Supply Planner Job Description [Updated for 2024]

In the global marketplace, the role of supply planners has never been more critical.

As industries evolve and supply chains become increasingly complex, the demand for skilled professionals who can streamline and optimize these processes continues to grow.

But what does it really mean to be a supply planner?

Whether you are:

A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of supply chain management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we’re presenting a customizable supply planner job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Supply Planner Duties and Responsibilities

Supply Planners play a crucial role in logistics and supply chain management, ensuring that goods, materials, and products flow efficiently from manufacturers to consumers.

They are responsible for overseeing and managing the timing of deliveries, maintaining stock levels, and coordinating with various departments to ensure smooth operations.

Their typical duties and responsibilities include:

Developing and implementing supply chain strategies that increase efficiency and productivity
Forecasting demands and ensuring the supply can meet these demands
Working closely with sales and marketing departments to understand future product demand
Managing stock levels and making key decisions about stock control
Identifying and addressing any issues that might disrupt supply
Coordinating with manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and customers
Monitoring supplier performance to assess ability to meet quality and delivery requirements
Reviewing and processing purchase orders
Tracking and reporting key functional metrics related to supply chain performance
Maintaining strong and effective relationships with suppliers
Using software and systems for tracking inventory and shipments

Supply Planner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a meticulous Supply Planner to oversee, manage, and coordinate our supply chain operations.

The responsibilities of a Supply Planner include demand forecasting, inventory management, and contingency planning to ensure smooth business operations.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of inventory management systems, superb analytical skills, and a strong business acumen.

Ultimately, the role of the Supply Planner is to ensure our company’s supply chain operations are efficient, cost-effective and keep up with the company’s operational standards and market trends.

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate supply and demand forecasts.
Manage and maintain inventory levels, ensuring future demands are met.
Develop and implement contingency plans to mitigate risks in the supply chain process.
Collaborate with various departments including procurement, operations, and sales to identify potential issues and propose solutions.
Ensure product stock is adequate for all distribution channels and can cover direct demand from customers.
Report any supply chain-related issues to the management team.
Implement innovative strategies to improve supply chain processes.
Monitor and analyze current market conditions and forecasts.

Qualifications

Proven experience as a Supply Planner, Inventory Planner or similar role.
Experience in data mining, analysis and reporting.
Familiarity with supply chain processes and inventory management systems.
Working knowledge of MS Office, relational databases, and ERP systems.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
Analytical mind with business acumen.
BSc/BA in logistics, business analytics, or relevant field; professional certification (e.g. APICS/CPIM) is a plus.

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Supply Planner
Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for supplier or warehouse visits.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Supply Chain Manager.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Supply Planner Do?

Supply Planners typically work within manufacturing industries, retail companies, and other organizations that have a significant involvement in the supply chain.

They are responsible for the strategic planning of inventory levels and product distribution to ensure smooth operations and meet customer demands.

This involves analyzing sales forecasts, current inventory levels, and potential supply problems to determine the quantity of goods that need to be produced or ordered.

Supply Planners work closely with other departments such as sales, logistics, and production to coordinate plans and schedules.

They may also liaise with suppliers to negotiate pricing, manage contracts and maintain a strong working relationship.

They use various planning systems and software to track inventory movement, generate reports, and monitor performance metrics.

This data is then used to make informed decisions about inventory management, reduce costs, and improve overall supply chain efficiency.

Furthermore, Supply Planners may be tasked with identifying and implementing process improvements, as well as ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

In case of supply disruptions, they are expected to develop and implement contingency plans to minimize the impact on production and customer satisfaction.

Overall, their primary role is to balance supply and demand in the most cost-effective way possible.

Supply Planner Qualifications and Skills

A competent Supply Planner should possess a blend of strategic understanding, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities such as:

Strong analytical skills to understand complex supply chain metrics and perform detailed analysis on inventory data.
Proficient in supply chain management software and platforms to manage and track inventory, and to create and implement efficient supply chain strategies.
Excellent problem-solving skills to identify supply chain issues and develop effective and efficient solutions.
Superior communication skills to liaise with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal teams, ensuring that everyone is informed and coordinated.
Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
Proficient in demand forecasting and understanding of market trends to predict future supply needs.
Strong negotiation skills to secure advantageous terms with suppliers and vendors.
Detail-oriented to maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, and other important data.

Supply Planner Experience Requirements

Entry-level Supply Planners may have 1 to 2 years of experience, typically obtained through internships or part-time roles in supply chain management, logistics, or similar fields.

During this time, they gain essential knowledge about inventory control, demand planning, and production scheduling.

Supply Planner candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience usually have more in-depth understanding of supply chain operations, analytics, and strategic planning.

They may have gained this knowledge in roles such as Inventory Analyst, Demand Planner, or Procurement Specialist.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are likely to have strong expertise in forecasting, production planning, and supplier management.

They may also possess leadership experience, having overseen small teams or projects, making them suitable for managerial positions within the supply chain function.

Regardless of the years of experience, the ability to work with complex databases, proficiency in supply chain management software, and strong analytical skills are crucial for all Supply Planner roles.

Supply Planner Education and Training Requirements

Supply Planners typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, operations management, or a related field.

They also need a fundamental understanding of supply chain processes including purchasing, production, and inventory management.

A basic knowledge in demand forecasting and data analysis is also essential.

Some positions, particularly in large companies or those with complex supply chains, may require a Supply Planner to have a master’s degree in business administration or supply chain management.

In addition to formal education, Supply Planners often benefit from professional certifications such as the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Acquiring a certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a mastery of supply chain concepts, which can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Moreover, some companies offer on-the-job training to help Supply Planners understand their specific systems and processes.

This training can cover areas such as company-specific software, inventory management techniques, and company protocols.

Ongoing professional development is also important in this role, given the rapidly changing nature of supply chain technologies and methodologies.

Supply Planners are also expected to have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, which can be developed through work experience and additional training.

Supply Planner Salary Expectations

A Supply Planner earns an average of $67,589 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may differ based on their experience, education, and the region in which they work.

Supply Planner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Supply Planner need?

Supply Planners should have strong analytical skills for effective forecasting and inventory management.

They should possess excellent problem-solving abilities to tackle supply chain issues.

Good communication and interpersonal skills are also necessary to collaborate with various departments within the organization.

Additionally, they should be detail-oriented and have strong planning and organizational skills for effective supply chain management.

What qualifications does a Supply Planner need?

A Supply Planner typically needs a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business, or a related field.

Some positions might require a master’s degree or relevant certification, such as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).

In addition, experience in supply chain planning, procurement, or a related field is often required.

What should you look for in a Supply Planner resume?

A Supply Planner’s resume should highlight their education in supply chain management or a related field, along with their professional experience in supply planning.

It should showcase their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Experience with specific supply chain software, such as SAP or Oracle, is also a valuable asset.

In addition, look for any relevant certifications, such as CSCP or CPIM.

What qualities make a good Supply Planner?

A good Supply Planner is analytical and detail-oriented, enabling them to make accurate forecasts and manage inventory effectively.

They possess strong problem-solving skills to address any supply chain issues that arise.

Good Supply Planners are also excellent communicators, able to coordinate with different departments and suppliers to ensure smooth operation of the supply chain.

What are the daily duties of a Supply Planner?

A Supply Planner typically starts their day by reviewing inventory levels and assessing supply needs.

They may also spend part of their day analyzing data to make forecasts and identify any potential supply chain issues.

They often communicate with suppliers to place orders, negotiate contracts, or resolve any issues.

Additionally, they might attend meetings with other departments to coordinate supply chain activities and ensure that supply aligns with demand.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate details of what it truly means to be a supply planner.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing stock levels.

It’s about strategically shaping the direction of a business, one supply decision at a time.

With our easy-to-use supply planner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up your game.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-made listings or refining your resume to absolute excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every supply decision contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s create a thriving business. Together.

Reasons to Become a Supply Planner (Champion Cost Reduction)

How to Become a Supply Planner (Complete Guide)

Disadvantages of Being a Supply Planner (Stockpile Struggles!)

These High-Stress Jobs Prove Your 9-to-5 Isn’t So Bad After All!

Recession-Ready: Careers That Withstand Economic Hardships

The Earnings Elite: What Jobs Are Bringing in the Big Bucks?

Easy Earnings: The Appeal of Low-Stress Work