Logistics Planning Analytics & AI Manager

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries.

We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

The Logistics Planning Analytics and AI Manager leads the strategy, roadmap, and execution of Lean transformation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions across Planning, Logistics, and Distribution. This role sets the standard for how MSC uses data, AI, and Continuous Improvement (CI) tools to eliminate waste, accelerate decisions, and deliver measurable financial impact. The manager owns the end-to-end CI portfolio for Logistics & Planning, mentors CI Engineers and Specialists, and partners directly with senior leaders to shape the future of MSC's supply chain.

• Owns the Logistics & Planning CI and analytics roadmap. Prioritizes projects against business value, builds the multi-year transformation plan, and aligns it with MSCOS and enterprise goals.
• Coaches associates in Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, and A3 problem solving. Builds bench strength and succession.
• Sets the vision for how AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics are applied to forecasting, inventory, freight, planning, and distribution. Selects tools, governs data quality, and partners with IT to scale solutions.
• Leads enterprise-level Value Stream Analysis, Kaizen events, and complex transformation initiatives across multiple sites and functions. Holds accountability for sustained results, not just event execution.
• Owns the savings and productivity pipeline for Logistics & Planning. Builds business cases, tracks benefits realization, and reports outcomes to executive leadership.
• Defines and maintains MSC's CI and analytics standards including standard work, control plans, dashboards, KPI definitions, and audit routines. Integrates improvements into MSCOS.
• Translates data, insights, and process findings into stories, recommendations, and decisions for senior business and technical leaders. Influences C-suite priorities.
• Partners with Planning, Logistics, Category, IT, Finance, Sales Ops, and external suppliers to remove blockers, align priorities, and deliver shared outcomes.
• Leads change strategy for transformation programs. Builds adoption plans, training, and communication that move the culture from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven oversight.
• Directs application of Lean (VSM, 5S, A3, Kaizen), Six Sigma (DMAIC, SPC, DOE), and digital tools (Celonis, Tableau, Power BI, Salesforce, Blue Yonder, Copilot/AI). Select the right tool for the right problem.
• Ensures safety, quality, and compliance are designed into every process change. Approves risk assessments and error proofing across the team's portfolio.
• Fosters the MSC Culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose.
• Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required

• Bachelor's degree in industrial/manufacturing engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Data Science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean transformation, supply chain, or analytics roles.
• Minimum of three years of experience managing direct reports.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent demonstrated experience required.
• Proven track record of leading enterprise-level Lean transformation programs with measurable financial impact.
• Experience deploying AI or machine learning solutions in planning, forecasting, inventory, or logistics.
• Experience standing up or scaling a CI or analytics Center of Excellence.
• Experience presenting to senior executives.
• Background in distribution, logistics, or planning operations.
• Strong proficiency with Lean tools (VSM, 5S, A3, Kaizen) and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, SPC, DOE).
• Demonstrated ability to apply analytics and AI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Python/R, Celonis, or similar) to solve supply chain or operational problems.
• Familiarity with Blue Yonder, SAP, Salesforce, ERP/WMS platforms, and process mining tools (Celonis).
• Proven ability to mentor and develop CI practitioners toward Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project and program management skills with data-driven decision making.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking with the ability to translate complex data into clear business action.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and frontline teams alike.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment and lead through change.

• Master's…