Inventory Planner

Excelligence Learning Corporation | Gardner, KS (On-site)

Help Shape the Supply Chain Behind Products That Inspire Learning

At Excelligence Learning Corporation, we're more than a distributor—we're the world's leading tech-enabled platform for early childhood and elementary education. Educators, parents, and children in more than 40 countries rely on our family of trusted brands, including Discount School Supply®, Really Good Stuff®, Frog Street®, Children's Factory®, Colorations®, Angeles®, Learning Carpets®, and more.

We're looking for an analytical, collaborative Inventory Planner who thrives on solving complex supply chain challenges. In this role, you'll play a critical part in ensuring the right products are available at the right time by balancing customer demand, supplier performance, and inventory investment.

If you enjoy using data to drive decisions, partnering across multiple business functions, and continuously improving inventory performance, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Inventory Planning, Purchasing & Demand Forecasting

As the Inventory Planner, you'll own inventory execution across a diverse product portfolio by:

• Developing and executing purchase orders for both domestic and international suppliers.
• Monitoring inventory levels to optimize product availability while minimizing excess inventory and stockouts.
• Managing reorder points, safety stock, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and replenishment parameters.
• Supporting AI-driven demand planning models using historical sales, seasonality, trends, forecasts, and market insights.
• Continuously refining demand forecasts based on sales performance, customer orders, supplier constraints, and business changes.
• Monitoring forecast accuracy (MAPE/WAPE) and implementing improvements.
• Planning inventory to support seasonal demand, promotions, customer events, and new product launches.
• Maintaining ERP inventory planning parameters and system updates.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

You'll partner closely with teams across the organization to ensure inventory strategies align with business needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with Merchandising and Sales to understand promotions, customer demand, pipeline opportunities, and future inventory requirements.
• Translating sales forecasts into effective purchasing and replenishment plans.
• Providing visibility into inventory availability, inbound shipments, and expected replenishment timing.
• Evaluating inventory risks associated with large customer opportunities and recommending proactive solutions.

Supplier & Import Management

You'll build strong relationships with suppliers while helping maintain efficient global supply operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating with vendors to expedite critical orders and resolve shipment delays.
• Monitoring inbound international shipments through freight forwarders, customs brokers, and overseas suppliers.
• Supporting vendor compliance initiatives, including lead-testing requirements.
• Participating in supplier performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.

Reporting & Analytics

Use data to improve supply chain performance by:

• Developing inventory reports and dashboards that provide actionable business insights.
• Participating in S&OP and demand planning meetings.
• Monitoring and improving key supply chain KPIs, including:
• Inventory Turns
• Weeks of Supply
• Fill Rate
• Service Level
• Out-of-Stock SKUs
• Forecast Accuracy
• Vendor OTIF (On-Time In-Full)

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field preferred.
• 2 years of experience in Inventory Planning, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Buying, Replenishment, or Fulfillment.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Power BI
• Tableau
• SQL
• Demand Planning software
• S&OP processes
• AI-assisted forecasting tools

Key Skills for Success

• Inventory Planning
• Demand Forecasting
• Supply Chain Management
• Purchasing & Replenishment
• Vendor Management
• Data Analysis
• ERP Systems
• Microsoft Excel
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving
• Communication

Why Join Excelligence?

At Excelligence, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping ensure educators and students receive the products they need to succeed. You'll collaborate with talented professionals across Supply Chain, Merchandising, Sales, Finance, and Operations while working in a fast-paced, data-driven environment that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

If you're passionate about inventory optimization, forecasting, and using analytics to drive business results, we'd love to hear from you.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Excelligence Learning Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic