Buyer/Planner

*100% teleworking position

Location: Canada

Is it you?

The Planner/Buyer is a conscientious person who will integrate the team of purchasing, forecasting and inventory which is accountable for a portfolio of brands. This cross-functional team includes product managers, other planner/buyers and a team lead. This team works to achieve the key objectives and results of the brand portfolio they manage.

HLC is one of the largest distributors of bicycle parts and accessories in Canada and the USA. We're growing fast in Canada, and we're actively building in-house tools to automate the most repetitive parts of this work, from forecast revisions to invoice processing. This role will keep evolving as those tools roll out, and we want someone who's excited to be part of that evolution, not just along for the ride.

What will you do in this role?

• Analyzing available data and AI-assisted forecast recommendations to improve demand forecast accuracy for your portfolio, using forecasting software as one of the tools and applying your judgment where the numbers don't tell the whole story
• Using MRP and order planning tools to analyze product needs, accept or modify purchase orders
• Managing the purchasing cycle for your portfolio
• Contributing to process improvement, including using and giving feedback on the in-house tools we build to automate repetitive work (for example, tools that speed up vendor invoice processing), and helping test new ones as they roll out
• Focusing your time on exceptions and judgment calls as routine, high-volume tasks are increasingly handled by automation, and using that freed-up time for deeper analysis and closer collaboration with Product Managers

What skills do you need to demonstrate?

• Required: 3–5 years in purchasing/planning, ERP experience, strong Excel
• Comfort working with AI-assisted tools and automation in a business context, or genuine curiosity to build that comfort quickly. You don't need to be a programmer, but you should be excited to try new tools, tell us when something's off, and adjust how you work as processes evolve
• Strong understanding of supply chain fundamentals
• Knowledge of, or a genuine interest in, bikes, cycling and outdoor gear. This is a real asset for this role: understanding the products the way our commercial team does sharpens your judgment on assortment, demand and vendor decisions, and candidates with this background stand out to us
• Detailed understanding of ERP and MRP transactions. Demand Planning and/or forecasting experience is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills (are you the go to when someone has an Excel question?)
• Analytical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to think outside the box to improve current processes
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key partners
• A certification like APICS CPIM (or in progress); ASCM certificates in Planning or Technology is a plus but not required.

What other characteristics can lead to your success in this role?

• A keen understanding of how to help drive team success
• Making positive contributions to the company beyond the scope of your normal job responsibilities
• Being flexible and genuinely energized by change: we're actively redesigning parts of this role as new tools and processes roll out, and we're looking for someone who wants to help shape that evolution, including managing multiple shifting priorities along the way
• A passion for what you do for work and for fun

Why HLC?

Once you get to know us, you'll agree, there is no better place to work! If you are interested in this opportunity, please send your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io