Inventory Planning Analyst

ARMADA Supply Chain Solutions•Fox Chapel, PA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Inventory Planning Analyst supports Armada’s Inventory Management function as a subject-matter expert (SME) and delivers analytics, system expertise, project leadership, and continuous improvements. This role serves as a super-user of Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment applications, as well as, Microsoft Power BI, providing first-line support for system issues, leading system enhancements, recommending process improvements, and developing process documentation and training. The Inventory Planning Analyst partners closely with planners, managers, and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, improve inventory planning KPIs, and advance departmental capabilities.

Requirements

2-5 years of experience using an advanced planning system (i.e. Blue Yonder, SAP, Logility, o9, Kinaxis)
2-5 years of experience as a Blue Yonder Demand or Fulfilment subject-matter expert (SME), super-user, or functional analyst
2-5 years of experience in inventory planning, supply chain management, or business analytics
Proven success in Supply Planning, Demand Planning, and/or Inventory Planning
Proven success leading and managing cross-functional projects independently
Experience using Power BI, or similar, to build dashboards and interpret data
Experience using a leading ERP system (i.e. Oracle or SAP)
Self-directed, motivated, action-oriented, and results-driven
Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
Skilled in developing and executing logical, methodical plans for large-scale projects
Strong critical thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, optimize processes, and independently solve problems to root cause
Able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, listening, and interpersonal communication across all organizational levels and with external customers
Effective in ambiguous, fast-changing environments; able to prioritize, coordinate, focus, track progress, and follow through
Able to lead teams collaboratively through influence rather than authority
Solid understanding of inventory planning, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain concepts and KPIs
Strong mathematical and analytical capabilities
Proficient in pulling data, building reports, and making data-driven decisions using Power BI or similar BI tools
Advanced Excel skills for data manipulation, bridging, and analysis
Proficient in Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and OneNote

Nice To Haves

Experience in inventory planning specific to redistribution, perishable items, promotional items, and international suppliers/customers strongly preferred
Experience with implementing Inventory Management Systems and/or ERP systems preferred
Familiarity with reading and interpreting SQL preferred
Master’s degree preferred
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, or willingness to obtain within 1 year
Blue Yonder (JDA) Demand, Fulfillment, or Platform education or certification preferred
Certification from Council of Supply Chain Management Professions (CSCMP), Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a super-user for Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment, Microsoft Power BI, JD Edwards and other Inventory Management applications
Leverage prior planning and technical expertise to provide first-line support for all applications tied to the Inventory Management function
Independently assess, troubleshoot, and resolve application and data issues, partnering with department resources and IT as needed
Interface with IT, third-party solution architects, and Blue Yonder for application maintenance and implementations
Create and maintain Blue Yonder Flexible Editor pages and Search prompts
Play a lead role in application upgrades, enhancements, and patches by developing testing scripts, conducting system testing, creating training materials, and leading training sessions for all business users
Recommend application enhancements and functionality to accomplish business goals, achieve our technology roadmap, and improve Inventory Management KPIs
Translate data into insights and recommendations that improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial performance
Partner with Business Intelligence developers to build and improve Power BI dashboards that advance the department’s analytical capabilities
Use Power BI Self-Service to analyze data, identify trends, and support decision-making
Present findings and proposals to leadership to improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial performance, backed by data, within the Inventory Management team
Lead scoping meetings to gather and document Inventory Management process and technology requirements
Build and maintain project plans to develop and implement scalable, sustainable processes, tools, and templates that enable the Inventory Management team to consistently and quickly deliver results
Seek out and drive Inventory Management process improvements following a standardized project methodology
Develop a deep understanding of department goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)
Assist Inventory Management leaders in driving strategic departmental evolutions
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and best-practice documentation
Provide data and insights to support budgeting and audit activities
Lead initiatives and projects through influence rather than authority
Support Inventory Management interns, temporary staff, new hires, and planners through coaching and training
Deliver department-wide training related to systems, analytics, and process improvements
Provide out-of-office coverage or act as an additional resource for Supply, Demand, or Inventory Planners as needed
Independently represent Inventory Management as a collaborative, confident, and knowledgeable liaison in project meetings with internal and external stakeholders
Support enterprise initiatives such as warehouse openings, new customer onboarding, enhanced service offerings, and system implementations
Partner with teams across Information Technology, Project Management, Client Experience, Engineering, Finance, Warehouse Operations, Transportation Operations, and Legal for departmental and enterprise projects
Collaborate with Armada customers and coordinate efforts across multiple teams during the development and rollout of inventory-related processes, improvements, and innovations
Develop strong relationships with Inventory Management’s internal and external partners and customers