Supply Chain Planner - Cisco (Remote)

Job Description Description Position at Zones As a rapidly growing global provider of IT solutions, we've expanded from Seattle to Sydney and beyond - with reach in over 80 countries around the world. Today's top brands count on Zones and our world-class partners - Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Lenovo, and more - to transform their enterprises. To support this transformation, Zones offers products and services across four Solution Environments: Workplace Modernization, Network Optimization, Data Center Transformation, and Security Fortification. Key Initiatives and Results Expected:The Cisco Supply Chain Planner will be responsible for developing and executing a spend management program (cradle to grave) to ensure maximum value is achieved. The Planner will optimize inventory levels while minimizing risk of aged/obsolete product and provide expertise to internal customers on purchasing options, pricing negotiations, inventory management, expediting, tracking, follow up and supplier management of orders. Manage all aspects of the Total Cost of Ownership.The ideal candidate must be a self-starter, a quick learner, able to work independently and with a great deal of autonomy and must have very strong analytical thinking skills. They will be willing to take on a task and simultaneously develop the process while implementing. The individual should understand the concept of influencing and motivating others and is comfortable working with competing objectives. The Supply Planner must work with a sense of urgency and excel in a dynamic, fast-paced growth environment all the while remains proactive with the ability to shift priorities in an ever-changing environmentThe Planner will understand that finding new efficiencies can mean going with a new vendor that doesn't deliver on promises or choosing a cost-saving shipping path that ultimately delays delivery to the end customer. They know some changes along the supply chain come with risk, but they're able to manage those risks effectively without losing sight of their job's core purposeStrategies and Essential Functions:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Provide recommendations to leadership with prioritizing and achieving dept. projects, process improvements, metrics, and objectives to align with company GoalsShort and long-term inventory planning that optimizes inventory levels, plant efficiency, costs and service levels. This includes participating in a collaborative, cross functional, Sales Planning process; measuring and developing actionable improvement plans for key performance metrics.Partner closely with Technology Solution Centers, OEM's, Distributors, Demand Planning, PMO, Customer Service and Sales to ensure the right product is in the right place at the right time in the right quantities to meet customer demandSupply chain planners will look at current processes and determine methods for improvement process and cutting/controlling costs. They also troubleshoot breakdowns along the chain and respond fluidly to unexpected events.Manage supply chain relationships and resolve persistent and/or acute supply chain challenges.Maintain contact with Suppliers throughout procurement process to ensure proper delivery, quality control, address any issues with returns/rejections and vendor's performance issues. Refer to Legal Team for disputes regarding Terms and Conditions, or if any credible risks are anticipating.Develop and maintain relationships with multiple Vendors. Support vendor management programs and participate in Vendor QBR'sDevelops demand forecasts and supply plans based on business rules, lead times, customer orders, safety stock requirements, bills of material, etc. (as applicable), escalating shortages and overages to management as required.Minimum Qualifications:EducationBachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Operations Management, Business, or relevant field desired a plus.Certifications/Licenses/Etc.Supply Chain or Inventory Management Certification a plus (ISM, APICS, CSCMP, ISCEA, IIPMR)Required Experience Experience with ERP and Advanced Planning Systems (Kinaxis, Microsoft Dynamics experience a plus) Experience working directly with Sales and/or other customer facing teams a plus 4 or more years of experience required in Supply Chain or related field, Cisco Planning experience a plus Excellent customer focus, project and process management, analytical, problem solving, verbal and collaborative skills to work effectively with teams throughout organization. Strong organizational skills, presentation skills, and ability to influence others Experience negotiating with multiple parties and/or conflicting objectives Experience working within the parameters of contractual agreements; understanding of customer and supplier specifications; customer or final product forecastingTechnology Focus & RequirementsIntermediate or advanced computer skills, experience and proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and especially Excel)Mental RequirementsUnderstand and carry out oral instructionsRead and carry out simple written instructionsRead and carry out complicated instructionsWork as a member of a teamWork without supervisionWork with minimum amount of supervisionWork under pressureWork on several tasks at the same timeCompensation:Qualified candidates can expect a salary at $65,000Note: Compensation is benchmarked on local Denver Metro area market rates. Qualified candidates in other locations can expect a salary package that may be adjusted based off applicable cost of wages in their respective location.#LI-Remote#LI-EB1Zones offers a comprehensive Benefits package While we're committed to providing top-tier solutions, we're just as committed to supporting our own team. Our employees enjoy a variety of comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching provision, paid time off, and much more. And as a Minority Business Enterprise, a Corporate Plus member of the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council, and an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, our community is just as diverse. At Zones, work is more than a job - it's an exciting career immersed in an inventive, collaborative culture. If you're interested in working on the cutting edge of IT innovation, sales, engineering, operations, administration, and more, Zones is the place for you! At Zones, we don't just acknowledge diversity, we make it the foundation of how we conduct business and how we support our employees and communities. Zones is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Corporate Plus member of the Northwest MSDC (Minority Supplier Development Council). We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.  Read More