Import Supply planner

Key Responsibilities

1. Supply Planning & Inventory Management

• Develop and execute import supply plans aligned with demand forecasts and inventory policies.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels (safety stock, reorder points) to ensure high customer service levels.
• Monitor stock health, slow/non-moving inventory, and expiration risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in inventory turns and working capital optimization.

2. Import & Procurement Coordination

• Plan and release purchase orders to global suppliers based on supply plan.
• Coordinate closely with global/regional supply planning teams and suppliers for timely order confirmation and shipment readiness.
• Track order lifecycle from PO creation to goods receipt.

3. Logistics & Shipment Management

• Manage end-to-end import logistics (sea/air), including shipment scheduling and tracking.
• Coordinate with freight forwarders, CHA (Customs House Agents), and transporters for timely delivery.
• Monitor transit lead times and proactively mitigate delays or disruptions.

4. Customs Clearance & Compliance

• Ensure accurate documentation for imports (invoice, packing list, COO, BL/AWB, etc.).
• Work closely with customs brokers for smooth and timely clearance.
• Ensure compliance with Indian import regulations, duties, and DGFT requirements.
• Handle import-related escalations and resolve clearance issues.

5. Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with:
  • Demand Planning team for forecast alignment
  • Customer Service team for order fulfillment priorities
  • Warehouse team for inbound planning and space management
  • Finance team for duty, costing, and payment coordination
• Act as single point of contact for import-related queries.

6. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Track and report key KPIs such as:
  • OTIF (On Time In Full) supply
  • Inventory Days of Supply (DOS)
  • Shipment lead time adherence
  • Freight & logistics cost
• Analyze variances and drive corrective actions.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements in import planning and logistics.
• Drive digitalization, automation, and system enhancements (SAP/APO/IBP or similar).
• Support supply chain transformation initiatives and integration of new products/business.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Commerce, or related field
• MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain or Operations (preferred)

Experience

• 4–8 years of experience in supply planning, import/export, or logistics
• Experience in B2B business, Food Ingredients, Pharma, or Chemicals industry preferred
• Hands-on experience in managing international suppliers and import operations

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of SAP (MM / APO / IBP) or equivalent ERP systems
• Strong understanding of import regulations, customs clearance, and incoterms
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (planning and analysis)
• Blue Yonder supply planning experience will be preferred

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail and execution excellence
• Ability to manage ambiguity and handle multiple priorities
• Effective stakeholder management and communication skills
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Service Level / OTIF %
• Inventory Days / Working Capital
• Import Lead Time Adherence
• Freight Cost Optimization
• Stock Availability vs Backorders
• Compliance & Documentation Accuracy

Key Interfaces

• Internal: Demand Planning, Customer Service, Warehouse, Finance, Regulatory
• External: Global suppliers, Freight Forwarders, CHA, Shipping Lines