Sr. Inventory Planner - Parts

Subaru•Camden, NJ

8d•$80,000 - $97,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Role Summary Responsible for optimizing parts inventory to ensure availability while minimizing excess inventory; includes forecasting, demand planning, procurement, and distribution of service parts for Subaru of America (SOA). Creates purchase and transfer orders, monitors supplier performance, and expedites parts in short supply. Collaborates closely with Subaru Corporation (SBR), Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), the Regional Distribution Center (RDC) network and other internal teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce backorders, and limit excess inventory. Responsible for planning across multiple product categories: campaign- and recall-related parts, special tools, and radio units. This role requires close collaboration with key internal stakeholders, particularly within Service Quality and Parts Sales. Oversees the optimization of PrimeMax, an inventory control system, which involves regular coordination with senior leadership, field teams, and the broader planning organization.

Requirements

Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and inventory management software (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
Strong understanding of inventory control principles, demand forecasting, and supply chain logistics.
Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
Strong proficiency in Excel.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing business needs.
Bachelor's degree required.
At least 4-6 years of experience required.

Nice To Haves

APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) Certification preferred or APICS Certified in Supply Chain Certification (CSCP) Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Systematically reviews daily inventory of assigned stock keeping units (SKUs) within the planning system work queue.
Focuses on minimizing backorders, avoiding projected stock-outs, optimizing purchase orders, expediting shipments, and allocating inventory efficiently across the network.
Utilizes historical demand data and real-time analytics to inform decisions on distribution across Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs), ensuring effective stock management and alignment with supply chain requirements.
Applies advanced statistical forecasting techniques to generate accurate demand predictions.
Evaluates and integrates the impact of new product launches and market trends into forecast models.
Works toward consistently achieving high forecast accuracy and leverages analytics to adjust supply plans and ensure optimal stock levels across distribution channels.
Collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders, including Subaru Corporation (SBR) and Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), as well as other relevant internal departments.
Analyzes supply chain challenges to provide precise Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs) and resolve parts supply issues.
Focuses on optimizing customer service through data-driven communication and proactive issue resolution.
Works with RDC teams to analyze and prioritize hot shipments and transfers, ensuring rapid response to urgent inventory demands.
Ensures the timely and efficient distribution of campaign- and recall-related parts across the operational network to support recall and service initiatives.
Closely collaborates with cross-functional internal stakeholders — including logistics, procurement, service, and quality teams — to align planning efforts with organizational goals and regulatory timelines.
Provides regular, accurate reporting and updates to key stakeholders, offering visibility into supply readiness, campaign progress, and potential risks, to enable informed decision making and proactive issue resolution.
Oversees the optimization of PrimeMax, an inventory control system, which involves regular coordination with senior leadership, field teams, and the broader planning organization. This includes determining which parts should be on PrimeMax based on analyzing demand forecasts, inventory levels, sales trends, and strategic goals; it also includes optimizing retailer PrimeMax limits to balance inventory availability with operational efficiency and customer service levels.
Coordinates the end-to-end supply process for special tools critical to service operations. Works closely with external tool vendors to ensure accurate and timely ordering, as well as partners with SBR to manage the sourcing and inbound logistics of tools from Japan.
Collaborates with Service Quality to align tool availability with service requirements, ensure compliance with program standards, and support continuous improvement initiatives.