Inventory Planner/Buyer II

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose & Function

Performs inventory management duties at the City of Vancouver’s warehouse facilities including: determining stock levels, tracking and monitoring inventory movement and performance, and forecasting usage; sourcing and purchasing general stores material/products, automotive parts and equipment.

Reporting to the Manager, Warehouse & Inventory Operations; works in close collaboration with the Warehouse team and the corporate Supply Chain Management team, and provides inventory management services and analysis to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Inventory Planning

• Forecasts annual material/product usage in consultation with customers and various internal stakeholders
• Reviews planning parameters, runs Material Requirement Planning (MRP) system and production orders to determine material requirements, to determine minimum and maximum stock levels, and re-order points
• Reviews inventory status reports to regulate and address unusual demand, low stock levels, and other inventory status matters
• Identifies excessive and obsolete materials, adjusts inventory parameters, develops disposal plan, and assists with the disposal as necessary; liaises with stakeholders regarding the utilization of slow/no-movers
• Ensures that cycle counts are conducted in accordance with municipal audit requirements, determines the targets items susceptible to loss or other problems, reviews and posts any inventory discrepancies
• Ensures the accuracy of cycle count record-keeping reviews and resolves any inventory discrepancies identified in the cycle count
• Sets the cycle count schedule in consultation with the Storekeeper
• Prepares, distributes, and maintains monthly records and reports on inventory and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Recommends new or revised inventory management methods and procedures, assists in setting inventory performance measures, and works with the Storekeeper to ensure that the methods and procedures are implemented

Inventory Buying

• Orders unplanned, demand and project required material/products as identified by user groups and expedites requests as needed
• Creates purchase orders within defined limits and creates production orders as needed
• Maintains stock levels, reviews replenishment requisitions and issues contract release orders
• Recommends substitutions as appropriate; sources materials and supplies for non-contract items
• Liaises with the internal Supply Management team and proactively provides information on corporate and industry material trends
• Reviews backorder and stock out reports and takes timely corrective actions

Inventory Disposal/Return

• Coordinates the sale of large surplus items; requests bids for sale, collects funds and coordinates pick-up/delivery
• Coordinates the disposal of low value items and small equipment
• Contacts departments, auctioneers, vendors, and various agencies regarding the disposal/return of surplus material
• Requests the approval to destroy un-repairable material and coordinates the demolition/transfer of the material

Warehouse Operations

• Adheres to the necessary safety methods and procedures, departmental processes, and corporate policies
• Works effectively with warehouse employees and seeks a team approach as appropriate
• Notifies the Warehouse Manager of inventory adjustments as required
• Attends departmental meetings as required
• Performs supervisory function in the absence of the Manager, Warehouse and Inventory Operations
• Manages and completes special inventory management projects and assignments
• Performs related work as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Grade 12 or equivalent supplemented by the completion of course work in Inventory/Supply Chain Management
• Considerable (5 years) related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Supervisory experience (2 years) preferred
• A driver’s license for the Province of British Columbia is required. The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities. Transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the department.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computer programs including Materials Management System (SAP, M5, CCG, Excel, or other System)
• Advanced data and word processing skills using Microsoft Office Suite (ability to process large amounts of data using formulas, pivot tables, and v-lookups in Excel)
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple tasks and changing priorities with tight time frames
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of supply chain principles and inventory management
• Considerable knowledge of related commodities, infrastructure and operational practices
• Ability to exercise independent judgement to make sound decisions and resolve complex problems
• Ability to analyze information to be used as the basis for recommendations and decisions
• Ability to work in high volume environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Knowledge of computer programs including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases and scheduling programs
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal contacts at all levels of the organization
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully and persuasively with internal and external contacts
• Ability to occasionally work at any one of the Warehouse locations within the City of Vancouver
• Ability to lead and influence others without formal authority
• Ability to read, write, count, and speak English

This posting is for the evening shift approx 3:00 pm-12:30 am (Hours of work may be changed in accordance with the Collective Agreement)

Where operationally appropriate and subject to change, the City of Vancouver has a Flexible Work Program. This program allows staff to work remotely 1 – 4 days a week from locations that are a daily commutable distance from their work at a City worksite. At this time this position is eligible to be part of the Flexible Work Program.

Business Unit/Department: Finance & Supply Chain Mgmt (1150)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Position Start Date: March 2025

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-023: $40.34 to $47.62 per hour

Application Close: March 7, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.