Senior Associate, Planning & Procurement Specialist

About Upper Echelon Products (UEP)

In 2015 Upper Echelon Products® (UEP), fueled by analytical feedback, introduced Repel®, fulfilling consumers desires for an umbrella of exceptional quality. Today, UEP stands among the top 1% of US sellers on Amazon, boasting eight distinct product lines and over 120 offerings, with many more innovations in the pipeline, amassing over $100 million in revenue. As UEP expanded, it welcomed friends into its fold, evolving into a global collective of brilliant minds fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture that champions new ideas and diverse perspectives. Based in Austin, TX, Upper Echelon Products© (UEP) is a data-centric consumer products firm specializing in a diverse range of branded items distributed via eCommerce platforms. UEP exclusively manufactures and distributes Repel® and Rain-Mate® umbrellas, Everlasting Comfort® memory foam products, electronic gadgets, and bedding essentials, as well as Le Chateau® wine decanters, Café du Chateau® coffee makers, LumiLux Toilet Light®, Triton® dog leashes, and Flux Phenom® magnetic screen doors. Our mission is to enhance everyday life through high-quality, innovative products that provide comfort, convenience, and joy—sold directly to consumers worldwide.

Position Summary

The Senior Planning & Procurement Analyst (L3) is a senior individual contributor responsible for demand planning, inventory forecasting, and procurement/vendor coordination across UEP's global supply chain. This role owns complex forecasting models, purchase order management, and vendor performance tracking, with a particular focus on coordinating manufacturing and sourcing relationships in Asia. The Analyst partners closely with Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance teams to maintain inventory health, control landed costs, and support on-time product availability across all sales channels.

Key Responsibilities

Demand & Inventory Planning

• Develop and maintain demand forecasts and inventory replenishment plans across UEP's product portfolio.
• Analyze sales trends, seasonality, and promotional calendars to improve forecast accuracy.
• Monitor inventory turnover, stockout risk, and excess/obsolete inventory; recommend corrective action.
• Partner with Marketing and Sales to align inventory plans with promotions and product launches.

Procurement & Vendor Coordination

• Manage purchase order creation, tracking, and follow-up with suppliers and manufacturers.
• Monitor supplier lead times, production schedules, and shipment status to prevent delays.
• Track vendor pricing, payment terms, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Evaluate vendor performance against quality, cost, and on-time delivery KPIs.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Build and maintain planning/procurement dashboards and reports (Excel, Power BI, or similar).
• Analyze cost trends, freight/logistics data, and landed cost impacts.
• Identify and drive process improvements across planning and procurement workflows.
• Prepare regular reporting for leadership on inventory health, PO status, and supplier performance.

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of demand planning and inventory forecasting methodologies.
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills (pivot tables, forecasting models, data analysis).
• Experience with ERP/inventory management systems and procurement platforms.
• Familiarity with import/export logistics, freight coordination, and landed cost analysis.
• Working knowledge of supplier negotiation and vendor management practices.
• Experience with BI/reporting tools (Power BI or similar) a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• 4–6 years of experience in demand planning, procurement, or supply chain analysis.
• Experience coordinating directly with overseas manufacturers/suppliers (China preferred).
• Strong Excel/data analysis skills; ERP system experience required.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Experience supporting a US-based ecommerce or consumer products company preferred.
• Ability to work hours overlapping with US business hours as needed.