Inventory Planner

Fresenius Kabi USA•Lake Zurich, IL

4d•$61,000 - $71,000

About The Position

The Inventory Planner is responsible for supporting the planning and management of pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to ensure product availability while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This role helps balance customer service objectives with inventory investment by monitoring inventory performance, identifying potential supply issues, and supporting actions to minimize backorders, excess inventory, and product obsolescence. Working closely with Manufacturing, Supply Planning, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, and other cross-functional teams, the Inventory Planner helps maintain efficient material flow throughout the supply chain. The position participates in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing inventory data, monitoring key performance indicators, and assisting with inventory planning activities. This role uses data analysis and inventory management tools to support business decisions, improve inventory performance, and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field required.
Minimum 2 years of experience in supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, inventory management, or a related field preferred.
Demonstrated understanding of supply chain fundamentals, inventory management principles, demand and supply planning processes, and inventory control practices.
Ability to analyze inventory data, identify trends, and support recommendations related to inventory levels, material availability, and operational performance.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate issues, perform root cause analysis, and support corrective and preventive action initiatives.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and internal/external partners in a diverse, global business environment.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with teams including Purchasing, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Finance.
Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through in managing inventory-related activities and reporting.
Ability to identify issues, communicate potential impacts, and escalate concerns appropriately.
Proactive approach with a willingness to learn new processes, systems, and supply chain concepts.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and spreadsheet management.
The successful candidate must be able to effectively speak, read, write, and understand English to perform the essential functions of the position, including independently understanding policies, procedures, training materials, and workplace communications written in English due to our heavily regulated work environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with ERP systems such as SAP or similar supply chain planning systems preferred.
Familiarity with inventory metrics such as inventory accuracy, inventory turns, safety stock, service levels, and excess/obsolete inventory preferred

Responsibilities

Monitor pharmaceutical finished goods inventory to help maintain optimal inventory levels while supporting customer service, inventory investment, and business objectives.
Analyze inventory positions across the distribution network and recommend inventory balancing actions to maximize inventory turns and minimize excess, obsolete, and short-dated inventory.
Coordinate inventory transfers between distribution centers to support product availability and optimize network inventory levels.
Monitor inventory approaching expiration and proactively coordinate actions to reduce product obsolescence, including redistribution, promotional opportunities, or other approved disposition strategies.
Review blocked, restricted, and quarantined inventory and partner with Quality, Manufacturing, and Distribution teams to facilitate timely disposition and inventory release when appropriate.
Monitor supply situations, identify potential shortages or excess inventory, and communicate risks and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
Utilize inventory planning tools, ERP systems, and supply modeling to support inventory optimization and resolve low-stock or excess inventory situations.
Participate in the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process by preparing inventory analyses, reviewing inventory performance, and supporting inventory planning decisions.
Develop and maintain inventory reports, dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor inventory health and support management decision-making.
Support SKU rationalization initiatives by creating reports, tracking project milestones, and coordinating inventory disposition activities.
Assist with planning and execution of charitable donation opportunities or other approved inventory disposition programs for excess or obsolete inventory.
Identify inventory exceptions and data discrepancies, investigate root causes, and coordinate corrective actions with cross-functional partners.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Distribution Centers, Customer Service, Quality, and Finance to improve inventory accuracy and material flow throughout the supply chain.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to streamline inventory processes and improve inventory performance.
Participate in special projects and other supply chain initiatives as assigned.