Demand & Inventory Planning Specialist (Akron, Ohio)
About Us:
We are Yokohama TWS, a leading global supplier of tires and complete wheels for the agricultural, material handling, construction, motorcycles segments.
We design and manufacture tire and wheel solutions made for the future. With a combination of value, safety and ease, our solutions provide a more productive and sustainable performance our customers demand.
We pair the expertise and power of our global reach with the care and knowledge of local proximity. This brings innovation, technology and sustainability together to answer the specific needs of our customers. All while continuing to reduce our and their impact on the planet.
Our people take ownership to deliver on this promise every day.
We are a global Company with a local reach, operating in more than 50 Countries worldwide with 6.700 employees of 40 different nationalities, 14 state-of-the-art plants and 4 innovation centers. We are part of Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global leader in the tire industry with 860.5 billion yen in revenues (approx. 6 billion euro), over 28,000 people around the globe and with operations in more than 120 countries.
If you have an entrepreneurial mindset, enjoy taking responsibilities and getting things done in the right way, join us! We are plenty of opportunities to grow and develop in a truly dynamic and easy-going environment.
What You'll Be Doing
Based in Akron, Ohio, as our Demand & Inventory Planning Specialist, you’ll play a critical part in ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time, while partnering with a global network of colleagues to drive performance and deliver results.
This is more than just planning—it’s about influencing decisions, solving complex challenges, and continuously improving how we operate. You’ll collaborate closely with teams across Supply Chain, Sales, Finance, and Operations, giving you strong visibility and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful business outcomes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Execute and support the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring alignment with business strategy and market demand.
- Plan, create, and manage Purchase Orders and Distribution Orders across multiple suppliers and locations.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels to meet Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO) and Latest Estimate Forecast (LEF) targets.
- Oversee item-level inventory across North American distribution centers (U.S., Canada, Mexico).
- Communicate with internal and external suppliers to confirm pricing, product availability, and delivery schedules.
- Identify and mitigate supply risks, including capacity constraints, logistics disruptions, and production delays.
- Lead supplier escalations and coordinate resolution of critical supply issues.
- Support new product introductions, sourcing transitions, and supplier onboarding activities.
- Perform root cause analysis on inventory shortages and forecast variances; implement corrective actions.
- Collaborate with suppliers to align production capacity with customer demand.
- Utilize ERP systems and Excel tools for inventory planning, replenishment, and data analysis.
- Maintain and optimize ERP planning parameters (safety stock, forecasts, lead times).
- Manage pricing data in ERP, including price agreements, cost analysis, and PPV support with Finance.
- Track and ensure timely, accurate fulfillment of Purchase Orders.
- Resolve inventory, receiving, and invoicing discrepancies with cross-functional teams.
- Maintain shipment tracking and inventory visibility, including inbound container reporting.
- Partner with Transportation on freight planning, including expedited shipping and cost management.
- Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements in quality, delivery, cost, and lead time.
- Analyze demand trends and customer needs to guide
QUALIFICATIONS
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.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
- Strong working knowledge of inventory management principles and best practices.
- Required experience with Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and/or Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP).
- Highly developed analytical skills with the ability to evaluate data and support informed decision‑making.
- Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
- Proven collaboration and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work successfully across diverse cultures and global teams.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
- Previous planning experience in a service or manufacturing environment preferred.
- Experience using Infor M3 or similar ERP systems preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in demand planning, supply planning, production planning, or a related analytical or operational role.
- Demonstrated experience working with forecasting, inventory management, and sales or operational planning processes (e.g., S&OP).
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable plans.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced Excel; experience with planning or forecasting tools preferred.
- Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with Sales, Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain teams.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in English in writing or verbally to co-workers, supervisors, customers, and suppliers in person, by email, or via telephone.
- Secondary language skills preferred, but not required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to operate a computer and mobile devices for extended periods to manage reporting and communication tasks.
- Ability to safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds is required.
- Work environment will include office and warehouse settings.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, & Vision
- HSA/FSA Options
- 401K with Company Match
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Calendar
- Employee Assistance Program
- Volunteer Programs
- Employee Referral Program
- Professional Development Assistance
Why Join Yokohama TWS?
At Yokohama TWS, we know that great people are the driving force behind our success. That's why we're committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. In addition to a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, company-paid life insurance, paid vacation, and holidays, we also invest in our people through professional development opportunities, employee assistance resources, referral incentives, and meaningful volunteer programs. Most importantly, you'll join a collaborative team that values expertise, ownership, continuous improvement, and the contributions each individual brings to the table.
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