Planning Specialist

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

15% employee discount

Flexible schedules

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Job summary

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. is seeking a Planning Specialist to coordinate inbound and outbound freight through Sprouts distribution network and stores.

You will use Mercury Gate TMS and other systems, align with Procurement and Distribution teams, and ensure on-time delivery while optimizing cost and efficiency. This role is based at the Store Support Office in Phoenix and operates on a hybrid schedule (in office Tuesday–Thursday).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field preferred.
• Knowledge of DOT rules and regulations is required.
• Experience with transportation equipment such as tractors and trailers is preferred.
• Ability to lead and work with cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Plan inbound/outbound controlled freight for distribution centers and stores.
• Optimize loads to maximize cube and weight utilization while meeting SLAs.
• Build and tender loads to carriers using Mercury Gate TMS and other systems.
• Negotiate freight rates on the spot market and during RFPs to cut costs.
• Prepare reports and communicate shipment status to internal/external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Produce Procurement and Supply Chain teams.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Analytical skills

Microsoft Office

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or Supply Chain

Tools

Mercury Gate TMS

Data reporting tools

Job description

Overview

The Planning Specialist is responsible for the planning of inbound and outbound Sprouts Farmers Market controlled freight being delivered to the Distribution Centers, retail locations, and other destinations as deemed necessary. This position uses the Transportation Management System for planning and optimization of this freight in adherence to Procurement, Distribution Center, and Retail teams’ scheduling policies. The Planning Specialist is responsible for aligning the inbound and outbound strategy with the Supply Chain and Distribution teams for the most efficient and timely flow of freight to its destination.

This position is located at our Store Support Office in Phoenix, Arizona, and operates on a hybrid schedule (in office Tuesday–Thursday).

Overview of Responsibilities

• Establish positive collaborative business relationships with cross-functional teams with Internal Teams, Distribution Centers, carriers, and suppliers.
• Optimize and route loads to maximize cube and weight utilization while ensuring SLA’s are met.
• Build and tender loads to third-party and Sprouts Farmers Market controlled dedicated carriers utilizing Mercury Gate TMS and other systems.
• Negotiate favorable freight rates on the spot market and before, during, and after freight RFP bids to ensure the most cost-effective transportation possible.
• Complete data and prepare various reports and communication as required.
• Work in close collaboration with internal Produce Procurement team and internal Supply Chain team.
• Communicate with carriers, brokers, and vendors to determine status of shipments, resolve issues, and communicate appropriate information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Optimize lanes and control expense through the development of a freight strategy that aligns with Sprouts Farmers Market pricing strategy.
• Execute timely delivery of product to support inventory initiatives, reduce shrink, and optimize Sprouts Farmers Market operations.
• Act as a liaison with vendors, carriers, and internal teams to ensure product delivery according to customer requirements.
• Additional duties as assigned.

#LI-KO1

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain or related field preferred
• Knowledge of DOT rules and regulations
• Knowledge of tractors, trailers, and other transportation equipment
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to successfully manage concurrent projects, multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast pace environment and comply with strict time frames and deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical and decision-making skills, and ability to work on cross-functional teams

Benefits

In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:

• Competitive pay
• Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health
• Vacation accrual plan
• Opportunities for career growth
• 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts
• Flexible schedules
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
• Company paid life insurance
• Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun!

Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:

• Bonus based on company and/or individual performance
• Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision
• Health Savings Account with company match
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
• Company paid short-term disability coverage
• Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers
• Paid holidays

Get Paid Every Day!

Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/.

Why Sprouts

Grow with us!

If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.

At Sprouts, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and caring workplace culture.
Our Team Member Resource Groups (TMRGs) create spaces for connection, support, and growth. Every team member is welcome to join one or more of our five groups:

• Inspiring Women at Sprouts
• Rainbow Alliance at Sprouts
• Sabor at Sprouts
• Soul at Sprouts
• Honored to Serve at Sprouts

Together, these groups celebrate diversity and empower our team to thrive.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.

California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.