Supply Chain Data & Analytics Specialist

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.•Itasca, IL

12h•$87,000 - $98,000

About The Position

This role supports Supply & Demand Planning by strengthening the planning data foundation across SKUs. It integrates and validates data from multiple sources, improves data consistency, automates recurring processes, and provides analytical support for planning decisions. Operating at the intersection of data, systems, and planning execution, the role improves visibility, reduces manual effort, and supports stable, consistent planning processes. It helps ensure accurate, consistent, and accessible planning data for Demand Planning, Supply Planning, and S&OP activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Mathematics, or a related STEM field, or a recognized technical/analytics certification.
Strong hands-on Excel and Power Query skills for data preparation, transformation, modeling, analysis, and controls.
Strong Power BI capability, including data preparation, data modeling, analysis, reporting, and visualization.
Demonstrated ability to integrate, validate, reconcile, and transform data from multiple systems and sources into reliable, consistent datasets.
Understanding of how data flows across business systems and ability to identify gaps or process issues and coordinate improvements with business and IT teams.
Demonstrated ability to automate or improve recurring data preparation, analysis, and reporting processes.
Ability to manage large or complex datasets, identify inconsistencies and trends, and recognize when processes or solutions require improvement.
Ability to create clear, reusable documentation for datasets, business rules, processes, and controls.
Strong attention to detail and data discipline.
Ability to manage recurring processes and deadlines.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, including explaining data and process issues clearly to technical and business stakeholders.
Strong analytical and logical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative/mathematical aptitude.
Ability to work independently, investigate unfamiliar data and process issues, and learn analytical tools and methods as needed.

Nice To Haves

3–5 years of experience in data analytics, operational/business analytics, supply chain analytics, or planning-related roles; demonstrated capability may offset years of experience.
A Master’s degree in a relevant field may be considered in lieu of some professional experience.
Experience supporting operational decision-making, supply chain, planning, S&OP, or inventory analytics.
SAP or other ERP experience.
Working knowledge of SQL.
Experience with Power Automate and/or Python.

Responsibilities

Maintain standardized datasets used across demand planning, supply planning, and reporting activities.
Integrate and reconcile data from SAP, Excel, PSI files, planning tools, and other sources into consistent, reliable datasets.
Investigate data discrepancies, identify appropriate data sources, and establish validation controls to improve accuracy and reduce recurring reconciliation.
Maintain reusable documentation of data sources, definitions, business rules, assumptions, processes, controls, and key inputs.
Support analysis of trends, risks, and performance gaps to improve planning and decision-making.
Develop and maintain standardized reports and dashboards consolidating data from multiple sources for S&OE and S&OP discussions.
Establish repeatable reporting processes, reduce ad hoc reporting, and translate operational data into reliable information for planners and business stakeholders.
Improve visibility and provide analytical insights into planning drivers such as forecast performance, inventory risk, and supply constraints.
Support planning cycles by ensuring data readiness, consistency, and alignment across tools.
Maintain version control of planning outputs and support documentation of planning assumptions.
Reinforce standard planning practices, including consistent use of data and reports.
Support the definition, tracking, and maintenance of planning KPIs, including forecast accuracy, bias, inventory health, service levels, and plan adherence.
Support consistent KPI definitions and reporting standards and adoption of standardized tools, reports, and planning processes.
Develop and maintain structured datasets and data models for standardized reporting and visualization tools such as Power BI.
Use data and analytical tools to generate insights and improve visibility into planning performance and risks.
Maintain planning tools, templates, and reporting structures to support consistent usage, version control, and reliable outputs.
Identify manual, repetitive, or fragmented data processes and implement practical improvements, including automation of data preparation and reporting.
Coordinate or lead enhancements to planning tools, data structures, and system workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, scalability, and planning execution.
Support coordination of planning activities across SKUs by ensuring consistent data, visibility, and alignment.
Assist in monitoring planning exceptions and changes that affect demand and supply plans.
Provide structured data and analysis to support planning adjustments and decision-making.
Contribute to planning activities when additional coordination or analysis is required.