Senior Inventory Planner - Parts Operations

Role Summary

The Senior Inventory Planner is responsible for optimizing parts inventory to ensure availability while minimizing excess inventory. This includes forecasting, demand planning, procurement, and distribution of service parts for Subaru of America (SOA). The role involves creating purchase and transfer orders, monitoring supplier performance, and expediting parts in short supply. Additionally, the Senior Parts Inventory Planner will collaborate closely with SBR, SIA, the RDC Network, and other internal teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce backorders, and limit excess inventory. This position also oversees maintaining and refining the department's catalog of standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at enhancing process efficiency. The Senior Planner is responsible for onboarding new planners and cross-functional team members. This role also analyzes large amounts of planning data in conjunction with key strategic goals, establishing correlations for trends that will enhance planning throughout the entire supply chain. This includes monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing inventory trends, and providing regular reports and recommendations to planning and upper-level management teams in order to improve forecast accuracy.

Primary Responsibilities

• Systematically reviews daily inventory of assigned Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) within the planning system work queue. Focuses on minimizing backorders, avoiding projected stock-outs, optimizing purchase orders, expediting shipments, and allocating inventory efficiently across the network. Utilizes historical demand data and real-time analytics to inform decisions on distribution across Regional Distribution Centers (RDCs), ensuring effective stock management and alignment with supply chain requirements.
• Applies advanced statistical forecasting techniques to generate accurate demand predictions. Evaluates and integrates the impact of new product launches and market trends into forecast models. Works toward consistently achieving high forecast accuracy and leverages analytics to adjust supply plans and ensure optimal stock levels across distribution channels.
• Collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders, including SBR and SIA, as well as other relevant internal departments. Analyzes supply chain challenges to provide precise Estimated Time of Arrivals (ETAs) and resolve parts supply issues. Focuses on optimizing customer service through data-driven communication and proactive issue resolution. Works with RDC teams to analyze and prioritize hot shipments and transfers, ensuring rapid response to urgent inventory demands.
• Leads the continuous improvement of the department’s catalog of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) through data-driven analysis. Analyzes existing workflows and identifies opportunities for streamlining processes to increase operational efficiency. Regularly updates and refines SOPs to reflect best practices and evolving supply chain strategies. Requirement to conduct one kaizen event per quarter based on analysis. This role is a key department champion for change management.
• Oversees the onboarding and training of new planners and cross-functional team members. Utilizes analytical tools such as Kinaxis, RPM, and Oracle to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and evaluate inventory trends. Regularly analyzes supply chain performance metrics and conducts in-depth reviews of forecast accuracy. Provides actionable insights based on data analysis to drive performance improvements and optimize inventory management practices.

Required Skills & Personal Qualifications

Work Environment

Compensation : The recruiting base salary range for this full-time position is $70000 - $93000 / year. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Additionally, this role is bonus-eligible , with a target bonus percentage that provides an opportunity to earn even more based on your performance. (Internal Job Grade : P2)

Why Join Us? In addition to competitive salary and an incomparable company culture, Subaru offers an amazing benefits package that includes :

Total Rewards & Benefits :

Learning & Development :

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About Subaru

Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru. As a leading auto brand in the US, we strive to be More Than a Car Company. Subaru believes in being a positive force in the communities in which we live and work, not just with donations but with actions that set an example for others to follow. That’s what we call our Subaru Love Promise.

Subaru is a globally renowned automobile manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a rich history dating back to 1953, Subaru has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering to deliver vehicles that offer not only exceptional performance but also a unique blend of utility and adventure.

Subaru's company culture is built on collaboration, diversity, and a shared passion for our product. We foster an inclusive environment that encourages employees to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our team members are driven by a common goal : to create exceptional vehicles that inspire and delight our customers.