Inventory Planning Analyst

SUMMARY

The Inventory Planning Analyst supports Armada’s Inventory Management function as a subject‑matter expert (SME) and delivers analytics, system expertise, project leadership, and continuous improvements. This role serves as a super-user of Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment applications, as well as, Microsoft Power BI, providing first-line support for system issues, leading system enhancements, recommending process improvements, and developing process documentation and training. The Inventory Planning Analyst partners closely with planners, managers, and cross-functional teams to drive efficiency, improve inventory planning KPIs, and advance departmental capabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Systems & Analytics

• Serve as a super‑user for Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment, Microsoft Power BI, JD Edwards and other Inventory Management applications
• Leverage prior planning and technical expertise to provide first-line support for all applications tied to the Inventory Management function
• Independently assess, troubleshoot, and resolve application and data issues, partnering with department resources and IT as needed
• Interface with IT, third-party solution architects, and Blue Yonder for application maintenance and implementations
• Create and maintain Blue Yonder Flexible Editor pages and Search prompts
• Play a lead role in application upgrades, enhancements, and patches by developing testing scripts, conducting system testing, creating training materials, and leading training sessions for all business users
• Recommend application enhancements and functionality to accomplish business goals, achieve our technology roadmap, and improve Inventory Management KPIs
• Translate data into insights and recommendations that improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial performance
• Partner with Business Intelligence developers to build and improve Power BI dashboards that advance the department’s analytical capabilities
• Use Power BI Self-Service to analyze data, identify trends, and support decision-making

Inventory Management Functional Support & Leadership

• Present findings and proposals to leadership to improve efficiency, accuracy, and financial performance, backed by data, within the Inventory Management team
• Lead scoping meetings to gather and document Inventory Management process and technology requirements
• Build and maintain project plans to develop and implement scalable, sustainable processes, tools, and templates that enable the Inventory Management team to consistently and quickly deliver results
• Seek out and drive Inventory Management process improvements following a standardized project methodology
• Develop a deep understanding of department goals and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Assist Inventory Management leaders in driving strategic departmental evolutions
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and best‑practice documentation
• Provide data and insights to support budgeting and audit activities
• Lead initiatives and projects through influence rather than authority
• Support Inventory Management interns, temporary staff, new hires, and planners through coaching and training
• Deliver department-wide training related to systems, analytics, and process improvements
• Provide out-of-office coverage or act as an additional resource for Supply, Demand, or Inventory Planners as needed

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Independently represent Inventory Management as a collaborative, confident, and knowledgeable liaison in project meetings with internal and external stakeholders
• Support enterprise initiatives such as warehouse openings, new customer onboarding, enhanced service offerings, and system implementations
• Partner with teams across Information Technology, Project Management, Client Experience, Engineering, Finance, Warehouse Operations, Transportation Operations, and Legal for departmental and enterprise projects
• Collaborate with Armada customers and coordinate efforts across multiple teams during the development and rollout of inventory‑related processes, improvements, and innovations
• Develop strong relationships with Inventory Management’s internal and external partners and customers

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• 2-5 years of experience using an advanced planning system (i.e. Blue Yonder, SAP, Logility, o9, Kinaxis)
• 2-5 years of experience as a Blue Yonder Demand or Fulfilment subject-matter expert (SME), super-user, or functional analyst
• 2-5 years of experience in inventory planning, supply chain management, or business analytics
• Proven success in Supply Planning, Demand Planning, and/or Inventory Planning
• Proven success leading and managing cross-functional projects independently
• Experience using Power BI, or similar, to build dashboards and interpret data
• Experience using a leading ERP system (i.e. Oracle or SAP)
• Experience in inventory planning specific to redistribution, perishable items, promotional items, and international suppliers/customers strongly preferred

• Experience with implementing Inventory Management Systems and/or ERP systems preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Self-directed, motivated, action-oriented, and results-driven
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Skilled in developing and executing logical, methodical plans for large-scale projects
• Strong critical thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, optimize processes, and independently solve problems to root cause
• Able to clearly explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, listening, and interpersonal communication across all organizational levels and with external customers
• Effective in ambiguous, fast-changing environments; able to prioritize, coordinate, focus, track progress, and follow through
• Able to lead teams collaboratively through influence rather than authority
• Solid understanding of inventory planning, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain concepts and KPIs
• Strong mathematical and analytical capabilities
• Proficient in pulling data, building reports, and making data-driven decisions using Power BI or similar BI tools
• Advanced Excel skills for data manipulation, bridging, and analysis
• Proficient in Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and OneNote
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting SQL preferred

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, or willingness to obtain within 1 year
• Blue Yonder (JDA) Demand, Fulfillment, or Platform education or certification preferred
• Certification from Council of Supply Chain Management Professions (CSCMP), Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) preferred

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Travel Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work is usually performed in an office environment with normal noise levels. Involves prolonged sitting and computer usage.
• Business travel will be on an as-needed basis to visit technology service providers, warehouses, clients’ headquarters, and/or in-person training courses; expectation is less than 5%.
• Off-hours work may be required on an as-needed basis, particularly during system upgrades, implementations, or outages; expectation is 1-4 times per year.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.  It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation.  As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.  Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the company at any time.