Inventory Planner

**Title**: Inventory Planner

**Location**: Oakville, ON Canada

**Company**: ITW Global Brands Canada

**Reports to**: Purchasing & Product Control Manager

ITW Global Brands Canada is a regional business unit of the $16B multi-national company Illinois Tool Works Inc. We are the leading marketer and distributor of core ITW brands including: Permatex®, Rain-X®, Spray Nine®, Black Magic®, Slime®, Fast Orange®, Fix-A-Flat®, and Gumout®.

The Inventory Planner for finished goods is responsible for managing inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing excess stock and associated costs. The planner analyzes sales data, market demand, and production schedules to determine optimal inventory levels, reorder points, and safety stock. This role coordinates with suppliers, production teams, and freight carriers to ensure timely delivery and efficient use of resources. Additionally, the Inventory Planner monitors inventory strategies to help optimize service level and minimize obsolescence.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Inventory Optimization: Determine optimal inventory levels, reorder points, and safety stock levels to balance customer service level with inventory requirements.
- Market Rate of Demand (MRD): Schedule and purchase finished goods inventory based on historical sales data and seasonality trends.
- Production Planning: Work closely with production teams to align production schedules with MRD planning and inventory targets.
- Inventory Monitoring: Continuously monitor inventory levels, stock movements, and aging inventory to identify potential stockouts or excess inventory situations.
- Supplier Coordination: Collaborate with suppliers and freight carriers to ensure timely delivery of finished goods and manage supplier performance.
- Scheduling Shipments: Coordinate with freight carriers to schedule inbound shipments and ensure cost-effective and reliable transportation services.
- Obsolete Inventory Management: Develop strategies to minimize obsolete inventory through proactive planning and coordination.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Coordinate with customer order management, sales, marketing, finance, and logistics teams to align inventory plans and optimal service level.
- Inventory Reporting: Prepare and present inventory performance reports, KPIs, and metrics to support decision-making and strategic planning.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency.

**Competencies**:

- Attention to detail and accuracy as well as organizational and prioritization skills.
- Strong analytical skills to analyze sales data, MRD planning, and to optimize inventory strategies.
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems; JDE or Oracle is a plus.
- Proficient computer skills - MS Office (Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving skills.

**Requirements**:

- Post-secondary diploma or degree preferred, high school diploma mandatory.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of Purchasing and Supply Chain experience.
- English and French language is an asset.

**Additional Information**

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.