Job brief
We are seeking a detail-oriented Supply Planning Analyst to join our logistics team and take ownership of our global inventory replenishment processes. In this role, you will analyze complex supply chain datasets to drive efficiency, collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to align procurement with sales forecasts, and manage the tactical execution of our distribution network. If you are passionate about supply chain optimization and possess the analytical rigor to thrive in a high-volume logistics environment, we would love to hear from you. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our customers receive the right products at the right time while maximizing our operational cost-efficiency.
Key highlights
- Develop and maintain complex replenishment models in ERP systems like NetSuite or SAP to optimize inventory levels across multiple distribution centers.
- Analyze historical demand data and seasonal trends to provide actionable forecasting insights that reduce stockouts and minimize excess inventory carrying costs.
- Collaborate with procurement teams to reconcile purchase orders against supplier lead times, ensuring material availability matches real-time manufacturing and sales requirements.
- Monitor key logistics performance indicators such as inventory turns, forecast accuracy, and order fill rates to identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
What is a Supply Planning Analyst?
A Supply Planning Analyst is a vital logistics professional who bridges the gap between demand forecasting and inventory availability. By leveraging sophisticated ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, a Supply Planning Analyst monitors stock levels, tracks lead times, and recalibrates reorder points to prevent stockouts or overstock scenarios. This role is instrumental in maintaining optimal supply chain health, ensuring that raw materials or finished goods are positioned strategically to meet customer demand while minimizing carrying costs.
What does a Supply Planning Analyst do?
On a daily basis, a Supply Planning Analyst interprets demand signals, reviews safety stock levels, and generates replenishment plans that align with procurement schedules. They collaborate with production planners and warehouse teams to resolve distribution bottlenecks, track inbound shipments for timely arrival, and reconcile discrepancies in inventory management systems. Additionally, the role involves analyzing logistics KPIs—such as fill rates and inventory turnover ratios—to refine forecasting accuracy and propose data-driven improvements to the broader supply chain strategy.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and maintain complex replenishment models in ERP systems like NetSuite or SAP to optimize inventory levels across multiple distribution centers.
- Analyze historical demand data and seasonal trends to provide actionable forecasting insights that reduce stockouts and minimize excess inventory carrying costs.
- Collaborate with procurement teams to reconcile purchase orders against supplier lead times, ensuring material availability matches real-time manufacturing and sales requirements.
- Monitor key logistics performance indicators such as inventory turns, forecast accuracy, and order fill rates to identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
- Coordinate with warehouse managers to execute cycle counts and resolve inventory discrepancies that impact shipping throughput and order fulfillment reliability.
- Evaluate logistics cost structures to identify opportunities for consolidating shipments, optimizing transit routes, and renegotiating terms with third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
- Lead weekly supply chain planning meetings with sales and operations stakeholders to align on inventory strategies and address upcoming product lifecycle changes.
- Create automated reporting dashboards using SQL or Power BI to visualize supply chain health and provide transparency into replenishment status for executive leadership.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field with 3+ years of professional experience.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Power Query) and hands-on experience with major ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Strong technical skills in data visualization and reporting tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker to communicate supply chain trends to diverse stakeholders.
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or APICS CPIM designation is highly preferred for demonstrating deep expertise in inventory management best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to apply statistical forecasting methodologies, including moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression analysis to predict demand fluctuations.
- Exceptional ability to translate complex supply chain data into clear, concise narratives for procurement managers and C-suite operational leaders.
- Solid understanding of Lean Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement frameworks to streamline distribution workflows and eliminate operational waste.
- Proven track record of managing supplier relationships, negotiating lead time adjustments, and resolving logistics issues in a fast-paced environment.
FAQs
What does a Supply Planning Analyst do on a daily basis?
A Supply Planning Analyst focuses on balancing inventory supply with consumer demand by adjusting replenishment parameters and reviewing stock status. Their daily tasks involve analyzing inventory reports, troubleshooting inbound delivery delays, updating ERP records, and communicating with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure seamless product availability.
What skills are required to become a Supply Planning Analyst?
Essential skills include advanced data analysis capabilities, high proficiency in ERP software, and a strong understanding of supply chain logistics and forecasting techniques. Candidates should also possess excellent communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams and the analytical problem-solving mindset necessary to resolve inventory discrepancies efficiently.
How does a Supply Planning Analyst add value to an organization?
This role is critical for cost-efficiency and operational reliability, as it prevents the significant financial loss associated with both stockouts and bloated inventory. By maintaining optimal stock levels, the Supply Planning Analyst ensures that the business can meet customer demands reliably while simultaneously freeing up capital that would otherwise be tied up in excess storage.
Who does a Supply Planning Analyst report to and collaborate with?
A Supply Planning Analyst typically reports to a Supply Chain Manager or Director of Logistics. They collaborate extensively with procurement teams, warehouse and distribution staff, sales and marketing departments, and external logistics service providers to ensure the end-to-end supply chain functions as a unified, cohesive system.