Senior Analyst - Inventory Planning & Replenishment

Some of what you will do:

The Inventory Planning & Replenishment Sr Analyst plays a key role in managing a complex inventory portfolio and supporting the development of inventory strategies that improve service, inventory productivity, and overall supply chain performance. This role requires strong analytical capability, sound decision-making, and the ability to influence outcomes across vendors and internal business partners. The Senior Analyst is expected to proactively identify risks and opportunities, recommend data-driven solutions, and help drive improvements in key performance indicators. The role also contributes to a collaborative, accountable, and continuous improvement-focused team environment by sharing insights, supporting peers, and helping mature inventory planning and replenishment practices.

Specifically, You Will:

INVENTORY PLANNING & PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT (40%):

Portfolio Management

- Manage inventory performance across an assigned portfolio, including in-stock levels, inventory turns, weeks of supply, fill rate, aged inventory, and excess inventory.
- Develop and execute inventory strategies that balance service levels, working capital, vendor constraints, promotional activity, and business priorities.
- Support open-to-buy planning, inventory investment decisions, and excess inventory reduction initiatives.

Inventory Planning

- Maintain and optimize key planning inputs, including forecasts, safety stock, lead times, order cycles, minimum order quantities, and service level assumptions.
- Identify root causes of inventory issues, recommend and execute practical actions to improve performance.
- Translate business priorities into clear execution plans and escalate risks with recommended solutions.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL PARTNERSHIP & VENDOR MANAGEMENT (30%):

Vendor Management

- Partner with vendors to address supply constraints, improve fill rates, lead times, and overall service performance.
- Track commitments and follow up with internal and external partners to support timely execution.

Cross-Functional Partnership

- Work closely with Merchandising, Sales, Operations, and other business partners to align inventory plans with promotions, assortment changes, seasonal demand, and customer requirements.
- Perform scenario planning and provide clear, data-driven recommendations to support inventory, purchasing, and vendor decisions.
- Influence outcomes through strong communication, effective relationship-building, and constructive challenge where appropriate.

DATA ANALYSIS, REPORTING & PROCESS IMPROVEMENT (15%):

Data Analysis

- Use planning systems and analytical tools to assess portfolio performance and identify risks, trends, and opportunities.
- Support more proactive and exception-based planning by identifying service or inventory risks before they impact results.

Reporting

- Build or enhance reports, dashboards, and analytical models to support inventory decision-making.

Process Improvement

- Challenge the status quo by identifying opportunities to streamline recurring analysis, improve processes, and automate manual work.
- Share technical knowledge and planning best practices to support team capability and continuous improvement.

TEAM CONTRIBUTION & ACCOUNTABILITY (15%):

Team Contribution

- Contribute to a collaborative and accountable team environment.
- Provide informal guidance and support to peers through knowledge sharing and best-practice adoption.
- Contribute to the continued maturity of inventory planning and replenishment processes, tools, and routines.

Accountability

- Demonstrate ownership of portfolio results while supporting shared business objectives.
- Communicate risks, opportunities, and recommendations clearly and professionally.

Some of what you need:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Inventory Planning & Business Acumen

- Strong knowledge of inventory planning, replenishment, forecasting, vendor lead times, safety stock, and supply chain KPIs.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including an understanding of how inventory decisions impact sales, service, cash flow, and working capital.
- Customer-first mindset, with the ability to consider downstream impacts when making inventory and service decisions.

Analytics, Systems & Technology

- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Macros, Power Query, and the ability to work with large datasets.
- Experience with analytics and reporting tools such as Power BI and SQL.
- Experience with ERP and supply chain planning systems such as JDA/Blue Yonder, SAP, Oracle, Kinaxis, or similar platforms.
- Digital proficiency, with an openness to using technology, automation, and data insights to improve efficiency and decision-making.

Leadership & Interpersonal Effectiveness

- Sound decision-making skills, including the ability to assess trade-offs, manage ambiguity, and adjust plans as new information becomes available.
- Demonstrated ownership, follow-through, and resilience in managing priorities, resolving issues, and delivering results.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively with vendors and cross-functional partners.
- Collaborative working style, with the ability to listen, build trust, share feedback constructively, and support team success.
- Continuous improvement mindset, with curiosity and initiative to identify better ways of working.

EXPERIENCE:

- 4+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, replenishment, demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, retail operations, management consulting, or a related field.
- Experience managing inventory performance and supporting measurable improvements to supply chain KPIs.
- Experience in a retail, distribution, wholesale, or B2B supply chain environment preferred.
- Experience working with vendors, merchandising, sales, or operations teams considered an asset.
- Experience developing reports, dashboards, or analytical tools preferred.

EDUCATION:

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Management or related field is preferred.
- APICS / ASCM, CPIM, CSCP, or other relevant supply chain certification considered an asset.

Physical demands/working conditions:

- Office environment – Hybrid, with 4 days onsite in Richmond Hill, subject to the hybrid policy.

Some of what you will get:

- Associate discount
- Health and Dental benefits
- RRSP/DPSP
- Performance bonuses
- Learning & Development programs
- And more...

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