Analyst, Planning and Inventory

Independent Purchasing Cooperative•Pinecrest, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Independent Purchasing Cooperative (IPC) is seeking a Planning & Inventory Analyst to support core item supply planning and execution through data management, reporting, forecast and inventory analysis, system and tool administration, and cross-functional coordination. The role applies established supply chain methods to maintain accurate planning information, prepare decision-support materials, monitor performance, identify exceptions, and help ensure sufficient inventory of core items. It also supports continuous improvement through enhancements to reports, dashboards, data standards, documentation, testing, and end-user training. Daily supply assurance includes monitoring inventory health across manufacturers and distribution centers, identifying gaps, and providing data-supported recommendations to protect service and minimize obsolescence. The analyst supports planning for core items, tests, item transitions, promotions, and product launches; maintains planning records and item data; and prepares launch-readiness, supply-chain, KPI, and inventory materials. The position analyzes supply, forecast, and inventory indicators; coordinates with internal teams and external partners to resolve issues; and develops recommendations within established guidelines. It also supports scenario analysis, reporting-system improvements, process documentation, and training. This is a full-time position in a professional office environment. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Additional hours, including occasional weekend work, may be required. Occasional domestic travel, including overnight travel, and local driving-distance travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field; a master’s degree may substitute for a portion of relevant experience. Equitable experience may be considered in lieu of education requirements.
Approximately 3–5 years of relevant experience in supply chain planning, business analytics, reporting, master data, inventory analysis, promotional planning, or a related area.
Experience working with large datasets and developing business reports or dashboards.
Experience supporting cross-functional projects, system enhancements, testing, process documentation, or end-user training.
Working knowledge of supply chain planning concepts, including demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, promotional planning, and Integrated Business Planning (IBP).
Ability to analyze moderately complex datasets, reconcile information from multiple sources, identify exceptions, and communicate findings clearly.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and data analysis.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, documentation, and process consistency.
Effective project coordination, organization, and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
Ability to work independently within established practices and seek guidance for non-routine, high-impact, or ambiguous decisions.
Strong collaboration and communication skills across functional teams, suppliers, and business partners.
Ability to communicate inventory and supply findings effectively with vendors, manufacturers, distribution partners, and their representatives.
Ability to explain analytical findings and process requirements clearly and practically to varied audiences.
Adaptability and comfort working in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of SQL, Power Query, or comparable data-query and transformation tools.
Experience with Power BI, Tableau, MicroStrategy, or similar visualization tools.
Experience in the quick-service restaurant, foodservice, retail, consumer products, or distribution environment.
Experience with S&OP or Integrated Business Planning processes, promotional events, LTOs, or new product launches.
Experience with Smartsheet or comparable project-tracking tools.

Responsibilities

Support the planning lifecycle for core items, tests, item transitions, and product launches using established processes, calendars, and templates.
Collect and validate planning inputs from Marketing, Analytics, Operations, Culinary, Sourcing, Logistics, Distribution, and Supply Planning partners.
Maintain event, item, and planning information in approved trackers and systems, ensuring stakeholders have current and accurate information.
Prepare launch-readiness and supply-chain updates covering forecast comparisons, inventory status, milestones, risks, decisions, and follow-up actions.
Monitor event execution and post-event performance against plan, documenting variances, root causes, and lessons learned.
Maintain records supporting inventory authorizations, forecast revisions, planning decisions, risks, issues, and post-event results.
Coordinate follow-up on assigned actions and escalate unresolved data, timing, forecast, or supply concerns.
Maintain core item master data, reporting inputs, KPI definitions, and data-quality checks in accordance with established standards and governance.
Create and enhance recurring reports, dashboards, and analytical tools for inventory projections, forecast performance, stock parameters, supply exceptions, launch readiness, KPIs, and OKRs.
Analyze planning data to identify trends, exceptions, and data-quality issues; summarize findings and recommend practical next steps within established guidelines.
Partner with IT and business users to document requirements, validate data sources and calculation rules, test enhancements, and resolve routine reporting or system issues.
Prepare data and compare defined planning alternatives for scenario analysis related to demand, inventory, capacity, timing, or service.
Create data visualizations using Power BI, Tableau, Excel, or similar tools to support business reviews and root-cause analysis.
Monitor forecast, inventory, and supply indicators for core items daily by manufacturer and distribution center; identify low- or high-stock exceptions and communicate findings to planning partners.
Support item-level inventory build, transition, depletion, and run-out plans based on approved forecasts and supply assumptions.
Assist with analysis of case pack, shelf life, yield, waste, distribution-center inventory, supplier inventory, and restaurant timing to help reduce excess inventory and service risk.
Prepare recurring exception and liability reports, support root-cause analysis for potential obsolete or excess inventory, and communicate recurring patterns, actionable insights, and recommended follow-up.
Identify supply or inventory gaps and coordinate with suppliers, distribution partners, and internal stakeholders to support timely resolution.
Develop replenishment or re-stocking recommendations within established planning guidelines and escalate decisions with broader cost, service, or inventory implications.
Identify and evaluate opportunities to improve inventory-management processes and recommend enhancements to inventory targets, reporting, and exception management.
Organize inventory-health findings into charts, graphs, tables, and written summaries to support leadership decision-making.
Provide practical guidance and training to team members on established reports, tools, and process-improvement changes.
Perform other duties as reasonably assigned.