Inventory Planner

TreeHouse Foods • Oak Brook, IL

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

We have an exciting opportunity for an Inventory Planner to join our team. The Inventory Planner is responsible for driving inventory optimization through data analysis and proactive management of inventory planning tools (Blue Yonder, ESP, and Power BI). This role analyzes inventory trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement and optimizes safety stock to balance high service levels with efficient use of working capital. The position leverages advanced planning and analytics tools to support data-driven decision-making, ensures accurate master data and planning parameters, collaborates cross-functionally to align inventory strategy with business objectives, and serves as a primary point of contact for supply planners regarding system and process capabilities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field is required.
• 4-7 years of experience in inventory planning, supply chain analytics, or related roles is required.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, SQL, and inventory optimization tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Blue Yonder, Kinaxis) are required.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams are required.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is required.
• Working knowledge and understanding of statistical concepts is required.
• The ability to use deductive reasoning for problem solving is required.
• Strong ability to influence peers to adopt inventory management best practices is required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex topics simply are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Experience in retail, manufacturing, or consumer goods industries is preferred.
• Familiarity with statistical, machine learning, or AI-driven inventory optimization techniques is preferred.
• APICS certification, such as CPIM or CSCP, or similar certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze inventory data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.
• Own and optimize safety stock levels across the supply chain to balance service levels and working capital while supporting strong KPI performance, including MEIO, inventory reviews, safety stock usage, and excess and obsolete inventory.
• Leverage analytical expertise and MEIO knowledge using planning and analytics tools to perform modeling, scenario analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain and continuously improve master data accuracy, including lead times, batch sizes, and planning parameters, in partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align inventory strategies with business objectives and clearly communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations with confidence and accuracy.
• Demonstrate proactive ownership by preparing thoroughly, sharing progress updates, resolving issues, and driving actions to closure.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by identifying root causes, enhancing processes, developing best practices, and supporting team training and knowledge sharing.
• Support S&OP processes with inventory insights and recommendations.
• Partner with IT and analytics teams to enhance inventory visibility and reporting capabilities.
• Function as the first line of authority to field inquiries from planners on system and process functionality.
• Exercise critical thinking and deductive reasoning to develop and present solutions for supply planners.
• Track and improve key inventory performance indicators, including customer service, safety stock performance, inventory value and working capital, excess and obsolete inventory, stability of inventory parameters, and reduction in manual overrides.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits program with no waiting period
• 401(k) program with 5% employer match and 100% vesting as soon as you enroll
• Comprehensive paid time off opportunities, including immediate access to four weeks of vacation, five sick days, parental leave and 11 company holidays (including two floating holidays)
• Paid training, tuition reimbursement and a robust educational platform – DevelopU – with more than 10,000 free courses
• Inclusive working environment
• Employee Resource Groups
• Wellness and employee assistance programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level