Supply chain planners anticipate and maintain stock levels to ensure a business runs smoothly by performing routine stock inspections, anticipated market changes, and ensuring that inventory levels are financially feasible. They assess the business’s financial structure and inventory storage capabilities and count and track inventory across multiple locations. Supply chain planners can anticipate stock demands based on current and future business projections and analyze market trends for the best times to purchase particular types of inventory.
Supply chain planners create inventory reports, present suggestions to a supply chain manager or other members of upper management, and ensure the business has a steady stock-flow without an overabundance of materials. They suggest changes to inventory warehousing when necessary so the company can navigate increased or reduced demand. Supply chain planners need a bachelor's degree in business management, logistics, or related fields and at least three years of experience working in logistics or supply chain management.