Supply Planning Specialist

DLF Seeds•La Crosse, WI

About The Position

DLF North America is recruiting a Supply Planning Specialist for its operation in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The role ensures distribution-site seed requirements are accurately forecasted, secured, and positioned to support operational needs and customer demand. It works across the supply chain to maintain product availability, optimize inventory placement, and support efficient distribution operations. The specialist develops and maintains supply forecasts, analyzes inventory and sales trends, coordinates procurement and inventory movements, and works with operations leadership to optimize inventory throughout the distribution network. The role collaborates with the Director of US Distribution Operations, Lead Buyer, Inventory & Quality Control Manager, Operations Managers, and other cross-functional teams on supply planning, inventory management, process improvement, and overall supply chain performance. The position reports to the Director of Operations.

Requirements

Experience in supply chain planning, inventory management, procurement, logistics, or a related field.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, reporting, and data analysis.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance procedures, and policy manuals.
Ability to perform business calculations, including discounts, freight estimates, dimensional weight calculations, invoices, and percentages.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Ability to learn and effectively use new software applications and systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision).
Experience with supply forecasting and inventory planning methodologies.
Familiarity with Lean principles and continuous improvement practices.
Experience in a distribution, manufacturing, agricultural, or supply chain environment.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a 12-month rolling supply forecast based on demand, historical sales trends, and business requirements.
Ensure distribution-site seed requirements are forecasted and secured to support operational and customer needs.
Coordinate and monitor the timely delivery of incoming goods, including purchased materials and intercompany transfers.
Maintain accurate inventory information and support inventory integrity across all locations.
Monitor the quality, quantity, cost, and efficiency of the movement and storage of goods, including raw materials, packaging, and related items.
Analyze sales demand weekly and monthly to ensure adequate inventory levels at appropriate locations.
Provide bi-weekly reports to leadership regarding inventory availability and the organization's ability to meet forecasted sales demand.
Partner with operations management to ensure seed supply is procured and positioned to meet business needs.
Collaborate across departments to align resources and inventory strategies with changing business requirements.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through strategic inventory placement and distribution planning.
Communicate planning issues, risks, and opportunities to management and provide recommendations to support business decisions.
Work with the SSS team to place orders in the most effective locations to serve customers.
Establish and improve cross-functional operational processes that enhance planning efficiency and effectiveness.
Keep management, sales teams, and employees informed of planning objectives, inventory strategies, and new initiatives.
Create and maintain minimum and maximum inventory levels for regularly used items at each site.
Provide detailed planning information to support floor stocking plans across all distribution locations.
Ensure incoming items are assigned to appropriate item segment codes and inventory classifications.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory planning, forecasting accuracy, and supply chain performance.