Carl Zeiss Vision Canada Inc. is hiring a Planner to own the inventory and materials planning functions for both our laboratory and shared service center operations. In this role, you will manage the supply of raw materials, consumables, and non-inventory purchased goods, providing structure and guidance to optimize safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
What You'll Do
- Drive laboratory profitability by implementing initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost optimization.
- Utilize tools to present, track, resolve, maintain, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) related to logistics, procurement, and supply chain.
- Plan and manage inventory for raw materials, consumables, and purchased goods for CZV and CZC operations.
- Oversee inventory control, ensuring material availability while maintaining cost efficiency.
- Implement proper storage practices, including FIFO consumption, and ensure timely disposal of expired products.
- Define storage and distribution points, as well as minimum and maximum stock levels for materials.
- Optimize storage space to facilitate inventory cycling and organization.
- Lead the annual cycle counting process to ensure inventory accuracy.
- Collaborate with Materials Associates to ensure timely replenishment of raw materials, consumables, and non-inventory materials.
- Evaluate and recommend suppliers to improve procurement processes.
- Assist with vendor identification, purchase order placement, and follow-ups on open orders.
- Coordinate with the purchasing department and global logistics teams to align demand and planning.
- Place purchase requisitions using SAP and related cloud-based systems.
- Ensure efficient and cost-effective purchasing practices, including planning purchase orders to avoid stockouts and rush shipments.
- Generate and share reports to provide visibility into the planning and management of consumables and inventory.
- Follow up with vendors on open orders and communicate order and shipment statuses to stakeholders.
- Act as a liaison with logistics service providers to ensure on-time delivery of shipments.
- Prepare and manage export documentation for international shipments.
- Coordinate with freight forwarders to ensure smooth logistics operations.
- Prepare and present data to all levels in the company on production results and forecasts.
- Monitor industry trends that impact lab operations and look for ways to improve through cost and inventory control.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in production planning, inventory management, or supply chain operations.
- Proven logistics & export experience, particularly in handling high-value shipments.
- Skilled in preparing and managing export documentation in compliance with global trade regulations.
- Solid background in purchasing, with formal training and/or practical experience in procurement processes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly assess situations and implement solutions.
- Excellent communication skills for coordinating with internal teams and external suppliers.
- Capable of building strong relationships and influencing without authority within a matrixed, global organization.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Demonstrated leadership competencies, including strategic thinking, customer focus, conflict resolution, process management, and a results-driven mindset.
- Self-starter with a strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
- Highly organized with strong time management skills and attention to detail.
- Able to remain calm under pressure and address challenges logically and within company guidelines.
- Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision in fast-paced environments.
- Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Dependable, follows instructions accurately, and maintains a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with colleagues at all levels.
- Maintains a positive, respectful, and composed demeanor in all work situations.
Technical Stack
- SAP
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Team & Environment
You will operate within a matrixed, global organization, collaborating with teams across the company to align planning and execution.
Benefits & Compensation
- Medical
- Vision
- Dental
- RPP
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Paid time off including vacation, personal, and sick days
Work Mode
This is an onsite position located in Toronto, Canada.
ZEISS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization, providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices.
