Wave Planner

BGDC Distribution; Salem (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

BGDC Distribution seeks a Wave Planner to coordinate and optimize warehouse order allocation, work release, and labor planning under the Operations Manager. You will balance workflow across departments, maximize labor and equipment utilization, and ensure timely inbound and outbound truck turnaround.

You will serve as a liaison between operations, customer service, and leadership, monitor productivity, adjust priorities, and train staff on planning systems.

Qualifications

• Experience in warehouse planning or inventory coordination.
• Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and PC-based software.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization.
• Able to handle multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Allocate and release orders to the warehouse floor to optimize productivity and carrier turn times.
• Prioritize tasks for Lift Truck Operators to maintain throughput.
• Monitor dock office utilization and optimization tools for receipts and orders.
• Review and adjust product velocity zones and pick locations weekly.
• Communicate with customers and internal teams to address shortages or delays.
• Ensure accurate allocation of inventory to meet order requirements.
• Collaborate with customer service and operations to resolve discrepancies.
• Run labor and productivity reports and discuss findings with supervisors.

Skills

Warehouse planning

Inventory coordination

WMS

Microsoft Office

Communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PC-based software

Job description

Summary: Under the direction of the Operations Manager, the Wave Planner is responsible for coordinating and optimizing warehouse order allocation, work release, and labor planning. This role ensures balanced workflow across departments, efficient utilization of labor and equipment, and timely inbound and outbound truck turnaround. The Wave Planner serves as a key liaison between operations, customer service, and leadership teams to maintain productivity and service standards.

Schedule: Wednesday - Saturday 3PM-2AM with overtime as needed.

Essential Functions

• Allocate and release orders to the warehouse floor in a manner that optimizes productivity, interleaving, and carrier turn times.
• Prioritize Lift Truck Operator (LTO) tasks in coordination with Dock Supervisors to maintain efficient throughput.
• Monitor and manage dock office utilization of inbound and outbound optimization tools for each receipt and order.
• Review and update base priorities weekly to minimize manual adjustments in the work queue.
• Collaborate with the Operations Manager to review and adjust product velocity zones, static/dynamic pick locations, and home zone assignments.
• Resolve product shortages and manage order cuts, ensuring timely communication with customers and internal teams.
• Ensure accurate and efficient allocation of inventory to meet order requirements.
• Coordinate with customer service and operations teams to address order discrepancies or fulfillment delays.
• Run and analyze labor and productivity reports; review findings with Dock Supervisors and the Office Manager.
• Troubleshoot and correct warehouse system issues related to order flow, allocation, or reporting.
• Train associates and supervisors on relevant warehouse and planning systems.
• Identify opportunities for system or process improvements and recommend updates as needed.
• Actively participate in safety programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support departmental and company objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• One (1) or more years of experience in warehouse planning, inventory coordination, or related operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and related logistics processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and PC-based software applications.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and adapt to changing operational needs.

Education & Certifications

• High school diploma or GED required, additional coursework or training in logistics, supply chain, or warehouse operations preferred.