Operations Research Analyst

Ahold Delhaize•Pleasant Hill, CA

10h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Research Analyst is responsible for supporting the design of optimal fulfillment solutions and serving as the subject matter expert on configuring and controlling these solutions for peak efficiency. This involves a deep understanding of the systems that manage fulfillment solutions, their optimal configuration and parameters, the data they generate, and how to leverage this data for insights and improvements. The role will guide the development and implementation of enhancements to existing solutions and the creation of innovative new ones. Additionally, the analyst will contribute to defining strategies for optimal tactical system use to support ADUSA's goals of increased productivity, capacity, improved customer and associate experiences, and driving sustainability. Collaboration with brand operations teams and Implementation & Integration teams will be key for gathering on-the-ground learnings and advising on improved standard operating procedures. The role will focus on delivering solutions that use data for tactical optimization of key processes such as order batching, tote cubing, item slotting, and pathfinding. This position will also participate in evaluating and testing new systems and processes, ensuring successful implementations through feature and system testing, and providing sign-off on user acceptance tests. Support will be provided to the Optimization team for pilot implementations and proven systems, acting as a subject-matter expert. The role will also contribute to the overall design of proposed facilities and formats by providing expertise on optimal layout and design elements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Continuous Improvement or Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or related fields would be beneficial to this role.
Understanding of the dynamic handling characteristics, constraints and risks associated with the wide range of material handling systems.
Understanding of SQL and/or other data analysis approached to be able to pull and analyze large datasets.
Familiarity with programming (Java, Python, etc.).
Familiarity with simulation and modeling software.
Knowledge of the constraints and methods for defining and demonstrating equipment, subsystem, and system performance criteria.
Technical knowledge of fulfillment tools and systems (OMS, WMS, Picking apps, inventory systems, etc.).
Knowledge of data querying, mining and dashboarding (SQL knowledge preferred).
Knowledge of food safety and workplace safety best practices.
Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions.
Learns quickly when facing new situations.
Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization.
Understands the meaning and implications of key financial indicators.
Demonstrates thorough understanding of retail and e-commerce fulfillment processes.
Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner.
Ability to transform complex data into actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Ability to present recommendations based on data-driven conclusions.
Demonstrates an openness to new and differing ideas, systems, processes and technology.
Systems oriented; understanding of IT systems and applications.
Evaluates and recommends changes in methods or procedures.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of experience in a directly related field and successful demonstration of key abilities and knowledge as presented above.
Track record of successful delivery of cross-functional projects.
Has either participated in projects implementing/delivering automated fulfillment solutions, or has close knowledge of operating said solutions, including insight into optimizing them through various tactical approaches.

Responsibilities

Support the development of the ADUSA e-commerce fulfillment strategy and execution by informing the design through data and insights.
Support the Optimization team in the design and improvement of optimal fulfillment models that fit business needs through data, requirements gathering, documentation, working directly with vendor partners and cross functional teams within ADUSA.
Work directly with counterparts in Tech to aid their IT integration and systems design approach, through providing data and insights on current system performance, as well as representing ADUSA Fulfillment Strategy & Solutions in the IT design, ensuring requirements are met through the appropriate design.
Provide subject matter expertise in collaborating with counterparts in ADUSA Data Science to improve tactical fulfillment processes.
Use data from current operations to identify improvement opportunities in tactical processes like item slotting, order batching, tote cubing, path finding, etc. and work with data science counterparts to deliver solutions to address these opportunities.
Develop specific KPIs to evaluate solutions and individual implementations and help create the appropriate dashboards/reports to monitor performance of those KPIs.
Work with counterparts in other areas of ADUSA (e.g., industrial engineering, business development, merchandising, etc.) to identify and shape improvement opportunities and engineering studies delivering required insights to improve output.
Contribute to a Optimization department that promotes partnership behaviors, collaborates across functions, keeps up with relevant developments in the industry, prioritizes personal development, puts development front and center, and contributes to a culture of belonging.