Inventory Planner

About the Job: 

The Inventory Planner plays a vital role in ensuring the right parts are available at the right time while balancing inventory cost, service level, and operational efficiency. This position supports Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) parts supply operations by managing demand, inventory levels, and supplier coordination across a complex manufacturing and distribution network.

Due to the complexities of MMNA systems—including Blue Yonder and Royal 4—this role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

This role is a hybrid role with in office expectations of 2-3 days a week. 

Summary of Role:

The Inventory Planner is responsible for optimizing inventory levels to support customer demand, improving forecast accuracy, enhancing inventory visibility, and reducing overall inventory costs. This role collaborates closely with suppliers, manufacturing partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth material flow and timely issue resolution.

Key focus areas include inventory planning, demand forecasting, safety stock management, process improvement, and KPI monitoring. The Inventory Planner uses data and reporting tools to drive informed decision-making, improve operational performance, and contribute to continuous improvement across MMNA’s supply chain.

As a Inventory Planner, You Will: 

Inventory Planning & Optimization

• Maintain optimal inventory levels to meet demand while avoiding overstock or stockouts
• Balance supply and demand to minimize cost and maximize efficiency
• Establish and manage safety stock levels to ensure uninterrupted supply

Forecasting & Demand Management

• Review, edit, and improve demand forecasts to align inventory with customer needs
• Improve forecast accuracy to prevent excess inventory and customer backorders

Inventory Visibility & Cost Control

• Enhance visibility into inventory levels, locations, and movements across systems
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce carrying costs, increase inventory turnover, and minimize waste

Process Improvement

• Develop, streamline, and document inventory management processes
• Identify opportunities to automate routine tasks and improve workflow efficiency

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal stakeholders to ensure smooth inventory flow
• Proactively address and resolve supply chain issues impacting service levels

Performance Metrics & Reporting

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, including:
• Months of supply
• Order fulfillment and backorder resolution
• Forecast accuracy
• Use data insights to support decision-making and drive continuous improvement
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Measuring Your Momentum:

First 90 Days - Getting Up to Speed

• Develop working knowledge of MMNA systems, acronyms, and processes
• Perform core Inventory Planner functions independently
• Resolve customer backorders for assigned parts
• Issue purchase orders and approve recommended purchases
• Review and edit demand forecasts
• Achieve MMNA Blue Yonder Certification Levels 1 and 2
• Manage day-to-day parts supply activities
• Understand and utilize available reports to support inventory decisions

Year 1 - Victory Lap