Distribution Planner

Location: Vista, CA

Salary: 78K - 92K

Position Summary

The Distribution Planner will be responsible for managing a smooth flow of Nordic Naturals products from manufacturing warehouses to our outbound warehouses, utilizing demand and supply data, DFC and transit times. This role will oversee inventory allocation across our regional distribution centers (DCs)—including both US and international/global distribution points—to maximize order fulfillment rates, minimize stockouts, and optimize freight costs. The ideal candidate will have experience using advanced planning systems such as John Galt, O9, Logility, OMP, Blue Yonder, or Kinaxis and have a strong understanding of both retail, international and e-commerce fulfillment and distribution processes.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Essential Function Statements

Inventory Distribution Management & Optimization:

• Maintain appropriate levels of finished goods inventory across US and international/global distribution centers, balancing supply with customer demand to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
• Manage inventory availability across DCs to meet both online and retail customer orders, minimizing stockouts and ensuring optimal service levels.
• Collaborate with sales (US Retail, International and E-commerce) teams to anticipate demand spikes during promotions and adjust distribution plans accordingly.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply planning teams to ensure distribution plans align with promotions, product launches, and seasonal demand fluctuations.
• Communicate regularly with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure the timely shipment of finished goods and troubleshoot any issues that may impact fulfillment.

Planning System Utilization:

•  Leverage advanced planning systems such as John Galt, O9, Logility, OMP, Blue Yonder, or Kinaxis to generate reporting and maintain optimal distribution plans. 
•  Continuously improve the planning process by refining system inputs and collaborating with stakeholders to increase forecast accuracy.

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Analyze supply chain data to track Nordic Naturals key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, fill rate and on-time delivery. 
• Develop, generate and present regular reports to senior management highlighting distribution performance and inventory status. 
• Identify opportunities for process improvements or cost savings through data-driven insights.
• Provide comprehensive feedback to the demand planning team by analyzing historical trends across customers, SKUs, and distribution points, ensuring continuous improvement in demand accuracy and forecast reliability.

Position Qualifications

Competency Statements

• Positive - Ability to view situations with a positive attitude
• Accountable – takes ownership for responsibilities, acknowledges and learns from mistakes
• Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions and "think outside the box"
• Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with others using spoken and written word clearly and concisely
• Customer Oriented - Ability to take care of the customers’ needs while following company processes
• Enthusiastic - Ability to bring energy to the performance of a task
• Self Motivated - Ability to be internally inspired to perform a task to the best of ones ability using their own drive or initiative
  
  

Skills & Abilities

Other Requirements:       

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Mathematics, Statistics is required. From a well regarded 4 year accredited university. 
• 3-7 years of experience in data analytics, demand planning, materials planning, distribution planning or supply chain planning is required.
• Experience working with advanced planning systems such as John Galt Atlas, SAP, Oracle, Logility, OMP, Blue Yonder, or Kinaxis is required.
• Experience with retail, international and  e-commerce fulfillment and distribution processes, including understanding the unique demands of direct-to-consumer channels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.
• Proficiency in  SAP systems and advanced knowledge of Excel for data analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Experience in the supplement, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing industries.