Sales & Operations Planning Analyst

General Purpose:

Under general direction, provide routine and ad hoc analytical support to a variety of internal customers. Use internal and external data sources to perform and coordinate sales reporting, sales analysis, and sales planning. Prepare, monitor, and coordinate inventory status reports and proactively approach supply shortages, stock outs, and cost savings analysis. Assist with the development of demand plans, supply plans, capacity plans, and inventory targets. Deliver customer support, insights and trends, and communication collateral (eg., reports, presentations) to sales, finance, operating groups, and other stakeholders to optimize sales performance and overall business success.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Sales Analytics:

• Collect, track, and analyze sales data and performance through internal systems, customer assigned data bases, and syndicated data sources. Identify trends, patterns and opportunities within the data to gain valuable insights into sales performance
• Assist in building account plan strategies and business development plans
• Conduct sales forecasting and pipeline analysis to support sales planning and resource allocation
• Develop and maintain regular sales reports and dashboards and easy-to-understand presentations of sales data, performance metrics, and KPIs for sales managers and leadership
• Actively participate in annual development of budgets, item discontinuation process, new item launches, and other projects as required

Inventory Planning & Management:

• Collaborate with demand, supply and production planners on inventory availability for customer orders
• Analyze and prevent aging inventory; monitor raw materials and finished goods
• Work across all supply chain functions and lead the resolution of issues that are surfaced
• Efficiently manage finished goods inventory to maximize service level to customers (order fill rate, case fill rate and on-time delivery)
• Ensure the successful execution of the inventory allocation process

Demand & Supply Planning:

• Assist with the development of accurate forecasts that maximize customer satisfaction, meet sales goals, and allow for cost-effective distribution. Actively and clearly communicate with the sales team and strategic accounts to validate current forecast and report any deviations. Provide forecasts of anticipated demand for new and/or proposed new products, working with sales and marketing as appropriate
• Support team with management of forecasting tools and financial systems
• Recommend procedures, work instructions, and metrics. Use a collaborative approach to obtain buy-in on forecasts and demand plans

Other:

• Track and reconcile metrics versus established target
• Engage in the implementation and continuous management of the X3 ERP software solution as it relates to the sales process - ensuring data integrity, providing training, and offering ongoing support
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in supply chain or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of education and practical work experience)
• 2 to 5 years of sales support, sales, category management, analytics or related experience in a manufacturing setting is preferred
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Understanding of production capacities, constraints, and cost/service trade-offs
• Skill in analytical thinking and problem solving
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, for a diverse range of internal and external audiences
• Able to elicit cooperation from variety of sources, including management, production planning, quality teams, logistics, procurement, etc.
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Able to manage multiple various projects with sense of urgency
• Able to work collaboratively with employees in a variety of departments
• Able to be a change agent, effective in influencing the direction of the business, gaining alignment, and providing training
• Able to organize time, energy, and resources effectively to achieve goals (organizational skills)
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans