Operations Planning Analyst
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Operations Planning Analyst drives alignment between demand, supply, and financial goals by leading the S&OP process. This role delivers actionable insights through data analysis, KPI tracking, and cost management while collaborating with cross-functional teams to improve planning accuracy, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead Demand Planning and S&OP: Own the forecasting process and facilitate the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle to align demand, supply, and financial objectives across departments. Develop accurate forecasts in collaboration with Sales, Procurement, and Finance to provide timely, actionable insights for decision-making.
- Deliver Data-Driven Insights: Identify risks and opportunities within demand and supply plans, recommending actions to mitigate disruptions and optimize performance. Continuously refine forecasting models to improve accuracy, responsiveness, and business alignment.
- Evaluate Product Viability: Partner with Marketing, R&D, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to assess the operational and financial feasibility of new product launches and provide post-launch performance analyses at 6, 12, and 24-month intervals.
- Monitor and Report Operational KPIs: Design, maintain, and enhance company-wide dashboards to track key performance indicators across functions. Monitor progress toward goals and provide actionable insights to managers and executives to drive transparency and accountability.
- Support Standard Costing Management: Collaborate with Finance and Supply Chain teams on quarterly updates to standard costs. Analyze cost drivers, validate costing data accuracy, and recommend strategies to improve cost efficiency.
- Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Communicate effectively with stakeholders across Sales, Procurement, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to drive alignment, continuous improvement, and operational excellence through strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, Statistics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain analytics, or a related business operations role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Advanced proficiency in data analysis and forecasting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent).
- Experience with ERP and planning systems such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite.
- Demonstrated success leading or contributing to the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process in a cross-functional environment.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to link operational metrics to business outcomes.
- Proven ability to design and maintain KPI dashboards and develop actionable insights from complex data.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills across multiple departments.
- Continuous improvement mindset with experience driving process enhancements in forecasting, costing, or reporting.
COMPETENCIES
- Strong analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Financial modeling skills
- Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or Excel)
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
- Thorough, with good attention to detail
- “Can do” attitude
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Sitting: Frequently required to sit for prolonged periods (up to 8 hours per day) while analyzing data, working at a computer, or participating in meetings.
- Standing/Walking: Occasionally, required to stand, move about the office, or walk to production or warehouse areas for coordination and observation activities.
- Reaching/Handling: Regularly uses hands, wrists, and fingers to operate office and analytical equipment (computer keyboard, mouse, telephone, calculator, copier, etc.).
OTHER DUTIES
Perform other duties as assigned. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.