Inventory Planner

About Us We are a trusted Canadian brand in dairy products, serving both the food service and retail industries. Headquartered in Mississauga, ON, we are passionate about delivering exceptional service and high-quality products, supported by a skilled team specializing in manufacturing, logistics, and international trade. Position Summary We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Inventory Planner to join our Fountain Food & Beverages team at our  Hamilton Distribution Center . This role is responsible for planning, monitoring, and optimizing inventory levels to support production schedules, customer demand, and food safety requirements, while minimizing waste and inventory risk in a regulated dairy manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Plan, monitor, and control inventory levels in alignment with production schedules, sales forecasts, and operational requirements. Coordinate closely with Production, Warehouse, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure timely material availability and smooth inventory flow. Maintain accurate inventory records, including cycle counts, adjustments, expiry tracking, and investigation of variances. Ensure proper FIFO rotation to minimize product expiry, obsolescence, and waste. Analyze inventory data, usage trends, and forecasts to support effective planning and stock optimization. Provide inventory inputs to production planning, considering lead times, availability, and demand trends. Monitor inbound and outbound inventory movements and support receiving and shipping activities as required. Create and place purchase orders based on inventory levels, forecasts, and operational requirements, and follow up with suppliers on order confirmations, delivery timelines, and shipment status Prepare inventory-related reports and KPIs, including inventory accuracy, shortages, and overstock. Ensure inventory practices comply with GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements. Support internal audits, customer audits, and continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management. Qualifications & Skills Post-secondary education in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field preferred. Minimum 2 years of inventory planning or inventory control experience, preferably in food, beverage, or dairy manufacturing. Strong understanding of inventory planning principles, forecasting, and material requirements planning (MRP). Experience using ERP or inventory management systems and Excel skills for analysis and reporting. Working knowledge of FIFO practices, expiry management, and food safety requirements. Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Highly detail-oriented with strong multitasking and time management capabilities. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Working Conditions Manufacturing and warehouse environment. May require flexibility to support inventory counts, audits, or production-related needs. Occasional travel between plant locations may be required. Why Join Us Competitive group insurance, RRSP, and DPSP programs. Paid vacation and comprehensive health benefits. Opportunity to be part of a collaborative and dynamic team. Join a growing organization with a strong and proven track record of success. Inclusivity At Fountain Food and Beverages Ltd., we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability. Accessibility Fountain Food and Beverages Ltd. is committed to providing equal opportunity and fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace. If you require any accommodations, please let us know when confirming your attendance. Application Process We sincerely appreciate the time and effort all applicants put into submitting their applications for this opportunity. While we review each submission carefully, only candidates who are selected for an interview will be contacted.