Associate Demand & Inventory Planner

Position Summary:

Direct Supply is building the future of healthcare technology with industry-leading products, solutions and platforms to help improve the lives of millions of seniors and those who care for them.

In the Associate Demand & Inventory Planner position, you'll play a key role in optimizing inventory levels and supporting supply efficiency through the SIOP process. You'll assist internal and external distribution teams with data access, reporting, and analysis to ensure customer expectations are met. This role supports the development and alignment of demand and inventory strategies while contributing to the creation of tools and processes that drive operational excellence.

Skills Needed:

• Solves Problems - Uses technology and sharp logic to craft inventive solutions to complex issues, digging deep to tackle root causes. Conducts impartial analysis, leaving no stone unturned for comprehensive insights.

• Effectively Collaborates - Forges strong partnerships and works productively with others to achieve common goals. Finds common ground to solve problems and seeks out diverse perspectives to inform decisions. Quickly earns trust, puts others at ease, and shows empathy.

• Communicates Effectively - Develops and delivers impactful communications for diverse audiences across channels. Excels in both small and large group interactions. Captures attention, actively listens, and guides discussions towards targeted goals.

• Provides Customer Value - Delivers cutting-edge, tech-driven solutions paired with outrageous customer service with an eye to profitability. Seizes opportunities that reward both the customer and DS, fostering robust customer relationships.

What You'll Do and Impact:

• Create and maintain demand forecasting for select product categories with cross-functional team input.

• Monitor forecast accuracy metrics (category and location level).

• Coordinate and communicate significant customer demand changes.

• Establish inventory parameters (e.g., order cycles, safety stock, lead time, reorder points, stockout costs, maximum stock level, stock turnover rate, and inventory accuracy) using best practices.

• Recommend order replenishment quantities and coordinate PO placement for select product categories to maintain target inventory levels.

• Troubleshoot stock out and overstock risks, developing solutions to work through effectively and profitably.

• Assist with reporting needs, toolset innovation and process automation within existing SIOP processes with an AI first mindset.

• Collaborate with Data Analytics, Data Science, and Engineering teams on continuous improvement projects.

• Provide internal customer support on inventory availability.

• Support strategic distribution and supplier relationships.

• Aid in process documentation for Demand & Inventory Management Team.

• Support advancement of Team projects including Distribution Network initiatives and software implementation efforts.

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or Operations.

• 2+ years of experience in an analytical role within business, sales, marketing, or supply chain functions.

• Proficiency in Excel and Power BI for data analysis and reporting.

• Experience with forecasting and inventory management practices.

• Familiarity with AI tools and their application in business environments (e.g., chatbots, predictive analytics).

• Ability to travel by car and/or plane up to 10%.

Additional Items of Interest:

• Familiarity with SQL and Python is preferred.