Inventory and Supply Planner - Canada

Arla Foods; Vaughan; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dairy manufacturing company in Vaughan is looking for an experienced Inventory and Supply Planner to manage inventory levels and supply chain operations. The successful candidate will have a strong background in inventory planning, preferably within the food industry, and advanced skills in ERP systems. This role offers a competitive compensation package and the chance to be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and sustainability.

Benefits

Competitive compensation package

Work environment focused on sustainability and innovation

Qualifications

• Minimum of three-five years’ experience in inventory planning or supply chain management.
• Proven track record of managing Vendor Managed Inventory.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Ensure optimal inventory levels and timely replenishment of stock.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for cost-effective supply chain operations.
• Lead identification and resolution of slow-moving inventory.

Skills

Inventory planning

Supply chain management

Data analysis

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management

Tools

SAP

APO

EWM

Job description

Location

Concord, CA

Do you have a passion for Inventory and Supply Planning? This is your chance! Join the Arla Procurement, Planning, Logistics and Customer Service Team as our Inventory and Supply Planner! This exciting role will be the perfect opportunity for you to be part of an exciting team and a dynamic, world-class Dairy Manufacturing company.

As an Inventory and Supply Planner, you will be responsible to ensure optimal inventory levels, timely replenishment of stock and efficient supply chain operations to support customer demand while minimizing waste, managing aging inventory, supporting delivery accuracy targets and collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve service and cost objectives.

About The Role

Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, you will

• Develop and maintain inventory models and parameters ensuring product availability while minimizing excess.
• Coordinate with Demand planning, Production, Quality, Warehouse & Distribution and the Commercial teams to ensure a cost effective and efficient flow, with high delivery service in the value chain.
• Lead the identification and resolution of slow-moving/blocked, or obsolete inventory to improve stock efficiency and reduce holding costs.
• Collaborate with Sales teams to align supply plans with forecasted demand and promotions while supporting commercial objectives and market responsiveness.
• Oversee and ensure inventory controls & procedures/policies are completed at all locations utilizing systems (APO, SAP4Hana, EWM) and mitigate risks related to product obsolescence, clearance sales, and disposals.
• In collaboration with Sales & planning teams, maintain and manage the inventory exposure list ensuring accurate visibility of Best Before dates and stock levels across all warehouses.
• Act as a key liaison between internal teams and third-party contract manufacturers to ensure production schedules meet demand and capacity constraints.
• Collaborate, coordinate and effectively manage weekly inventory movements between all warehouse locations in accordance with production schedules and customer requirements.
• Lead the inventory control processes (monthly cycle counts, reconciliations, variances, etc.) as well as the design/execution of replenishment strategies and specialty SKUs.
• Provide reporting and lead slow moving or blocked products to avoid cost exposure (i.e. Waste of clear outs, vs. target inventory levels).
• Manage inventory stock levels by reviewing shortage reports daily that feed into the ETA report (to report out of stocks and new arrival of stocks).
• Develop deep expertise in Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) through hands-on ownership of end-to-end VMI programs (e.g. Sobeys, Metro) and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance VMI performance, inventory turnover, and delivery accuracy metrics.
• Ensure effective management of CHEP pallet program, performing reconciliations and mitigating cost exposure.
• Successfully manage inventory replenishment for key retail partners, ensuring high service levels, accurate stock visibility, and on-time deliveries to both stores and distribution centers.
• Collaborate with Procurement to manage supplier lead times, order quantities, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through data analysis and provide actionable insights to stakeholders.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance and ensure inventory and supply planning activities comply with all relevant food safety regulations and that any reconciliations, variances and reporting are audit ready.
• Serve as a key point of contact for Customer Service to resolve inventory-related issues and support order fulfillment.
  
  

Who are you?

The successful candidate will have a minimum of three-five years’ experience in inventory planning, supply chain management, or operations in the food industry - preferably dairy or cheese manufacturing. You will have a proven track record of managing Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) with major retailers with proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, APO, IBP), Warehouse Management Systems (EWM) and have advanced Excel skills.

You will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or related area and preferably have completed training with the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and/or the American Production and Inventory Control Society (PMAC).

What do we offer?

In pursuing this exciting opportunity, the selected individuals will be awarded with a competitive compensation package.

At Arla, we strive to unlock the highest potential in each other while working together to create the future of dairy. We push each other to keep our cooperative at the forefront of the dairy industry, so we can create Good Growth and bring health and inspiration to the world, naturally.

We do so much more than make some of the world’s favorite dairy products. We give babies the best start in life, make the family dinner unforgettable and mornings worth getting up for. Every single one of us plays an important role and together we build and help establish our position as one of the largest dairy companies in the world.

Application and contact

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume. Arla Foods is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic or national origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences (for which a pardon has been granted), disability, marital or family status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at the email address above to provide your contact information. While we appreciate all resume submissions, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

While we appreciate all applications, only applicants that are legally authorized to work in Canada will be considered for this role.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to producing high-quality products while championing sustainability and innovation. We're passionate about people and our planet, striving to unleash the full potential in each of us. Our goal is to make healthy dairy nutrition and good food habits accessible to all. Join us at Arla Foods and become part of a worldwide cooperative dedicated to making a significant impact on the planet and steering the dairy industry towards a sustainable future.

We are devoted to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Diversity and collaboration are key to our success, propelling us to new heights in the dairy industry.

MAZER

Ref. 102823



Job Segment Retail Sales, Warehouse, Retail, Manufacturing