Inventory & Supply Chain Analyst

PIEDMONT CANDY COMPANY • Lexington, KY

18h • $30 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Supply Chain Analyst is responsible for supporting the planning, procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain operations of Piedmont Candy Company. This position plays a key role in ensuring materials are available to support production, inventory levels are maintained accurately, customer orders are shipped efficiently, and supply chain processes run smoothly. The Supply Chain Analyst will work closely with Operations, Sales, Finance, Quality, and external suppliers to support day-to-day supply chain activities while developing the analytical and operational skills necessary for long-term growth within the organization. This role also serves as a backup to the Supply Chain Manager and will provide support for the company’s expanding second-shift operations.

Requirements

• High-speed manufacturing and packaging environments, with demonstrated responsibility for optimizing line performance, throughput, and efficiency
• Continuous processing operations, including systems where product flows continuously through multiple stages of production with minimal interruption
• Wet-to-solid manufacturing processes (e.g., cooking, forming, drying, or similar transformations), with an understanding of process variability, yield, and product consistency
• Successful startup or expansion of additional production shifts, including workforce planning, training, standardization, and performance ramp-up
• Leading operations through periods of significant change, including modernization, automation, or facility/process transformation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications required.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external suppliers.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and a willingness to learn.
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to improve business performance.

Nice To Haves

• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, Finance, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Recent graduates with relevant internships, co-op experience, or supply chain coursework are encouraged to apply.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in supply chain, logistics, purchasing, inventory management, operations, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with ERP, warehouse management, or inventory systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory levels of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Assist with procurement activities, including purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier communication.
• Maintain inventory accuracy within inventory management system (Extensiv).
• Support management of Bills of Materials (BOMs), item master data, and inventory transactions.
• Assist with sugar inventory management and delivery scheduling to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions as needed.
• Create, process, and track purchase orders.
• Follow up with suppliers regarding order confirmations, shipment status, and delivery schedules.
• Maintain purchasing records and support supplier performance monitoring.
• Assist in managing supplier relationships and identifying opportunities for improved service, quality, and cost.
• Assist in the coordination of inbound and outbound shipments with carriers, warehouses, and customers.
• Generate shipping documentation and ensure accuracy of shipping records.
• Schedule deliveries and pickups to support production and customer requirements.
• Assist with order routing and freight coordination activities.
• Support warehouse inventory management and external warehousing operations.
• Assist in developing and maintaining production plans based on customer demand and inventory requirements.
• Support forecasting activities and monitor inventory levels against forecasted demand.
• Coordinate with Operations to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules.
• Assist with load planning and production-related supply chain activities.
• Support new item/SKU setup activities, including item numbers, packaging specifications, and system setup.
• Assist with packaging transitions, product changes, and inventory depletion strategies.
• Provide support for packaging development, sales initiatives, and operational improvement projects.
• Assist with Amazon-specific supply chain requirements, including labeling, inventory planning, and forecast adjustments.
• Monitor customer demand changes and communicate impacts to production and inventory planning.
• Support customer-specific supply chain requirements as assigned.
• Prepare reports related to inventory, purchasing, supplier performance, and supply chain metrics.
• Analyze trends and identify opportunities to improve inventory levels, service performance, and operational efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis and process documentation.
• Assist leadership with special projects and operational analyses as needed.
• Serve as backup support for the Supply Chain Manager during absences.
• Support second-shift operations through planning, logistics coordination, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, Finance, Quality, and external partners to ensure alignment across the supply chain.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed