Associate Planner Jobs in Fort Wayne, IN (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory Planner is responsible for planning, sourcing, and procuring trucks, chassis, and passenger vehicles to support fleet demand. This role manages supplier relationships, negotiates pricing and terms, analyzes sales, production & utilization data, and ensures the timely acquisition of equipment aligned with operational and financial objectives. The Demand Planner collaborates cross-functionally with operations, sales, fleet, and finance to balance fleet availability, cost control, and market demand when making purchasing decisions.

LOCATION

Onsite in Fort Wayne, IN

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive compensation package, benchmarked to regional market standards. It consists of a base salary plus the opportunity for quarterly profit sharing after one year of employment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchases and Negotiation

• Analyze fleet growth, order bank timing, allocation availability, financial goals, and replacement cycles to recommend truck, chassis, and passenger vehicles purchases.
• Evaluate OEM incentive agreements, dealer quotes/terms, specifications, and service offerings to make purchasing mix recommendations.
• Issue purchase orders and manage order lifecycle from placement through delivery.

Coordination and Tracking

• Partner with Fleet and Operations to plan and coordinate the physical movement of assets.
• Assist Premier Partners with setting and maintaining OEM drop ship codes.
• Train Premier Partners on OEM processes and procedures. Provide updates as processes change and evolve.
• Monitor production schedules, OEM allocations, and delivery timelines to proactively address delays or constraints.

Supplier Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, dealers, and upfit partners.
• Resolve supplier-related issues, including damage claims, recalls, rejections, cancellations, pricing discrepancies, and engineering changes.
• Monitor supplier performance related to quality, lead time, pricing, and reliability. Partner with suppliers to drive meaningful change.

Master Data Management and Auditing

• Support accurate Master Data Management for all purchased assets within ERP and fleet systems.
• Maintain detailed procurement records and documentation.
• Analyze purchasing, utilization, and supplier data to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement initiatives.

Relationship Building

• Interact professionally with external suppliers, fostering positive and long-lasting partnerships.
• Demonstrate negotiation and problem-solving skills, including conflict resolution.
• Collaborate in developing strong relationships and facilitate effective communication across the business and Premier Partner sites.
• Communicate delivery updates and potential delays to internal stakeholders.

Attention to Detail and Customer Service

• Demonstrate close attention to detail, follow-up, and a strong commitment to customer service. 
• Provide excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure equipment meets operational specifications and business requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand their needs and ensure a high level of satisfaction.
• Apply strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills to drive timely solutions.

REQUIREMENTS

MUST HAVE

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive purchasing or equivalent related experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of the automotive industry.
• Excellent negotiation skills with demonstrated success.
• Strong analytical skills to assess market trends and supplier performance.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

NICE TO HAVE

• Associate's degree in business, supply chain management, or related field.
• Experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Certification in supply chain management or procurement (e.g., CPSM, CPIM).