Inventory Planner

We are seeking a detail-oriented Inventory Planner to join our team at the Minneapolis Milk Plant in Minneapolis, MN. In this role, you will be responsible for optimizing finished goods inventory to align with demand forecasts and production capabilities. You will play a key role in maintaining ideal inventory levels, reducing shortages, and identifying cost-saving opportunities through proactive planning and analysis.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with other teams, such as supply planning and production planning, on inventory availability for customer orders.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure stock availability and minimize excesses; coordinate the repositioning of inventory as needed to meet customer requirements.
• Develop action plans to resolve excess and “stranded” inventory levels working closely with sales, finance, and other planning teams to mitigate financial impacts.
• Develop improved inventory management processes by establishing inventory strategies, improving systems, and developing procedures for communication to stakeholders.
• Oversee stock levels to ensure materials are in right location, ensure utilization of product rotation best practices, and develop action plans for slow moving/obsolete materials.
• Oversee the disposition of distressed inventory, work closely with plants to minimize rework and timely utilization, and/or sell off of distressed inventory.
• Ensure the successful execution of the inventory allocation process.
• Develop standard inventory reporting, report inventory trends, and action plan tracking.
• Lead weekly and monthly inventory meetings; participate in weekly and monthly production planning meetings.
• Monitor key performance metrics, such as delivery in full, on time (DIFOT), inventory days on hand, and distressed inventory reduction targets.
• Conduct inventory analysis and reporting, using various tools and systems (ERP, BI, Excel).