Inventory Planner

Dairy Farmers of America; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America is seeking an Inventory Specialist to manage finished goods inventory and support demand planning in Riverside, CA. You will monitor stock levels, coordinate with supply and production planning, and drive cost savings through process improvements and KPI tracking.

This role requires collaboration with sales, finance, and operations, strong Excel and ERP (SAP) skills, and the ability to communicate clearly across teams.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of inventory management practices and principles.
• Excel and SAP or similar ERP planning systems knowledge.
• Strong communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with supply and production planning to ensure inventory availability for customer orders.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate repositioning to meet requirements.
• Develop action plans to resolve excess and stranded inventory with sales and finance teams.
• Improve inventory processes and establish reporting for stakeholders.
• Oversee stock levels, product rotation, and slow-moving/obsolete materials handling.
• Support the disposition of distressed inventory with plants to minimize rework.
• Ensure successful execution of inventory allocation processes.
• Develop standard inventory reporting and track trends and actions.

Skills

Inventory management

Excel

SAP

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Undergraduate degree in supply chain

Tools

SAP or ERP systems

Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Manage the finished goods inventory ensuring it meets the demand and supply needs. Prepare, monitor, and coordinate all inventory status reports and take a proactive approach to supply shortages, stock outs, and cost savings analysis. Perform research and data analysis to monitor and ensure Key Performance Indicators are at target levels according to established standards.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with other teams, such as supply planning and production planning, on inventory availability for customer orders
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure stock availability and minimize excesses; coordinate the repositioning of inventory as needed to meet customer requirements
• Develop action plans to resolve excess and "stranded" inventory levels working closely with sales, finance, and other planning teams to mitigate financial impacts
• Develop improved inventory management processes by establishing inventory strategies, improving systems, and developing procedures for communication to stakeholders
• Oversee stock levels to ensure materials are in right location, ensure utilization of product rotation best practices, and develop action plans for slow moving/obsolete materials
• Oversee the disposition of distressed inventory, work closely with plants to minimize rework and timely utilization, and/or sell off of distressed inventory
• Ensure the successful execution of the inventory allocation process
• Develop standard inventory reporting, report inventory trends, and action plan tracking
• Lead weekly and monthly inventory meetings; participate in weekly and monthly production planning meetings
• Monitor key performance metrics, such as delivery in full, on time (DIFOT), inventory days on hand, and distressed inventory reduction targets
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Undergraduate degree in supply chain or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 2 to 5 years of inventory, sales and operations planning, production planning, or related experience
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of inventory management practices and principles
• Knowledge of company computer systems and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and SAP or similar ERP planning systems
• Solid communication skills with ability to shift style with audience
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work collaboratively and elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including management, production planning, quality teams, logistics, procurement, etc.
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines for multiple assignments or projects
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans