Seed Inventory Planner & Purchasing Support

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Ball Horticultural Company is a leading breeder and distributor of flowers and vegetables around the globe. Located in the suburb of West Chicago (near Naperville and Geneva), our 60-acre property boasts 10 acres of display gardens. The gardens are primarily used as a sales and marketing tool but also provide a great relaxation opportunity for staff at the home office. Perennials, annuals, vegetables, roses, and shrubs are blooming from May through September.

The Seed Purchasing Planner plays a key role in our strategic plan for Supply Chain management. This hybrid position will support both the BSC Inventory Planning and the BSC Purchasing Departments. Our objective is to ensure quality seed is packaged and, on the shelf when the customer needs it. Maintaining a healthy inventory while offering stellar customer service is our priority.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Plan and execute production of enhanced materials from our seed production labs based on forecasting and demand, providing a steady workflow and consistent inventory supply for our customers.
• Plan and execute production of finished goods from our seed distribution center based on forecasting and demand, providing a steady workflow and consistent inventory supply for our customers.
• Create packaging work orders according to forecast to ensure seed is processed and packaged in a timely manner according to demand.
• Maintain strong working relationships and communications with company-owned production labs and distribution centers to confirm production/shipping schedules; monitor open production and purchase orders for all orders to ensure on-time deliveries.
• Maintain a balanced inventory to ensure we adhere to first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices.
• Proactively report product and material availability issues on a timely basis to Product Management and Production Planners
• Reply to Customer Service inventory questions in a timely manner
• Analyze and manage MRP system, Source list, and Material Master/parameters.
• Generate and Analyze SAP reports for inventory demand and deficits.
• Maintain purchase order status on SAP to drive accurate availability dates on WebTrack for our customers.
• Assist purchasing with vendor correspondence, pricing and availability dates of 3rd party procured seed to maintain the data integrity of commercial seed in SAP.
• Complete special projects and assignments as requested.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Advanced computer skills, particularly in supporting SAP functions and transactions.
• Solid understanding of mathematical concepts and their practical application is necessary for this position.
• In-depth knowledge of supply chain concepts and their practical application.
• Demonstrated strengths in analytical thinking, planning, and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently under pressure, while adapting quickly to changing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to generate innovative ideas and propose improvements.
• Willingness to take on unfamiliar tasks and challenges.
• Maintains a positive, resilient attitude in the face of adversity.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit 100% of the day
• Ability to use hands/fingers 100% of the day
• Ability to work in an office environment 100% of the day

Our promise to you:

Ball is a global leader in horticulture: we develop, produce, and sell plants around the world. Our vision is to color the world through our customers. We create excitement in the world of flowers and are the first choice for service. We deliver all the best and nothing else! To you, we deliver a work environment and a culture where building long-lasting relationships internally and externally is important. We believe that good communication, sharing ideas, and collaborating on projects will set us up for success. We keep both our feet on the ground and are approachable.

In addition to this, we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401k/Profit Sharing Retirement Plan
• Paid time off benefits including vacation and holidays
• Tuition assistance
• An onsite subsidized café overlooking 30 acres of renowned display gardens and restored natural areas
• Employee Assistance Program and Positive Health programs