Category Planner I

The hiring company is a well-established player in the retail and wholesale distribution industry, specializing in managing extensive product inventories with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. They operate within a dynamic supply chain environment that includes diverse product categories and a high volume of stock keeping units (SKUs), typically managing between 1,800 to 2,299 vendor direct SKUs to meet the demands of a competitive market. This company prioritizes operational excellence and supply chain efficiency to reduce costs, prevent spoilage and shrink, and maximize customer service standards. It is a corporate entity that places great emphasis on adherence to corporate guidelines for purchase order processing, forecasting, demand planning, and supply chain collaboration with various teams including merchandising, logistics, and operations.

The specific role offered here is primarily focused on inventory management and purchasing, playing a crucial part in achieving the company's inventory goals by effectively balancing stock levels and forecasted demand. This position requires an individual responsible for maintaining accurate purchase orders, managing product costs, and minimizing inventory-related issues such as spoilage, aged or obsolete items, and shrinkage. The role demands an operator who is proficient with inventory planning tools, particularly the Manhattan inventory planning system known as DPR, to monitor and improve the team’s performance via scorecards and key merchandising performance indicators (KPIs). Furthermore, this position supports operational programs aimed at boosting warehousing and receiving efficiency alongside working closely with the logistics team to implement supply chain improvements.

The successful candidate will execute a replenishment strategy that enhances supply chain efficiencies and aligns with corporate purchasing initiatives and market conditions. They will be a proactive communicator who collaborates cross-functionally with local, market, and corporate merchandising teams, suppliers, and other internal departments to resolve replenishment and inventory issues promptly. This is a professional role suited for someone with a background in retail, wholesale, or distribution, who can manage a high volume of SKU counts and is adept at managing forecasting and demand planning especially considering customer events, business shifts, and seasonal changes.

This is a full-time position ideal for candidates possessing at least one year of professional business experience, preferably in purchasing or merchandising, with a high school diploma being the minimum education required. Candidates with a bachelor's degree may qualify based on educational credentials alone. The job offers a challenging and rewarding environment where strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere are essential. The company supports employees in handling physical demands such as sitting, standing, lifting up to 20 pounds, and extensive computer use. It promotes reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and is committed to evolving job descriptions to meet business needs. Overall, this role represents a critical function within the company’s operational framework, combining supply chain expertise with strategic inventory management to drive corporate success.