Manager, Inventory Optimization & Advanced Analytics
About The Position
KeepStock is a Grainger managed inventory solution that helps customers manage their on-hand inventory, reduce time and labor costs, and save valuable space. As the Manager, Inventory Optimization, you will determine where, when, and how much inventory is needed across KeepStock customers. The role develops models, planning strategies, and analytical processes that improve inventory planning. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, Product, and Finance teams to align optimization models with business goals. This position is preferably hybrid with 50% of time spent onsite at the Lake Forest, IL or Chicago, IL offices however remote candidates may be considered. The role reports to the Director, Routing & Inventory Optimization.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field required.
- 5+ years of experience in a related field required.
- Knowledge of SQL and R or Python, including applied experience using programming and analytical tools to develop solutions from large datasets and rapidly learn new tools or languages.
- Experience applying at least two of the following disciplines to business problems: forecasting, optimization, machine learning, or simulation.
- Experience leading analytical work through problem identification, solution development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement while working through complex or ambiguous business problems.
- Experience communicating analytical findings, developing cross-functional partnerships, and influencing stakeholders without direct authority to implement solutions that support business objectives.
Nice To Haves
- Master's Degree or equivalent graduate degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop capabilities in data visualization, advanced analytics, predictive forecasting, and related inventory-planning disciplines.
- Develop models, planning strategies, and analytical processes that improve Grainger's overall inventory planning and support decisions regarding where, when, and how much inventory is positioned across customer locations.
- Partner with Supply Chain teams to identify and execute analytics initiatives that improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and automate tools or processes.
- Deliver analyses and recommendations that support the strategic positioning of customer inventory in future.
- Lead the monitoring and documentation of production processes and analytical models, identify errors or inconsistencies in outputs, and establish processes to address identified issues.
- Prioritize team initiatives using Grainger Edge principles and a continuous-improvement approach to identify and implement improvements to inventory-planning processes, analytical tools, and team practices.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment
- 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
- 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees
- 6 company holidays per year.
- 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
- Employee discounts
- tuition reimbursement
- student loan refinancing
- free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
- Maternity support programs
- nursing benefits
- up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents
- up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
