Inventory Planning Specialist

**Summary:** Family-owned and operated for five generations, Stauffer Glove & Safety is a leader in the distribution of safety and PPE products. The Inventory Planning Analyst is responsible for managing and optimizing inventory levels through data analysis, forecasting, and coordination with cross‑functional teams. This role ensures accurate inventory reporting, effective stock disposition, and alignment with vendor return policies while supporting operational efficiency and cost control. This position assists in monitoring inventory transactions, investigating variances, and maintaining inventory records to support operational efficiency and financial integrity. **What we Offer** With over 115 years of experience, Stauffer Glove & Safety offers employees the stability of an industry leader. - 401K + 401K matching - Health, Dental, and Vision insurance - Paid time off - Wellness incentives **Essential Functions:** - Generate and analyze inventory reports to provide insight into stock levels, trends, and key performance indicators (KPIs). - Prepare and present inventory data reports to support purchasing and operational decision‑making - Perform demand forecasting using historical data, market insights, and seasonality to anticipate future inventory requirements. - Support the accounting, reporting, and analysis related to inventories and standard costs. - Collaborate with Operations to coordinate stock management and inventory movement, including stock outs and blending of product. - Determine proper item disposition, including stocking, vendor returns, or discard decisions. - Identify, monitor, and address excess inventory and slow‑moving stock. - Request and coordinate cycle counts to maintain inventory accuracy. - Own and manage the customer offboarding inventory process. - Reconcile discrepancies between system data, drop ship (DS), and In Transit (IT) warehouse inventory. - Coordinate and manage purchasing responsibilities for inventory mergers, product discontinuations, customer conversions, and consolidation initiatives. - Complete system inventory adjustments as required. - Work with the Supplier Administrators to maintain the vendor return policy terms within the ERP system. - Act as a Liaison between Supplier Administrators and Warehouse Operations when adjustments /changes need to be made to items with stock on hand. - Support warehouse managers by providing inventory insights, status updates, and issue resolutions to maintain smooth operations. - Deliver high‑quality internal customer service to Buyers, Operations, and other stakeholders by responding proactively and professionally. - Coordinate and clarify inventory expectations to align purchasing decisions with warehouse capabilities and constraints. - Coordinate any product returns with the appropriate suppliers, document reason for return and if necessary, communicate product issues with Category Management team. - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. **Competencies:** - Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment. - Ability to solve problems effectively. - Responds to inquiries and questions in a timely fashion. - Strong written and verbal communication skills. - Highly analytical; ability to successfully manage and analyze data. - Strong attention to detail. - Demonstrates ability to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making - Adheres to a strong set of cover values. **Required Education and Experience:** - A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited university preferably in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Accounting or business-related field of study. - At least 3 years of experience in inventory management or inventory analysis. - Solid understanding of supply chain and materials management principles. - Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate inventory data, identify trends, and provide…