1

Buyer Inventory Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Inventory Planner

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

... buying team and store operators. Our team is highly intelligent and engaged with the business ... The Senior Planner role is responsible for managing inventory across the entire supply chain to ...

The Inventory Planner is responsible for driving results by managing current businesses and ... Calculate receipt needs based on inventories and rate of sale and present buying strategies and ...

The Inventory Planner is responsible for driving results by managing current businesses and ... Calculate receipt needs based on inventories and rate of sale and present buying strategies and ...

Collaborate closely with Buying, Merchandising, our 3PL, Logistics, and other crossfunctional teams ... The Inventory Forecasting Planner has: * 3+ years of experience in inventory planning, demand ...

Buyer / Planner

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$69K - $70K/yr

Buyer/Planner - Purchasing Department Location: Minneapolis, MN Reports to: Manager, Procurement ... This position requires a proactive, data-driven approach to planning and inventory management ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Buyer Inventory Planner information

See salary details

$33.5K

$66.8K

$105K

How much do buyer inventory planner jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for buyer inventory planner in the United States is $66,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $82,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Buyer Inventory Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Buyer Inventory Planner, you need strong analytical skills, supply chain knowledge, and experience with inventory management supported by a relevant degree such as in business, supply chain, or logistics. Familiarity with ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), advanced Excel skills, and sometimes APICS certification are typically required. Effective negotiation, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities help build vendor relationships and coordinate across departments. These skills ensure optimal inventory levels, cost efficiency, and smooth operations within the supply chain.

What are Buyer Inventory Planners?

Buyer Inventory Planners are professionals responsible for managing the purchasing and inventory levels of products within a company. They analyze sales trends and forecasts to determine the optimal quantity of products to order, ensuring that inventory is sufficient to meet customer demand without overstocking. Their role involves collaborating with suppliers, negotiating prices, and coordinating with other departments like sales and logistics. By effectively balancing supply and demand, Buyer Inventory Planners help minimize costs and maximize profitability for the business.

What is the difference between Buyer Inventory Planner vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectBuyer Inventory PlannerPurchasing Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in supply chain, logistics, or business; certifications like APICs or CPSM are commonOften requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentWorks in warehouses, offices, and supply chain departments, focusing on inventory management and procurementPrimarily office-based, coordinating purchase orders and supplier communications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in retail, manufacturing, and distribution sectors for inventory planningCommon in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing for procurement support

The Buyer Inventory Planner and Purchasing Coordinator roles share similarities in procurement processes but differ mainly in scope. The Buyer Inventory Planner focuses on inventory management and strategic purchasing, often requiring specialized certifications. The Purchasing Coordinator handles order processing and supplier communication, typically with less emphasis on inventory strategy. Both roles are vital in supply chain operations but serve distinct functions within organizations.

How do Buyer Inventory Planners typically balance inventory levels with fluctuating demand and supplier constraints?

Buyer Inventory Planners regularly face the challenge of maintaining optimal inventory levels to meet customer demand while minimizing excess stock and avoiding stockouts. This involves closely monitoring sales trends, forecasting demand, and collaborating with suppliers to adjust order quantities and delivery schedules. Effective communication with sales, operations, and suppliers is essential, as is using inventory management software to analyze data and inform decisions. Adapting quickly to changes in demand or supplier issues is a key part of the role, making flexibility and problem-solving important skills.
More about Buyer Inventory Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Buyer Inventory Planner jobs? Cities with the most Buyer Inventory Planner job openings:
What states have the most Buyer Inventory Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Buyer Inventory Planner jobs include:
Infographic showing various Buyer Inventory Planner job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,762 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner

Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner

Trader Joe's

Monrovia, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Trader Joe's rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 714 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 117 rated grocery stores


Job description

Who are we?
Trader Joe's is your favorite neighborhood grocery store! With almost 600 stores nationwide (and growing), we are the place to be. Looking for something delicious and a friendly conversation? At Trader Joe's, you can find both. We love being your first and favorite place to shop.
What do we do?
Like shopping at Trader Joe's? Then, maybe you'll love working with us. We are looking for an Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner who is searching to do what they'll love! Do you have experience in allocations? Do you love food? If so, read on! We may have the role of a lifetime for you!
Trader Joe's is unlike any place you've ever worked. Trust us on that. The qualified Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner has at least 3 years of inventory planning, flow management or supply chain operations experience and is a raving fan of the Trader Joe's concept. A Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration or Logistics is strongly preferred. This role is based in our office in Monrovia, CA and we have an in office expectation of 5 days a week.
The Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner is responsible for:
  • Review and resolve allocation exceptions, including emergencies, shortages, and service-critical issues, while recommending corrective actions such as internal transfers, reallocation, or delivery prioritization.
  • Monitor days of supply across assigned categories or warehouses to identify service or freshness risks and maintain accurate visibility for emergency or special-case inbound appointments.
  • Ensure alignment between inbound timing, warehouse capacity, and operational readiness, escalating potential capacity risks as needed.
  • Support short- and long-term capacity modeling for assigned product groups or warehouse networks.
  • Collaborate daily with the Flow & Capacity Planning Manager, Buyers, Inventory COE, Operations, our 3PL, Warehouse, and Transportation teams to maintain seamless execution.
  • Partner with our 3PL and the Transportation-Managed Vendor Coordinator to align vendor flow performance with allocation strategies and decisions..

The Inventory Flow and Capacity Planner has:
  • 3+ years of experience in inventory planning, flow management, or supply chain operations.
  • A bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong analytical skills with expertise in capacity modeling, inventory balancing, and data-driven decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities, supported by a customer-focused mindset
  • Advanced knowledge of inventory allocation, replenishment, and flow-planning processes.
  • A detail-oriented approach with strong organizational, problem-solving, and risk-identification skills.
  • The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and maintain a flexible schedule that supports occasional travel and weekend availability.

We want to hear from you!
We get a lot of resumes; so to help us get to know you better, please submit your resume and cover letter. When creating your cover letter, please answer these questions:
  • What is your favorite Trader Joe's product and why?
  • What makes you uniquely qualified for this position?

Trader Joe's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring a diverse Crew.

What Trader Joe's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom