Inventory Specialist, Replenishment

Blue Line Foodservice Distribution; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Line Foodservice Distribution in Detroit, MI is seeking an Inventory Planner to manage DC inventory levels across food, paper, and cleaning supplies. You will forecast usage, place purchase orders, and partner with internal teams to optimize stock, costs, and delivery timelines.

The role requires 2+ years in inventory management, strong Excel skills, and a detail-oriented mindset. Collaboration with transportation and international teams is essential for on-time, accurate fulfillment.

Qualifications

• Two years of inventory management or related experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail with vendor relations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate inventory levels and forecast usage for assigned categories and/or DCs.
• Analyze inventory trends and identify cost-saving opportunities in storage and transport.
• Determine order quantities and place purchase orders to replenish inventory while meeting company goals.
• Maintain item database in the ERP system and support item phase-in/phase-out tasks.
• Collaborate with supply chain, DC directors, and operations to resolve shortages, shelf-life, or overstock issues.
• Coordinate with transportation teams to ensure on-time deliveries of Blue Line loads and inter-DC transfers.
• Work with international teams to enter orders and address logistical issues for international markets.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Materials & Logistics Management or related field

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Blue Line is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Your Mission:

In this role, you will be responsible for the management of Blue Line Distribution Center (DC) inventory levels of assigned food, paper, cleaning supplies, etc. This includes the evaluation of inventory levels, determining product needs, placing purchase orders with suppliers that adhere to established lead times, adhering to inventory level goals set forth by the Company, and working with internal departments to ensure timely deliveries. You will handle time-sensitive and confidential pricing information

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Evaluate inventory levels and forecast usage for all products in assigned categories and/or distribution centers. Be aware of upcoming promotions, holidays, and/or other factors that might impact the weekly demand and/or order patterns.
• Analyze inventory trends and identify ways to reduce costs associated with transporting and storing inventory, while still providing high levels of customer service. Advise department managers of low turnover and inactive products or any unusual trends associated with inventory.
• Decide on appropriate amounts of product to order and place purchase orders with suppliers to replenish inventory as needed while holding inventory levels to goals as outlined by the Company. Assist distribution centers in minimizing product spoilage due to shelf-life and ordering problems.
• Maintain item database in the ERP system and ensure orders are acknowledged. Completes tasks associated with phasing in and out items as requested, while working to build accurate models for calculating projections, pack size and lead times.
• Partner with supply chain, DC directors, and operations/management to generate appropriate solutions to problems, and identify solutions when out of stock, shelf-life, supplier minimum quantity requirements and over stock issues arise.
• Work with transportation team to ensure on-time deliveries of BL managed loads, vendor managed loads, and inter-DC transfers.
• Collaborate with the international team and distributors to enter orders when necessary, assist in solving logistical issues between suppliers and international markets, and be aware of LTOs, tests, and new menu items that impact demand from international markets.

Who You Are:

• High School Diploma or GED and college level coursework or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in inventory management or a related field.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, including advanced Excel skills and strong mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent record of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to establish ongoing relationships with vendors and utilize vendors as needed to ensure available quantities of supplies are in warehouse.
• Good verbal and written communication skills as well as interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences/
• Evidence of ability to plan and prioritize work, handling multiple issues at once.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials and Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management or related field.

Where You’ll Work:

• A state-of-the‑art building with a modern‑day, open environment in the heart of The District Detroit.
• A colleague fitness center, work café and an outdoor patio with grills.
• Over 60 different meeting spaces to help promote a collaborative environment.