Import Planner

Syndicate; Kokomo (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Syndicate is seeking a qualified Inventory & Import Coordinator to manage import purchasing and inventory levels using MRP processes. You will work with factories and freight forwarders to optimize container capacity, monitor orders, and ensure accurate item data and compliance.

The role requires collaboration across teams, strong analytical skills, and experience with international suppliers and import logistics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, International Business, or related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in inventory planning, MRP, purchasing, import logistics, or related role.
• Experience with international suppliers and coordinating ocean freight, customs clearance, and import compliance.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate inventory and supplier performance and support decisions.

Responsibilities

• Review MRP requirements and issue import purchase orders; expedite, delay, or cancel purchases as needed.
• Maintain adequate import inventory levels considering origin, MOQ, lead times, and distribution challenges.
• Collaborate with factories to reduce MOQ and optimize container capacity.
• Monitor open orders and coordinate with Import Buying Agents to resolve delays and capacity issues.
• Ensure item setup accuracy and update trade agreements and item data.
• Communicate invoice approvals to Accounts Payable; provide monthly import/inventory reports.
• Monitor safety stock and prepare monthly import spend analysis and KPI-based improvements.
• Negotiate with freight forwarders and ensure contractual compliance; support import compliance manual updates.

Skills

MRP systems

Inventory management

Forecasting

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Communications

Education

Bachelor's in SCM / related field

Tools

MS Dynamics

ERP software

Excel (Pivot, VLOOKUP)

Inventory management software

Job description

Uses MRP, combined with inventory policies and procedures, to create purchase orders and communicate with agents and suppliers outside the USA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

include the following. Other related duties in line with meeting corporate goals may be assigned.

• Review MRP requirements and issue import purchase orders; expedite, delay, or cancel purchases as needed to support current business priorities and inventory strategies.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining adequate import inventory levels taking into consideration the country of origin, factory MOQ, lead times as well as inland and ocean distribution challenges.
• Work with and challenge factories to reduce MOQ and transship to other factories when appropriate to maximize container capacity.
• Regularly review the open order report to ensure timely shipments. Partner with Import Buying Agents to resolve production-related delays and/or container capacity concerns.
• Responsible for ensuring the accuracy of item setup and entering trade agreements for new items and maintaining item integrity on existing items.
• Communicate commercial invoice approval to Accounts Payable.
• Provide monthly reporting for key imported Production Materials and new items, including tracking, inventory analysis, and status updates to support planning and decision-making.
• Monitor and update safety stock levels maintained at factories to align with projected demand.
• Prepare a monthly Import Summary report that details spend analysis for all imported products.
• Evaluate vendor performance through KPIs, including on-time delivery, lead time accuracy, order fulfillment, quality issues, and communication responsiveness and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Negotiate agreements with freight forwarders and ensure compliance with all contractual obligations.
• Assist Production and Inventory Control Manager in the annual update of the Import Compliancy Manual.
• Assist in the determination of product classifications and harmonized tariff schedules and proper duty rates.
• Provide other reports and updates as requested.

Position Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in inventory planning, material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing, import logistics, supply chain coordination, or a related role.
• Experience working with international suppliers.
• Experience coordinating ocean freight, customs clearance, freight forwarders, and import compliance activities preferred.
• Experience analyzing inventory performance, supplier performance, lead times, and purchasing trends to support business decisions.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, inventory management principles, forecasting, safety stock strategies, and replenishment planning.
• Working knowledge of international supply chain operations, import logistics, freight terms, customs processes.
• Understanding of Incoterms, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country-of-origin requirements, and import compliance regulations preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, AI, and reporting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory management software; experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar enterprise systems preferred.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of data, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve inventory availability, and service levels.

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization and with international suppliers, agents, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and external business partners.
• Ability to present inventory, logistics, and supplier performance information in a clear and concise manner.

MATHEMATICAL AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret inventory, purchasing, freight, and financial data.
• Ability to develop reports and perform root-cause analysis to support inventory and supply chain decisions.

REASONING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY

• Ability to identify risks within the supply chain and proactively develop solutions to mitigate disruptions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using data, operational knowledge, and organizational objectives.
• Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and escalating issues appropriately.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across functional teams.
• Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and commitment to customer service.
• Ability to adapt to changing business conditions, supply chain challenges, and evolving priorities.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Preferred but not required:

• APICS/ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
• APICS/ASCM Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
• Import/Export Compliance or International Logistics certifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and color vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Location Corporate Headquarters

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Travel Requirements

This position is currently accepting applications.