor and report on important changes in the supplier availability related to forecasts.

• Providing hindsighting exercise to analyze and report on category results for continuous improvements

• Partner with the Demand Planning team to maximize sales opportunities and evaluate forecast accuracy

• Other duties as assigned.

The duties and responsibilities described above may provide only a partial description of this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all aspects of the job.  Other duties and responsibilities not outlined in this document may be added as necessary or desirable, with or without notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Functional knowledge of planning, forecasting, purchasing execution and supplier relationship management, along with related supply chain areas.

• Understanding of the use of technology tools that enable demand and supply planning 

• Strong attention to detail

• Strong mathematical skills

• Proficient with Excel

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to communicate with people at all levels of the organization and external contacts.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks, problem solve with awareness of deadlines.

Equipment Knowledge: 

• Strong computer skills, proficient with Google Office Suite and multiple communication apps

• Advanced proficiency in Excel

Experience Requirements:

Generally, requires a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience required, preferably in an e-commerce environment.

Solid understanding of inventory management practices and procedures

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in Business or related field preferred, or a combination of education and equivalent work experience.  

Judgment/Reasoning Ability: Able to identify, troubleshoot and resolve problems quickly using sound judgment, poise, and diplomacy. Ability to use judgment and reasoning skills, and determine when to escalate issues, as required, in a timely manner.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the Team Member is regularly required to talk and hear. The Team Member is frequently required to sit, walk, climb stairs, use hands and fingers, bend, stoop and reach with hands and arms. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the workday. The Team Member may occasionally lift or move office products and supplies up to 25 pounds. Proper lifting techniques required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:  The WFH environment is primary, office is optional.  Other factors are:

• Hectic, fast-paced with multi-level distractions

• Professional, yet casual work environment

• Professional, private space for video meetings

• Ability to work extended hours as required.