Demand Planner-Electrical Distribution

TX

About the position

This role will can be based in Dallas or Houston. The demand planner will be an essential business partner to the Regional Vice President and have total accountability of the Inventory performance of that region in support of continued growth in every vertical market that Summit serves. The demand planner’s role will involve strategic planning and research to provide best value to Summit while replenishing and sourcing material in a manner that maximizes inventory performance (Days of Inventory on Hand, Inventory Turns and GMROI) with a goal of keeping Summit’s overall inventory performing at or above best in class NAED levels. The demand planner will have to communicate clearly across multiple departments, locations, and suppliers. The Demand Planner will obtain and set costs for commodities on a weekly basis by market via streamlined communication with leadership at each branch and region in their respective markets. The Demand Planner will work with the sales teams on large opportunities to negotiate scheduled releases of material in support of providing just in time inventory that meet Summits customer’s expectations.

Responsibilities

• Thoroughly understand how supply chain delays of product will impact Summit’s customer relationship
• Comprehensive understanding of how Summits strategic manufacturers rebates affect profitability
• Travel to Summit locations within assigned region, as needed
• Learn and help develop the demand planning module within Summit’s inventory replenishment software (GAINS) and complete GAINS related training
• Maintain and adjust various GAINS inputs (Lead Time, Min ROPs via SIMS, etc.) as appropriate to achieve accurate forecasts in support of streamlined inventory replenishment
• Provide timely and accurate commodity load spreadsheets to the posting services team
• Collaborate with service center leadership to help determine what the cost on commodities should be weekly and assist as needed in negotiating competitive commodity pricing by market
• Collaborate with service center employees to proactively follow up on customer material orders to address challenges and needs
• Resolve customer concerns and encourage customer loyalty to Summit as efficiently and effectively as possible
• Make inventory decisions that will benefit the company
• Work closely with the Operations teams to process any RGAs negotiated and address slow moving inventory
• Work closely with service center on appropriately redirecting inventory via store-to-store transfer to reduce stock outs and maximize inventory performance
• Provide feedback to Service Center Leaders and RVP, acting as a business partner, to clearly understand their needs while acting in the best interest of the company

Requirements

• Strong, proven sales and negotiating skills
• Thorough knowledge of electrical products and their applications
• Strong customer service orientation
• Time management – ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, oral and written
• Versatility – ability to effectively adapt to change
• Microsoft Excel- Intermediate to expert level
• Microsoft Outlook- Intermediate to expert level

Nice-to-haves

• Counter sales or customer service experience within the electrical distribution industry
• Capacity to perform duties with minimal supervision and seek clarity where needed