Category Planner

Job Description

Job Description

SECURITY EQUIPMENT SUPPLY

CATEGORY PLANNER

JOB DESCRIPTION

The following is the basic job description for the Category Planner position current as of the date noted above. Any alterations, substitutions, or additions must be approved in writing by two of the following people : Human Resource Manager, Supply Chain Manager, and Director of Operations.

This position reports directly to the Supply Chain Manager.

Job Classification : Non-Exempt

Basic Function : The Category Planner will be responsible for developing and managing a purchasing and inventory plan to ensure the timely and efficient supply of products to branches to meet customer demand.

This role involves coordinating with various departments, analyzing data, and implementing planning strategies to optimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and improve overall supply chain performance.

• Must be located in St. Louis, Missouri.
• This is a hybrid role after successfully completing 90 days of employment.

Essential Functions :

• Supply Planning : Create purchase orders and transfer orders to ensure alignment with customer demand, inventory policies, and supplier requirements.
• Demand Planning : Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to ensure accuracy in demand planning and adjust plans accordingly.
• Inventory Management : Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal stock levels, minimizing excess and obsolete inventory while preventing stockouts.
• Vendor Relations : Maintain strong relationship with vendors to manage purchase order changes effectively and ensure reliable supply.
• Market Trends : Stay informed about market trends and customer insights, tailoring product selection and inventory strategies accordingly.
• Subject Matter Expert : Serve as a subject matter expert, providing deep knowledge and expertise in the assigned master class to support strategic decision-making and enhance category performance.
• S&OP Team Member : Act as a key member of the Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) team, collaborating with cross-functional teams to align supply chain plans with business goals.
• Data Analysis : Analyze supply chain data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement, providing actionable insights to management.
• Continuous Improvement : Implement and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• KPI Monitoring : Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to scheduling, inventory, and supply chain performance, identifying areas for improvement.
• Problem Resolution : Proactively identify and resolve supply chain conflicts, disruptions, and other issues that may impact distribution timelines.

Competencies :

• Education : Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent years of relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience : Minimum of 3 years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, or a related field, preferably in a security equipment supply distribution environment.
• Skills :
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in planning and inventory management software.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Certifications : APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification is a plus.

Metrics for Success : The success of the Category Planner is measured by utilizing the following key metrics which will indirectly increase the performance of sales.

• Inventory Turns : Achieve and maintain a high inventory turnover ratio, reducing excess stock and holding costs.
• Forecast Error : Achieve a forecast accuracy rate of 95% or higher, minimizing the gap between forecasted and actual demand.
• Excess & Dead Inventory : Reduce excess and dead inventory, targeting a decrease in obsolete stock by 20% annually.
• Stockout Performance : Minimize stockouts, aiming for a stockout rate of 2% or lower to ensure product availability and customer satisfaction.
• Reduce transfers : Reduce freight costs related to transferring inventory between locations.

Other Duties :

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without reasonable notice.