Who We Are:

Join the dynamic and innovative Thank God It’s Natural (tgin) Operations Team and help us further enhance our strong brand. tgin is a manufacturer of natural and organic hair and personal care products, fully committed to offering the highest quality of products using the most natural ingredients available.

Our mid-sized organization is looking to hire an Inventory Planner to support our Operations Team. This highly visible supply chain role will perform all inventory planning and procurement functions. A hands-on position responsible for developing and executing the inventory plans that will enable tgin to meet sales objectives most cost-effectively. Collaboration with other supply chain members, sales, accounting, marketing, and customer support teams is paramount to achieving these sales and financial goals. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a keen eye for detail, and possess the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply!

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the sales team to develop yearly forecasts
• Translate sales unit forecasts into weekly / monthly material forecasting reports.
• Continuously improve forecasting techniques, methodologies and approach.
• Evolve and maintain documentation and standard operating procedures for demand and inventory planning processes and systems.
• Establish and utilize best methods (statistical models and software tools) in creating forecasts and respective inventory targets & coverage
• Make recommended adjustments to forecast and inventory targets based on changes in demand and market trends.
• Lead weekly Sales forecast and inventory planning meetings (SIOP) and executive summaries (KPI’s, forecast accuracy, inventory plan vs. targets, stock out risks).
• Monitor SKU levels and recommend SKU rationalization initiatives.
• Proactively facilitate, re-engineer, best practices and consensus between functional experts (Planning, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, Operations, Finance, and IT).
• Understand capacities of the different co packaging manufacturers
• Create master schedules & release corresponding purchase orders / work orders that levels work being released to the different co-packaging facilities
• Create / Issue Work Orders & vendor POS via MRP
• Closely track incoming inventory, sales forecast, quarantined inventory, and drop-ship orders.
• Ensure consistent supply and minimal stock outs while maximizing inventory turns
• Measure & maintain key performance indicators (KPI’s) for department
• Other tasks as assigned or as the company’s needs evolve
• Evaluation and execution of the approved production plan presented by Sales and Operation Planning.
• Work in partnership with key leaders to plan the introduction of new products into the Supply Chain
• Assist in quantifying and defining scope for capacity, resource, logistics, and supply chain planning.
• Evaluate supplier delivery performance and capability, building into the S&OP process risk mitigating approaches to manage suppler performance variation.
• Planning, scheduling and supporting duties in order to support the production plan and inventory control programs of the Company.

 Requirements:

• Highly experienced sales & operations planner with 7+ years of experience, preferably in dynamic consumer goods industry
• Proven track record of designing and implementing a highly effective S&OP process from the ground up and sustaining it over time
• Experience in forecasting as well as a “make and buy” business (manufacture goods as well as resale other purchased products)
• In depth knowledge of Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Expertise in utilizing MRP / ERP with multilevel BOMs
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, planning skills and experience with the latest logistics & planning software
• BA/BS in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain or a 4-year technical degree in related discipline.
• An inventory, demand planning, or supply chain degree or bona fide certification is a plus e.g. APICS Certified
• Advanced Excel experience manipulating spreadsheet data using filters, functions (VLookup, Pivot, etc.) and worksheet formulas
• Knowledge of key inventory performance metrics, turns, margin contributions, etc.
• Knowledge of demand management/forecasting tools, forecasting processes in sales, marketing operations, finance, manufacturing and supply chain issues
• Strong knowledge of demand planning process.
• Experience with 90+ day lead times, sourcing internationally, import delays, planning and ordering in preparation for Chinese New Year’s, incoterms, etc.
• Collaborative skills in resolving long and short positions in inventory
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills as well as organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to effectively manage changing and conflicting priorities and resolve appropriately
• Highly self-motivated, excels working autonomously and operate effectively in any organizational structure

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field required.
• Three years of relevant experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.

Location: Our Chicago office (in-person position).

Our office is located in Chicago, ½ block north of the United Center just west of Fulton Market

“Diversity Statement & Accommodations Language”

As a woman-owned firm, we value diversity. We are an equal opportunity employer that will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.