Purchasing Planner / Inventory Analyst

Job Description: Purchasing Planner & Inventory Analyst

Company: Holland Imports Inc.

Location: Surrey, BC

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About Holland Imports

Holland Imports Inc. is a leading distributor of hardware, tools, industrial supplies, and seasonal products across Canada. For over five decades, we have provided high-quality merchandise and exceptional service to retailers, commercial accounts, and industrial end-users.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical, and experienced Purchasing Planner to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for inventory planning, forecasting, demand management, and overseas purchasing. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in import buying - specifically sourcing and supplier communications with vendors in Asia - to optimize stock levels, prevent inventory stockouts, and manage landed costs.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Inventory Control

1. Analyze sales history, seasonal trends, and promotional demand to generate accurate inventory forecasts.
2. Set and maintain purchasing parameters in ERP (NetSuite), including lead times, safety stock levels, order points, and min/max targets.
3. Monitor inventory turn rates, identify slow-moving or excess inventory, and collaborate across the Company to formulate clearance or rebalancing strategies.
4. Maintain target stock availability across key product lines while optimizing working capital.
5. Review buying plans, place purchase orders, and maintain the inventory database to reflect accurate product information and pricing.

Procurement & Import Management

1. Issue, negotiate, and manage Purchase Orders (POs) with domestic and overseas factories - primarily manufacturers and trading partners in Asia - and manage the process from start to finish.
2. Track production schedules, pre-shipment inspections, and shipping milestones to ensure on-time factory releases and container consolidations.
3. Manage product shipping marks from the beginning (working with the graphics team to develop them) to the end (reviewing final shipping marks from factories).
4. Coordinate closely with internal logistics teams to track inbound ocean freight and clear customs efficiently.
5. Manage the shipments of all overseas samples with couriers and freight forwarders.
6. Resolve supplier issues regarding price discrepancies, quantity variances, production delays, quality control concerns, and vendor claims.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Category Support

1. Assist with the development of planograms, catalogs, flyers, and product assembly manuals.
2. Support marketing materials and sample selections for tradeshows, as well as ordering product samples for the showroom.
3. Support Customer Service and Sales teams by communicating accurate product lead times, backorder updates, and providing support to sales representatives and customers.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 3–5+ years of experience in demand planning, purchasing, or supply chain analysis within a distribution, wholesale, or retail environment.
• Overseas Purchasing: Proven track record of import buying and factory communication in Asia, including familiarity with FOB terms, container load optimization (FCL/LCL), lead time management, and Asian supply chain nuances.
• Category Expertise: Experience purchasing or managing categories such as Hand Tools, Power Tool Accessories, and/or Work Lights is considered a strong asset.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with ERP systems (experience with NetSuite is a plus).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data modeling, sumifs).

Education:

• Diploma or Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Professional certifications (SCMP, APICS/CPIM) are preferred.

Communication:

• Strong negotiation skills and excellent written and verbal English communication. Proficiency in Mandarin and with WeChat is an asset, though not required.

Key Competencies:

• Data-Driven & Analytical: Strong quantitative problem-solving skills with a focus on precision and inventory optimization.
• Proactive Problem Solver: Ability to anticipate supply chain bottlenecks, factory delays, and container delays before they impact sales.
• Adaptability & Multi-tasking: Comfortable managing multiple high-volume purchase orders and changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.