Inventory Deployment Planner

Job Description

Position Summary

The Inventory Deployment Planner plays a pivotal role within the Integrated Business Planning process. This position is responsible for creating an optimized inventory deployment plan for the short-term horizon, ensuring efficient inventory distribution from our breweries to our distribution center (DC) network in a cost-effective manner. The Deployment Planner will work cross-functionally to monitor plan adherence, manage exceptions and identify process improvements.

Responsibilities

Shipment Plan Creation

• Oversee inventory distribution across the network, including allocations from multiple production facilities, DCs, and direct-to-wholesaler assignments, considering network constraints, forecasted billings, and inventory levels.
• Preform analysis to identify and implement best practices for balancing cost-effective shipping strategies with maintaining optimal customer service levels, ensuring both customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies are prioritized.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess real-world constraints and align deployment strategies for the upcoming production cycle.
• Maintain planning parameters within systems to ensure the creation of viable shipment plans that reflect real-world constraints.
• Review and approve inventory deployment recommendations to maintain optimal levels across the DC network.
• Identify, develop, and execute cost-saving initiatives to enhance overall efficiency.
• Act as the liaison between US and Mexico-based supply chain teams, ensuring end-to-end alignment.

• Continuously monitor and report on brewery execution against shipment plans.
• Analyze trends impacting adherence to shipment plan, proactively identifying areas of improvement and leading initiatives to enhance efficiency and increase on-time delivery performance.
• Identify risks, exceptions and inefficiencies within the network and recommend strategies to increase deployment efficiency.
• Mitigate network imbalances by executing rebalancing strategies to maintain optimal distribution.
• Support innovation initiatives by providing weekly planning updates and scenario planning as required.

• Collaborate with the Deployment Planning Manager to drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance performance on key metrics.
• Identify risks to costs and service levels resulting from ongoing process improvement efforts.
• Foster a culture of collaboration across teams to drive process innovation and ensure alignment with broader business objectives.

• B.A./B.S. in Supply Chain, Operations, or a business-related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in planning, finance, supply chain, production, or optimization roles.
• Experience with ERP and APS software, as well as business intelligence and analytics tools.
• Proficiency in data manipulation and analysis required.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights for inventory planning.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of standard inventory deployment practices, technology and supporting industry principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to engage with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to independently make decisions and recommend solutions to complex issues, as well as manage and mediate conflicts to successful resolutions.
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements and deliver tangible results.
• APICS certification is a plus.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Results-driven and detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.
• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines independently.
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility, tailoring approaches to meet the unique needs of the organization.
• Proven ability to influence others, build partnerships, and generate value through data-driven decision-making.
• Efficient task management with a clear understanding of priority escalation when necessary.

• Passionate about challenging the status quo and driving innovative solutions.
• Embraces a collaborative, transparent, and non-hierarchical culture.
• Willing to "roll up sleeves" and step outside the comfort zone to learn and grow.
• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity, creativity, and a spirit of innovation.
• Takes ownership of actions and responsibilities, maintaining integrity and honesty in all interactions.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and work on a computer for long durations. Lifting may be required, and reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
• Willingness to travel internationally as needed.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.