Inventory Planner

Fresenius Kabi USA; Lake Zurich (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company contribution

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness program

Job summary

Fresenius Kabi USA is seeking an Inventory Planner to support planning and management of pharmaceutical finished goods inventory, ensuring product availability while maintaining optimal levels.

You will monitor inventory performance, collaborate with Manufacturing, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, and Quality, and participate in S&OP processes to minimize backorders and obsolescence. Strong data analysis, ERP proficiency, and cross-functional communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, inventory management, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of supply chain fundamentals, inventory management, demand and supply planning, 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 with ability to investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and support corrective actions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with cross-functional collaboration in a diverse, global business environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with Purchasing, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in inventory activities and reporting.
• Ability to identify issues, communicate impacts, and elevate concerns appropriately.
• Proactive approach to learn new processes, systems, and supply chain concepts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and spreadsheet management.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or similar planning systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to maintain optimal levels and support customer service and business objectives.
• Analyze inventory positions across the distribution network and recommend balancing actions to maximize turns and minimize excess/obsolete inventory.
• Coordinate inventory transfers between distribution centers to optimize network inventory levels.
• Monitor inventory approaching expiration and coordinate redistribution or disposition strategies to reduce obsolescence.
• Review blocked or quarantined inventory and coordinate disposition with Quality, Manufacturing, and Distribution teams.
• Monitor supply situations, identify shortages or excess inventory, and communicate risks and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Utilize inventory planning tools, ERP systems, and supply modeling to resolve low-stock or excess inventory situations.
• Participate in the monthly S&OP process with inventory analyses and decision support.
• Develop and maintain inventory reports, dashboards, and KPIs to monitor health and inform decisions.
• Support SKU rationalization by reporting milestones and coordinating disposition activities.
• Assist with planning and execution of charitable donation opportunities or other approved disposition programs.
• Identify inventory exceptions and data discrepancies, investigate root causes, and coordinate corrective actions.

Skills

Inventory management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Time management

Data analysis

ERP systems knowledge

SAP experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP ERP

Job description

The Inventory Planner is responsible for supporting the planning and management of pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to ensure product availability while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This role helps balance customer service objectives with inventory investment by monitoring inventory performance, identifying potential supply issues, and supporting actions to minimize backorders, excess inventory, and product obsolescence.

Working closely with Manufacturing, Supply Planning, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, and other cross-functional teams, the Inventory Planner helps maintain efficient material flow throughout the supply chain. The position participates in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing inventory data, monitoring key performance indicators, and assisting with inventory planning activities. This role uses data analysis and inventory management tools to support business decisions, improve inventory performance, and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Salary Range $61,000 - $71,000 based on experience

• Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. Fresenius Kabi is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa either now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Monitor pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to help 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 to maximize inventory turns and minimize excess, obsolete, and short-dated inventory.

Coordinate inventory transfers between distribution centers to support product availability and optimize network inventory levels.

Monitor inventory approaching expiration and proactively coordinate actions to reduce product obsolescence, including redistribution, promotional opportunities, or other approved disposition strategies.

Review blocked, restricted, and quarantined inventory and partner with Quality, Manufacturing, and Distribution teams to facilitate timely disposition and inventory release when appropriate.

Monitor supply situations, identify potential shortages or excess inventory, and communicate risks and recommendations to internal stakeholders.

Utilize inventory planning tools, ERP systems, and supply modeling to support inventory optimization and resolve low-stock or excess inventory situations.

Participate in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing inventory analyses, reviewing inventory performance, and supporting inventory planning decisions.

Develop and maintain inventory reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor inventory health and support management decision-making.

Support SKU rationalization initiatives by creating reports, tracking project milestones, and coordinating inventory disposition activities.

Assist with planning and execution of charitable donation opportunities or other approved inventory disposition programs for excess or obsolete inventory.

Identify inventory exceptions and data discrepancies, investigate root causes, and coordinate corrective actions with cross-functional partners.

Collaborate with Manufacturing, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, Quality, and Finance to improve inventory accuracy and material flow throughout the supply chain.

Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline inventory processes and improve inventory performance.

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 with the ability to investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and support corrective and preventive action initiatives.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and internal/external partners in a diverse, global business environment.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with teams including Purchasing, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance.

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated 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 with a 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.

• The Company’s primary business language is English. The successful candidate must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English to perform the essential functions of the position, including independently understanding policies, procedures, training materials, and workplace communications written in English due to our heavily regulated work environment.

Additional Information

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability, 401K with company contribution, and wellness program.

Please note that joining our team does not create a guaranteed or permanent employment arrangement. All employment is at‑will, meaning both the employee and Fresenius Kabi have the right to end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.