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
- Analyze sales history, seasonal trends, and promotional demand to generate accurate inventory forecasts.
- Set and maintain purchasing parameters in ERP (NetSuite), including lead times, safety stock levels, order points, and min/max targets.
- Monitor inventory turn rates, identify slow-moving or excess inventory, and collaborate across the Company to formulate clearance or rebalancing strategies.
- Maintain target stock availability across key product lines while optimizing working capital.
- Review buying plans, place purchase orders, and maintain the inventory database to reflect accurate product information and pricing.
Procurement & Import Management
- 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.
- Track production schedules, pre-shipment inspections, and shipping milestones to ensure on-time factory releases and container consolidations.
- Manage product shipping marks from the beginning (working with the graphics team to develop them) to the end (reviewing final shipping marks from factories).
- Coordinate closely with internal logistics teams to track inbound ocean freight and clear customs efficiently.
- Manage the shipments of all overseas samples with couriers and freight forwarders.
- Resolve supplier issues regarding price discrepancies, quantity variances, production delays, quality control concerns, and vendor claims.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Category Support
- Assist with the development of planograms, catalogs, flyers, and product assembly manuals.
- Support marketing materials and sample selections for tradeshows, as well as ordering product samples for the showroom.
- 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.
