Senior Supply Planner

Company: Walgreens
Location: Deerfield
Posted on: January 15, 2022

Job Description:

Job Summary The supply planner is responsible for issuing, tracking, and executing Purchase Order, translating demand plans into supply plans and supporting demand planners by ensuring appropriate store in-stock and service level for the managed categories and vendors. Responsible for collaborating with distribution centers and transportation to ensure a seamless flow of inventory from suppliers to stores. Support the company's long term strategy and inventory productivity while maintaining high Customer Service Level metrics. Job Responsibilities Perform daily maintenance, including but not limited to order processing, confirmation, tracking orders with manufacturers and carriers, communication with distribution center on receiving discrepancies and prioritization, processing returns and claims to manufacturer, working with accounting on reconciliation of invoices as needed. Identify and resolve out of stock issues, focusing on minimizing shortage occurrences through analysis of data and review of safety stock levels. Optimize inventory levels by managing and analyzing purchase orders on time and at the appropriate quantities, aligning as needed with Demand Planning; Category Management; and DC Operations to achieve company objectives. Coordinates vendor ordering attributes for Seasonal ordering programs (i.e. Back-to-School Cough cold season, Christmas Toy Buy, etc.), E-Order process for stores and districts and communication of ordering with DC, District Managers and stores. Meets daily with demand planners to discuss key in-stock and inventory issues, focus areas for the week and extended timeframes. Work with vendor base with the use of vendor scorecards to resolve chronic issues such as Lead Time, Fill Rate, Data Quality, Cost Accuracy, Etc. to ensure a world-class customer experience. Responsible for working with Item/Vendor team on SKU Activations and Transitions. Creates reclassification from regular inventory to distribution when needed and determines how to source product by DC. Coordinates inbound and existing DC inventory, store inventory and pipeline inventory for Ad Events, seasons. Reviews Authorized Distribution requirement versus DC inventory and creates fill-in distribution based on Smart authorized program in effect (Allergy, Cough Cold or Promotional Event).Creates and issues manual purchase orders for special orders out of sequence from the normal CML Vendor Review Cycle (emergency order) and special orders issued to fulfill specific allocated quantities supplied from the vendor as product is available. Identify supply chain related non-value added costs and processes that are not financially favorable to Walgreens. Challenge and negotiate these conditions with the appropriate vendor contacts including, vendor minimums, freight terms, vendor cash terms on seasonal or special circumstance orders and high item order minimums, which includes layer/pallet ordering constraints. Work closely with Category Demand Planner to ensure proper stock levels and allocation for Promotional and Seasonal items and collaborate with suppliers on Buy plans to effectively increase fill rate. Monitor age of inventory and determine potential inventory risks. Proactively lead collaborative efforts with Demand Planning and Category Management with appropriate action to mitigate and relieve at-risk and aged inventory. Utilize system-generated reports to determine priorities and areas of opportunity and to confirm/communicate results. Create adhoc reporting when needed. Negotiate cost savings and operational efficiency programs by leveraging various sourcing activities. Work with BU analysts team to provide feedback on changes in inventory strategy and direction and other business events that impact inventory targets May issue Purchase Orders on an exception basis, when necessary. Qualification: Bachelor's Degree and at least 1 year of experience in retail/wholesale purchasing OR a High School Diploma /GED and at least 4 years of experience in retail/wholesale purchasing. Experience in negotiating operational aspects of business: Costs, delivery lead time, purchasing minimums, etc. Experience using time management skills such as prioritizing/organizing and tracking details and meeting deadlines of multiple projects with varying completion dates. Intermediate level skill in Microsoft Excel 2003 or later (for example: formatting text and borders of cells, working with workbooks and worksheets, using range names, referencing cells, sorting, and auto filtering). Preferred Qualifications: Experience in Supply Chain or Inventory Management. Knowledge of costs, deals or terms related to Inventory Management processes. Knowledge of inventory processes in a retail environment. Experience controlling inventory purchases and ensuring proper multiple stores inventory levels. Experience controlling inventory purchases and ensuring proper distribution center inventory levels. Experience creating and issuing Purchase orders.

Keywords: Walgreens, Arlington Heights , Senior Supply Planner, Professions , Deerfield, Illinois