Inventory Planner - FEDERATED GROUP : Job Details

Federated Group is a premier private brand sales/marketing firm specializing in the retail grocery and foodservice industries. Federated provides services in brokerage, brand management, wholesale distribution, third party logistics and design services.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Inventory Planner to join our team as part of our wholesale distribution business unit. This position is at our corporate headquarters in Arlington Heights, IL and follows a hybrid work model with three (3) in-office days per week. On site requirements may adjust over time to align with business needs.

As an Inventory Planner, you will be responsible for planning and executing inventory strategies that support optimal inventory levels, manage supply chain volatility, and ensure efficient movement of inventory across multiple customer accounts while minimizing total supply chain costs and maximizing profitability.

You will collaborate with sales and logistic teams to ensure timely and complete fulfillment of product orders and support efficient inventory levels and turnover.

This is a critical role that requires very high attention to detail, strategic thinking, operational discipline, and proactive mindset to stay ahead of fluctuating demand and commodity markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies to maintain optimal inventory levels for time-sensitive and high-volume commodities.
• Manage supplier relationships, including negotiations, performance monitoring, and lead time optimization.
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service to align supply plans with dynamic customer forecasts.
• Analyze and forecast demand across multiple customers to inform timely purchasing and selling decisions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory records and manage safety stock thresholds to reduce stock outs and excess inventory.
• Drive just-in-time inventory processes while mitigating supply risks and minimizing holding costs.
• Confirm product date codes at the time of purchase to ensure compliance with supplier commitments. Closely monitor product date codes while held in inventory to ensure that product is sold on a FIFO basisi and to ensure that each customer receives product which complies with their specific date code requirements for that product.
• Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations to inform commodity buying and selling strategies.
• Identify and act on opportunities to streamline procurement processes and enhance supply chain responsiveness.
• Generate reports on inventory performance, supplier KPIs, and forecast accuracy.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Logistics, or equivalent work experience preferred
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in inventory planning, procurement, or supply chain operations, ideally in a fast paced, commodity-driven environment
• Proven ability to manage just-in-time inventory strategies and tight supply windows
• Strong forecasting and analytical skills' experience with forecasting across multiple customer segments strongly preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and inventory management software
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• High attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions under pressure
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Working knowledge of risk management techniques in procurement and inventory control

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commodities trading or pricing models
• Background in logistics or production scheduling

An ideal candidate will be a self-starter; highly detail-orientated with strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset. The candidate must have demonstrated success in adapting in a fast-paced and evolving business environment. This individual must be a critical thinker with a demonstrated ability to deliver results and possess high attention to detail and have strong Excel and technical skills.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have a work ethic that thrives on independent activity combined with a sense of urgency and efficient use of time. This individual must never lose sight of the fact that he or she is part of a larger cross-functional team that must work together to effectively execute the customer's defined goals using the resources budgeted.

Federated Group, Inc. offers a competitive salary (commensurate with experience) and a comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, 401(k) plan, medical/dental/vision/disability/life insurance and flexible spending.

If you are interested in learning more about this position, please forward your resume and salary requirements referencing PROCURE. No relocation assistance provided.

EOE