Operations

Distribution Planner

Looking to hire your next Distribution Planner? Here’s a full job description template to use as a guide.

About Vintti

At Vintti, we're redefining the economics of staffing for US businesses. Our agency connects SMBs, startups, and firms with top Latin American talent, offering a dual benefit of high-quality work and cost savings. By tapping into this rich talent pool, our clients can optimize their budgets, increase productivity, and gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets.

Description

A Distribution Planner plays a crucial role in the supply chain management process, responsible for ensuring the efficient movement of goods from suppliers to end customers. This role involves meticulous planning and coordination to optimize inventory levels, manage logistics, and minimize costs while ensuring timely deliveries. Distribution Planners analyze data to forecast demand, develop shipment schedules, and collaborate with various departments, including procurement, production, and warehousing, to streamline operations. Their expertise helps maintain a seamless flow of products, contributing to customer satisfaction and overall business performance.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field
- Proven experience in distribution planning, logistics, or supply chain management
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency in using ERP systems and distribution planning software
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to coordinate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Capability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Understanding of inventory management principles
- Knowledge of transportation and logistics operations
- Familiarity with industry trends and regulations affecting distribution
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Strong numerical and data analysis aptitude
- Ability to develop and implement cost-saving measures
- Experience in optimizing distribution routes
- Ability to handle and resolve discrepancies in inventory and shipment records
- Experience in liaising directly with customers for order status updates
- Experience in preparing and presenting reports to management
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and supply chain disruptions
- Excellent negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and transportation carriers

Responsabilities

- Create and manage distribution plans based on customer orders and forecasts
- Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing to ensure timely product availability
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to prevent stockouts and avoid overstock
- Schedule and plan shipments to align with customer delivery timelines
- Communicate with transportation carriers to organize pickups and deliveries
- Track and manage shipment statuses, addressing delays and issues proactively
- Optimize distribution routes to enhance cost-efficiency and operational effectiveness
- Collaborate with warehouse staff to expedite urgent orders and prioritize tasks
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of inventory, shipments, and distribution activities
- Utilize ERP systems for effective planning, tracking, and reporting
- Analyze distribution performance metrics to identify areas for improvement
- Resolve discrepancies related to inventory, shipments, or delivery schedules
- Develop and implement plans for handling supply chain disruptions
- Liaise directly with customers to provide order status updates and address concerns
- Produce and present comprehensive distribution reports to management
- Stay informed on industry trends and regulatory changes impacting distribution logistics

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Distribution Planner role will possess a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field, coupled with substantial experience in distribution planning, logistics, or supply chain management. This individual will demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, utilizing their proficiency in ERP systems and distribution planning software to create and manage effective distribution plans. Their strong communication and interpersonal abilities enable them to coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, ensuring timely product availability and efficient distribution. Detail-oriented and highly organized, they can manage multiple tasks, meet stringent deadlines, and resolve discrepancies in inventory and shipment records promptly. With an in-depth understanding of inventory management principles, transportation, and logistics operations, they adeptly navigate industry trends and regulatory changes impacting distribution logistics. Furthermore, the candidate’s proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and robust numerical and data analysis skills will facilitate the creation and presentation of comprehensive reports to management. Adept at optimizing distribution routes and implementing cost-saving measures, they will exhibit strong negotiation skills in dealings with suppliers and transportation carriers. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service, coupled with their initiative and proactive approach to addressing issues and delays, positions them as a dedicated professional geared towards continuous improvement and operational excellence.

On a typical day, you will...

- Analyze customer orders and forecast data to create effective distribution plans
- Coordinate with procurement and manufacturing teams to ensure product availability
- Monitor inventory levels to minimize stockouts and overstock situations
- Schedule and plan shipments to meet customer delivery requirements
- Communicate with transportation carriers to arrange pick-ups and deliveries
- Track shipment status and address any delays or issues proactively
- Optimize distribution routes to reduce costs and improve efficiency
- Collaborate with warehouse staff to prioritize and expedite urgent orders
- Maintain accurate records of inventory, shipments, and distribution activities
- Utilize enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for planning and tracking
- Analyze distribution metrics to assess performance and identify improvement opportunities
- Resolve any discrepancies related to inventory, shipments, or delivery schedules
- Develop and implement contingency plans for disruptions in the supply chain
- Liaise with customers to provide updates on order status and address any concerns
- Prepare and present distribution reports to management
- Stay updated with industry trends and regulations affecting distribution logistics

What we are looking for

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- High attention to detail and organizational aptitude
- Proficiency in ERP systems and distribution planning software
- Strong numerical and data analysis skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Effective coordination and collaboration with cross-functional teams
- In-depth understanding of inventory management principles
- Knowledgeable in transportation and logistics operations
- Adaptability to changing priorities and supply chain disruptions
- Comprehensive understanding of industry trends and regulations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Ability to develop and implement cost-saving measures
- Experience in optimizing distribution routes
- Strong negotiation skills for dealing with suppliers and carriers
- Ability to resolve discrepancies in inventory and shipment records
- Dedicated to providing excellent customer service
- Experience in preparing and presenting management reports
- Initiative and proactive approach toward addressing issues and delays
- Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence

What you can expect (benefits)

- Competitive salary range based on experience
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
- Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Flexible work schedule options
- Work-from-home opportunities
- Professional development and training programs
- Tuition reimbursement for further education
- Career advancement opportunities within the company
- Employee assistance programs and wellness resources
- Life and disability insurance coverage
- Employee discounts on company products and services
- Performance-based bonuses and incentives
- Company-sponsored events and team-building activities
- Supportive and collaborative work environment

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