Inventory Planner and Buyer

We are seeking a highly skilled Inventory Planner and Buyer to own and transform our inventory planning processes for OEM and Manufacturing operations. This role is crucial in aligning inventory planning with production build plans, customer demand, and forecasts to optimize material availability, reduce Days on Hand, and drive meaningful cost savings and avoidances.

In addition to managing inventory levels and purchase orders, the successful candidate will rapidly develop and implement tools, dashboards, and reporting systems that provide clear visibility and accountability on key metrics. They will collaborate closely with the existing planning team to drive execution discipline, improve processes, and transition the team from reactive firefighting to proactive, strategic planning.

All the important tasks that will be entrusted to you:

• Align inventory planning with production build plans, customer demand, and sales forecasts to ensure optimal raw material and component availability.
• Manage purchase order creation, follow-up, and supplier coordination to guarantee on-time delivery and minimize supply disruptions.
• Monitor and analyze key inventory metrics such as Days on Hand (DOH), shortage levels, and PO adherence; identify trends and recommend corrective actions.
• Regularly review and validate data accuracy within the JDE system to ensure procurement aligns with company inventory targets, maintaining approximately 90 days of inventory for overseas suppliers and 14 days or less for local supply.
• Apply strategic judgment rather than relying solely on automated ordering; critically assess demand forecasts, safety stock levels, and current inventory to challenge and optimize purchasing decisions.
• Rapidly develop and implement tools, dashboards, and reporting systems to increase visibility, accountability, and performance tracking across the planning function.
• Lead and collaborate with the existing inventory planning team to improve processes, reduce firefighting activities, and transition to proactive, data-driven planning.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process gaps, streamlining workflows, and driving automation where possible.
• Act as a liaison between procurement, production planning, and sales teams to ensure alignment and timely communication regarding material requirements and potential risks.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and support to junior planners and buyers to build team capability and resilience.
• Drive execution discipline to meet targets related to inventory reduction, cost savings, and supply chain efficiency.
• Mitigate operational risks by ensuring knowledge transfer and backup coverage within the team.
• Participate actively in S&OP meetings and provide accurate, timely data and insights to support decision-making.
• Utilize ERP systems (preferably JDE) and advanced Excel skills to manage planning data and generate actionable reports.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues related to supplier performance, demand fluctuations, and production schedule changes.

Your most important areas of competence and expertise for this position:

• Inventory Planning & Management: Expertise in managing inventory levels, including Days on Hand (DOH) targets, safety stock, and reorder points to balance supply and demand effectively.
• Procurement & Purchase Order Management: Skilled in purchase order creation, supplier coordination, and follow-up to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• ERP System Proficiency: Strong experience with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards (JDE), for data validation, inventory tracking, and procurement processes.
• Analytical & Reporting Skills: Advanced ability to analyze complex data sets, develop dashboards, and generate insightful reports using Excel, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Process Improvement: Proven capability to identify inefficiencies, drive process improvements, and implement automation or tools to increase team productivity and planning accuracy.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to apply judgment and critical thinking to challenge forecasts and automated ordering, ensuring inventory optimization aligned with business goals.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with procurement, production planning, sales, and suppliers.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Experience leading teams, providing mentorship, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Strong skills to anticipate risks, resolve issues proactively, and make timely, informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Time Management & Prioritization: Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines under pressure while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in data management, reporting, and execution to prevent errors and ensure operational excellence.