Import Planner
On-siteKokomo, Indiana, United States
Kokomo, Indiana, United StatesOn-siteFull TimeBachelors Degree
Full TimeBachelors Degree
Job Summary
Review MRP requirements and issue import purchase orders, expediting, delaying, or canceling them to support inventory strategies and business priorities. Manage import inventory levels by coordinating with factories to reduce MOQs and transship goods, while resolving production delays and container capacity issues with agents. Ensure item setup accuracy, enter trade agreements, and communicate invoice approvals to Accounts Payable. Generate monthly reports tracking spend, inventory analysis, and supplier performance KPIs to drive continuous improvement. Monitor safety stock levels and negotiate freight forwarder agreements to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, International Business, or a related field
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in inventory planning, material requirements planning (MRP), purchasing, import logistics, supply chain coordination, or a related role
- Experience working with international suppliers
- Strong understanding of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, inventory management principles, forecasting, safety stock strategies, and replenishment planning
- Working knowledge of international supply chain operations, import logistics, freight terms, customs processes
- Understanding of Incoterms, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country-of-origin requirements, and import compliance regulations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, data analysis, AI, and reporting
- Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory management software
- Ability to analyze large amounts of data, identify trends, and make recommendations to improve inventory availability, and service levels
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate across all levels of the organization and with international suppliers, agents, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and external business partners
- Ability to present inventory, logistics, and supplier performance information in a clear and concise manner
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills with the ability to interpret inventory, purchasing, freight, and financial data
- Ability to develop reports and perform root-cause analysis to support inventory and supply chain decisions
- Ability to identify risks within the supply chain and proactively develop solutions to mitigate disruptions
- Ability to prioritize multiple projects and changing deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy
- Demonstrated ability to make sound business decisions using data, operational knowledge, and organizational objectives
- Ability to work independently while exercising good judgment and escalating issues appropriately
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
- Strong sense of urgency and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated and results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
- Ability to build collaborative relationships across functional teams
- Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and commitment to customer service
- Ability to adapt to changing business conditions, supply chain challenges, and evolving priorities
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Close vision
- Color vision
Desired Qualifications
- Experience coordinating ocean freight, customs clearance, freight forwarders, and import compliance activities
- Experience analyzing inventory performance, supplier performance, lead times, and purchasing trends to support business decisions
- Understanding of Incoterms, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications, country-of-origin requirements, and import compliance regulations
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or similar enterprise systems
- APICS/ASCM Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- APICS/ASCM Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
- Import/Export Compliance or International Logistics certifications
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