About the Company:
Mercana is one of North America’s leading home furnishings wholesalers, with interior designer and retail partners around the globe. As a “design-first” company, we produce unique pieces for the home each season including items such as wall art, furniture, lighting and home decor accessories.
Position Summary:
The Purchase Planner, reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, plays a pivotal role within our Supply Chain and Inventory Management team, optimizing purchasing activities to ensure efficient inventory management and timely availability of products. This role involves analyzing demand, maintaining purchase plans, and utilizing forecasting systems and tools to support purchasing decisions.
Responsibilities:
1. Purchase Planning:
- Analyze item demand and utilize BI tools and established methodology to determine order quantities and production completion and delivery dates for Mercana merchandise.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders including Supply Chain Manager and Demand Planners to understand inventory requirements and forecasted demand.
2. Purchase Plan Maintenance:
- Monitor changes to prices and minimum order quantities (MOQs) and adjust purchase plans accordingly.
- Monitor production dates, lead times, and supplier performance to flag and adjust purchase plans as needed.
3. Purchase Forecasting Systems and Tools:
- Utilize forecasting systems and tools to support purchase planning and decision-making.
- Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of forecasting systems and tools and make recommendations for improvements.
4. Teaming & Inventory Management:
- The Purchase Planner works closely with the Supply Chain Manager to anticipate and understand production issues and other factors affecting the supply of goods as well as to manage the purchase plan to support overall inventory turns and in-stock objectives.
- The Purchase Planner collaborates with the Purchasing Assistant to ensure that purchase orders are issued accurately and in a timely fashion.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Forecast Accuracy: Ensure purchase forecasts are accurate and aligned with demand forecasts.
- Inventory Optimization: Optimize inventory levels to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
- Supplier Performance: Monitor and evaluate supplier performance based on factors such as lead times, quality, and responsiveness.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
- 2- 3 years proven experience in purchase planning, inventory management or supply chain management.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft BI, and other inventory management or forecasting software tools.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.