Planning Director jobs in Costa Mesa, CA

Eastridge Workforce Solutions is a leading provider of workforce management solutions, dedicated to connecting skilled professionals with rewarding opportunities. Eastridge is proud to collaborate with a leading provider of discount packaging products, in the search for an experienced hands-on Director of Purchasing & Merchandise Planning to lead all  aspects of our demand planning and purchasing team. This position is a cornerstone of our clients' growth strategy and will  require deep leadership ability with a desire to personally execute many elements of our demand planning function.  

Job Summary:

• Lead department of demand planner(s) and purchasing agents to meet in-stock goals while continuously finding  ways to reduce excess inventory. 
• Develop demand forecast for top categories and SKUs by analyzing individual item sales, reforecasting, and entering  updated demand into Netstock Demand Planning Software. Delegate and support reforecasting of all lower velocity items to demand planner (direct report). 
• Manage velocity assignments for all 20k items, ensuring focus is placed on best-selling merchandise in a stable  business model with minimal seasonality. 
• Oversee purchasing function to ensure that POs are placed timely and key items are always in-stock. • Support optimization of supplier relationships for both partners regarding quality, cost, MOQ, and service. • Evaluate supplier portfolio and identify/execute opportunities for consolidation, re-sourcing, and expansion. 
• Identify inventory trends while monitoring supply and demand to improve cross-departmental awareness and  execution; support sales & marketing efforts by providing insights into trending categories, incomplete lines, and  over-assortment. 
• Monitor and provide updates on inventory levels with recommended improvements and changes for slow moving  and obsolete inventories to maximize revenues and minimize losses. 
• Ensure POs are generated/managed through standard process and ERP is properly updated to reflect purchasing  activity. 
• Implement supplier agreements and scorecards that ensure Paper Mart’s customers get the best value. 
• Utilize historical sales data, market trends, sales plans, and other relevant factors to develop accurate demand  forecasts. Provide financial forecasts to accounting team to align inventory investments with financial plans. 
• Partner with marketing team to administer markdowns, closeouts, item transitions, and new item releases. • Review applicable purchase orders to ensure order quantities support sales growth with minimal overstock risk. • Identifies inefficient processes and collaborates across departments to drive continuous improvement. 
• Works with vendors to secure discounts for marketing promotions, new product launches, and negotiates limited time exclusives for new items. 
• Scope replacement of Netstock software, identify correct system for Paper Mart, and lead the cross-departmental  implementation of a new system. 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a demand planning role.  
• Minimum of 5 years overseeing purchasing function. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of end-to-end supply chain networks and interest in improving operational efficiencies through  analysis. 
• Advanced Excel skills and statistical forecasting tools.  
• Creative, organized and detail oriented.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick and more.

Eastridge Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please note that Eastridge is unable to provide visa sponsorship to applicants.

Certain clients require Eastridge to perform background checks and Eastridge will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with any applicable federal, state, or local law regarding criminal backgrounds, including but not limited to the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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