Inventory Planner

Jobtailor; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Lake Zurich, IL seeks an Inventory Analyst to monitor finished goods, analyze inventory levels, and coordinate transfers between distribution centers, supporting S&OP and KPI development.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's in a related field, 2+ years in inventory or logistics, strong Excel skills, and ERP experience (SAP preferred). You will collaborate with Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Finance to improve accuracy and optimize material flow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, operations management, logistics, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills including root cause analysis.
• Ability to analyze inventory data, identify trends, and support recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pharmaceutical finished goods inventory and maintain optimal levels.
• Analyze inventory positions across the distribution network and recommend balancing actions.
• Coordinate inventory transfers between distribution centers.
• Monitor inventory approaching expiration and reduce obsolescence.
• Review blocked and quarantined inventory and facilitate disposition or release.
• Communicate risks and recommendations on supply situations.
• Support inventory planning decisions with reports and KPIs.
• Participate in monthly S&OP process.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Job description

• Monitor pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to maintain optimal inventory levels while supporting customer service, inventory investment, and business objectives
• Analyze inventory positions across the distribution network and recommend inventory balancing actions
• Coordinate inventory transfers between distribution centers
• Monitor inventory approaching expiration and coordinate actions to reduce product obsolescence
• Review blocked, restricted, and quarantined inventory and facilitate timely disposition or release
• Monitor supply situations, identify shortages or excess inventory, and communicate risks and recommendations
• Use inventory planning tools, ERP systems, and supply modeling to support inventory optimization
• Participate in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process
• Prepare inventory analyses, review inventory performance, and support inventory planning decisions
• Develop and maintain inventory reports, dashboards, and KPIs
• Support SKU rationalization initiatives and coordinate inventory disposition activities
• Assist with charitable donation opportunities and other approved inventory disposition programs
• Identify inventory exceptions and data discrepancies, investigate root causes, and coordinate corrective actions
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, Quality, and Finance to improve inventory accuracy and material flow
• Support continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in special projects and other supply chain initiatives as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, inventory management, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated understanding of supply chain fundamentals, inventory management principles, demand and supply planning processes, and inventory control practices
• Ability to analyze inventory data, identify trends, and support recommendations related to inventory levels, material availability, and operational performance
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis and support for corrective and preventive action initiatives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and internal/external partners in a diverse, global business environment
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance teams
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and follow‑through in managing inventory‑related activities and reporting
• Ability to identify issues, communicate potential impacts, and elevate concerns appropriately
• Proactive approach and willingness to learn new processes, systems, and supply chain concepts
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and spreadsheet management
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or similar supply chain planning systems preferred
• Familiarity with inventory metrics such as inventory accuracy, inventory turns, safety stock, service levels, and excess/obsolete inventory preferred
• Must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; employment visa sponsorship is unavailable

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in inventory management, supply chain fundamentals, and data analysis to optimize inventory levels and support operational performance. Proficient in collaborating with cross‑functional teams and utilizing ERP systems for effective inventory planning and reporting.

Highest‑signal resume keywords

• Inventory Management
• Supply Chain Fundamentals
• Data Analysis
• ERP Systems (SAP)
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Inventory Optimization
• Demand Planning
• Supply Planning
• Root Cause Analysis
• Inventory Control Practices
• Inventory Metrics
• Data Analysis
• Reporting
• Spreadsheet Management
• KPI Development

Soft Skills

• Analytical Skills
• Problem‑Solving Skills
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Attention to Detail

Industry Keywords

• Supply Chain Management
• Logistics
• Distribution
• Inventory Disposition
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)

Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• ERP Systems