Supply Chain Data & Planning Specialist

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America • Itasca, IL

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role supports Supply & Demand Planning by strengthening the planning data foundation across SKUs, improving data consistency, reporting discipline, and analytical support. The role operates at the intersection of data, systems, and planning execution, improving visibility, reducing manual effort, and supporting more stable and consistent planning processes. This position supports accurate, consistent, and accessible planning data used across Demand Planning, Supply Planning, and S&OP processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Data Analytics, Mathematics, or related STEM field preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in data analytics, supply chain analytics, or planning support roles
• Experience supporting planning, S&OP, or operational decision-making environments strongly preferred
• SAP experience strongly preferred
• Experience supporting data-driven process or system improvements
• Experience working with data from multiple systems (e.g., ERP, spreadsheets, external sources) and integrating them into consistent datasets
• Advanced Excel skills (data structuring, modeling, controls)
• Experience with reporting and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Experience with data automation and workflow tools (e.g., Power Automate)
• Ability to manage and validate large, complex datasets
• Strong attention to detail and data discipline
• Ability to manage recurring processes and deadlines
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Continuous improvement mindset

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field may be considered in lieu of some professional experience

Responsibilities

• Maintain standardized datasets used across demand planning, supply planning, and reporting activities
• Coordinate data inputs between SAP, Excel, and PSI files, as well as planning and reporting tools, to reduce inconsistencies
• Validate data and support the resolution of discrepancies to minimize manual reconciliation
• Maintain documentation of planning data definitions, assumptions, and key inputs
• Support analysis of trends, risks, and performance gaps to improve planning and decision-making
• Develop and maintain standardized reports and dashboards that consolidate data from multiple sources into consistent outputs for S&OE and S&OP discussions
• Reduce ad hoc reporting by establishing repeatable reporting processes
• Improve visibility and provide analytical insights into key planning drivers (forecast performance, inventory risk, supply constraints)
• Support planning cycles by ensuring data readiness, consistency, and alignment across tools
• Maintain version control of planning outputs to reduce conflicting plan versions
• Support documentation of planning assumptions to improve traceability and decision visibility
• Assist in reinforcing standard planning practices, including consistent use of data and reports
• Support definition, tracking, and maintenance of key planning KPIs (e.g., forecast accuracy, bias, inventory health, service levels, plan adherence)
• Support consistency of KPI definitions and reporting standards across the team
• Support the adoption of standardized tools, reports, and planning processes
• Develop and maintain structured datasets and data models to support standardized reporting and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI), ensuring consistency across planning and decision-making processes
• Utilize data and analytical tools to generate insights and improve visibility into planning performance and risks
• Maintain planning tools, templates, and reporting structures to ensure consistent usage, version control, and reliable outputs across the team
• Identify and implement improvements to reduce manual work, including automation of data preparation and reporting processes
• Support enhancements to planning tools, data structures, and system workflows to improve efficiency, data consistency, and overall planning execution
• Support coordination of planning activities across SKUs by ensuring consistent data, visibility, and alignment
• Assist in monitoring key planning exceptions and changes impacting demand and supply plans
• Provide structured data and analysis to support planning adjustments and decision-making
• Contribute to the execution of planning activities where additional coordination or analysis is required

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level