Inventory Planner

Inventory Planner

  JOB SUMMARY:  Manage replenishment to achieve store in-stock targets.

Reports To: Manager of Inventory Planning

RESPONSIBILITIES

• REPLENISHMENT

  • Generates replenishment orders for assigned categories.
  • Maintains PO accuracy, keeping expected delivery dates, costs, and order quantities current until PO finalization.
  • Tracks POs to receipt and communicates status to cross-functional partners as needed.
  • Monitors in-stock and communicates status updates for high-risk or chronic out-of-stock situations.
  • Analyzes and prioritizes store replenishment needs.
  • Utilizes category knowledge, performance trend, seasonality, and historical sales data to confirm the appropriateness of calculated SKU order points and to evaluate suggested order quantities.
  • Coordinates changes to department order point calculation rules with the Manager of Inventory Planning.
  • Audits order point effectiveness, forecast accuracy, and in-stock for new SKUs, new stores, and trending items.
  • Executes orders for resets and new stores, tracks deliveries, and escalates in-stock risks.
  • Responsible for promotional items in stock in assigned categories: documents & addresses inventory risks prior to final proof and executes timely order placement & tracking to ensure product is in stores 2 weeks prior to the Ad.

• IN-STOCK

  • Tracks daily in-stock levels for assigned categories and takes immediate action to mitigate lost sales, ordering vendors out of cycle where necessary to maintain service level expectations and achieve in-stock goals.
  • Follows up on outdated and expired purchase orders weekly.
  • Provide forecasts and demand projections to key vendors to secure future product availability for planned events.
  • Communicates issues and requests for PO prioritization to the Manager of Inventory Planning. 
  • Analyzes in-stock trends, vendor fill rates, lost sales, seasonality, and category inventory levels to optimize vendor order cycles.
  • Communicates chronic OOS issues and executes alternate vendor ordering per documented ‘Vendor Protocol’ (including alignment with PM & coordination with the MA to ensure file maintenance reflects exceptions).

• INVENTORY CONTROL

  • Investigates and responds to store inventory concerns and feedback via email.
  • Monitors store shelf overstock, assesses vendor minimums & order multiples, and partners with the Merchandise
  • Analyst to utilize POG data to set max capacity replenishment constraints on high overstock risk items.
  • Monitors stocking levels on high consumable & “project” items, ensuring changes are properly recorded according to the ‘Job Lot Inventory Management’ process and tracking over time for effectiveness.

• ORDER EFFICIENCY

  • Collaborates with the category team to evaluate fulfillment optimization, vendor minimum, and order efficiency opportunities. Executes approved changes systemically to drive improved performance. Pursues, tests, and converts vendors to EDI ordering.
  • Utilizes demand patterns, vendor order requirements, and the sales contribution of each assigned vendor’s SKU mix to identify opportunities and convert vendors from manual to auto-approved ordering.
  • Owns the logistical components of order fulfillment for assigned categories. Manages freight decisions, coordinates delivery communication, and ensures fulfillment method changes are executed according to process.
  • Participates in weekly meetings and attends store walks as needed.
  • Generate & publish reporting & analysis to inform the business, per direction from management.
  • Complete special assigned projects and assist in training new team members.
  • Assists with File Maintenance for departments as needed.

SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING

• Excellent understanding of retail math, strong analytical skills, and high math aptitude.
• Expert understanding of replenishment and inventory system concepts required. Epicor expertise preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Strong Excel Skills.
• Must have a proven ability to problem solve, perform under pressure, and prioritize effectively to carry out duties and achieve goals.
• Must have excellent communication skills, be assertive and collaborative, and perform well on a team.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• 5 years total retail experience.
• 3 years in a data analysis, demand forecasting, inventory planning, or merchandising position required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in inventory planning or merchandising.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to sit and work at a keyboard for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position qualifies for remote working opportunities.
• The successful candidate will live within a 2-hour driving distance of Mount Angel for occasional meetings.
• Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Profit Sharing Program
• 401K Retirement Plan - up to 6% Employer Match
• Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral Bonus - refer a friend or family member
• Long-term disability and Life/AD & D Insurance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• On-Demand Pay
• Holidays and paid time off.

About Wilco
Dating back to the early 1930s, Wilco, a growing retailer, has stood the test of time by maintaining focus on our values and never losing our passion for customer service. Wilco is progressive and unlike the standard “farm store”. With a variety of departments, including Garden, Pet and Animal Supply, Hardware, Paint, Clothing, and Pet Grooming, partnered with personalized service, our customers consider Wilco a preferred retail destination. Wilco has been named a Top Workplace in Oregon and SW Washington by the Oregonian from 2012 - 2023. We are dedicated to our team and attribute this distinction to them. 

Hiring Veterans / Military Friendly

Wilco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize and encourage the valuable and enriching contributions that people from all backgrounds and experiences bring to our organization. As a values-based cooperative, we believe all individuals should be treated on the basis of merit without prejudice.

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