Freight Planner - MB

Company: Martin Brower
Location: Des Plaines
Posted on: February 24, 2021

Job Description:

Job DescriptionPosition Summary: The Freight Planner is responsible for inbound freight management as well as managing balanced inventory levels for one or more distribution centers in Canada and US markets. This individual plays a supportive role to the Supervisors and Inventory Planners. These activities include, but are not limited to, forecasting sales and replenishment of distribution center inventories, calculating promotional sales lifts and post promo sales decreases, and working with the Distribution Center to manage product flow based on space constraints and receiving schedules. This position ensures maintenance of optimal safety stock levels to ensure there are no breaks in supply to restaurants, while supporting distribution center objectives. This individual is also responsible for training, assisting team with job functions, working on assigned projects and providing afterhours escalation. Position Responsibilities may include, but not limited to: * Manage balanced inventory levels for one or more distribution centers * Maintain optimal safety stock levels to ensure no breaks in supply to restaurants * Identify and action product code date concerns * Monitor overstocks and take appropriate action to resolve pending issues * Work with Distribution Centers to clear obsolete inventories * Partner with other Distribution Centers on resolving inventory issues. Arrange and coordinate branch transfers or contingency shipments as necessary * Forecast sales by employing available tools to replenish Distribution Center inventories while adhering to minimum order quantities and inbound freight parameters * Develop a knowledge and understanding of promotional & seasonal sales patterns. Calculate and implement seasonal & promotional sales lifts and post promo sales decreases, using various forecasting tools and historical sales data * Ensure accurate system maintenance for all ordering parameters. Provide regular review and assist team with maintaining accurate and updated system maintenance * Ensure seamless integration of new/changed items into regular purchase planning while maintaining optimal inventory levels * Work with Distribution Centers to manage product flow based on space constraints, receiving schedules and while meeting monthly Inventory Budgets * Maintain appropriate supplier lead times while minimizing rush orders/date changes, to meet or exceed pre-determined request for execution metrics * Develop and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders (Distribution Centers, Suppliers, HAVI & Armada). * Become a primary source of contact for stakeholder supervisors and team members to resolve any issues or concerns within the team * Maintain effective communication networks with Distribution Centers and all system partners * Identify and report any forecasting issues on behalf of the team * Recommend and negotiate efficient (pallet) order multiple purchase with suppliers and HAVI * Work with suppliers, Armada & HAVI on resolving recurring product quality & service issues with In-Bound Freight Management (in collaboration with Armada) * Trace and expedite shipments that are urgent for mitigating breaks in supply at the Distribution Centers * Perform analysis on KPI's (order changes & rush orders) * Participate in weekly/bi-weekly Distribution Center Promotional Calls and host Team meetings * Lead a training program of new hires within the US Centralized Purchasing team * Provide weekday afterhours escalation in rotation with Supervisors * Ability to provide additional coverage for team member absences * Provide and assist in Weekend, Vacation and Holiday coverage * Provide support to Supervisors * Projects and overflow - conference calls, urgent deadlines * Working closely with team members, offering assistance * Providing additional training when necessary * Leading team meetings in Supervisors absence * Review promotional items with team to ensure adequate supply and limit overstock issues * Other projects or duties as assigned. Required Skills and Experience: * Business Degree required and minimum 2 years Inventory/Supply Chain/Purchasing experience with a working knowledge of freight/logistics OR High School Diploma and 5 years Inventory/Supply Chain/Purchasing experience with a working knowledge of freight/logistics * Proven skills and competencies as an experienced and proficient Inventory Planner * Proven analytical, organization and time management skills * Strong computer skills - including Outlook, EXCEL, WORD, knowledge of JDE * Proven ability to work independently and to lead a dynamic team, meet deadlines and multi-task * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment * Strong team player * Ability to nurture a team and provide assistance, answer questions and resolve issues and concerns * Ability to work under pressure and prioritize urgent matters * Proven ability to be called upon as a representative for the team and s

Keywords: Martin Brower, Des Plaines , Freight Planner - MB, Professions , Des Plaines, Illinois