Inventory and Demand Planning Analyst

Overview

This position entails the planning, coordination, and managing of activities related to the physical inventory requirements in the Chick-fil-A Supply Distribution Centers (DC). This includes forecasting, inventory management, and other analytical activities to optimize the flow of product and overall inventory productivity.  The position interfaces with suppliers, DC Operations and leaders, Chick-fil-A, Inc. Supply Chain, Marketing, QA, and Finance. The role will support multiple DC and functions within the Inventory and Demand Planning space.

This position requires the staff member to utilize a diverse range of skills and experiences in the overall support of company operations and requires a high degree of independence and good judgement in the execution of these responsibilities.  This role requires the ability to solve complex problems with minimal oversight. The Analyst works closely with the Chick-fil-A Supply leadership team to establish and continually improve the organization’s performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability through effective supply chain management methods and strategies.

About Chick-fil-A Supply

A wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, Inc., Chick-fil-A Supply™ is a distribution service provider focused entirely on serving the unique needs of Chick-fil-A restaurants. 

Due to steady, year-over-year sales and volume growth, combined with the complexity in our Restaurants, Chick-fil-A Supply supports current and future Restaurant needs through distribution innovation that extends the Chick-fil-A culture of care to those it serves, as well as those it employs.

This subsidiary is in the early stages of development and is a dynamic, fast-paced work environment focused on launching this new service to Restaurants across the nation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and independently perform ad-hoc analysis to support ongoing continuous improvement and process efficiency
• Manage the on-time execution of key processes within planning software to maintain demand and supply plans
• Maintain planning system settings ensuring all forecast and supply planning parameters are accurate and updated as business needs changes
• Maintain all documentation standards related to SOPs, job-aids, etc. for Inventory and Demand Planning
• Administer the onboarding of new vendors by leading stakeholders through critical processes including ERP set up and master data management
• Manage key EDI validation processes ensuring on time delivery to the DC
• Manage product life cycle management workflows and processes ensuring timely and accurate processing of transitions, new item introductions and discontinuations
• Support DC operations by providing up to date open order details to ensure inbound scheduling accuracy
• Manage and complete time sensitive invoice reconciliation activities
• Execute on recommended supply plans for select suppliers to ensure proper inventory quantities are purchased that align with service level objectives and inventory targets to minimize obsolescence
• Coordinate select forecasts and inventory levels with the Chick-fil-A, Inc. Supply Chain team

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, engineering or other related field
• 2 year of experience in a demand planning/inventory management role
• General understanding of inventory management practices and procedures
• Strong aptitude to solve problems and improve processes
• Strong mathematical and statistical knowledge
• Experience analyzing large data sets using analytical techniques
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Humility to come in and learn a new business, while applying relevant experience
• Ability to work independently and on cross-functional teams
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Knowledge of basic procurement and transportation practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in analytics or statistical modeling
• 3 years of experience in a demand planning/inventory management role
• Experience building reports/analyses on large data sets using analytical tools (e.g. Excel, JMP, SAS, Tableau, etc.)
• Intermediate understanding of SQL and/or some knowledge of a scripting/compiled/statistical programming language (e.g. Python, R, .NET, C , Java, etc.)
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Warehouse Management, and Transportation Management systems

Minimum Years of Experience

Travel Requirements

Required Level of Education

Major/Concentration