DC Planning Analyst

Reports to: Director, DC Supply

The DC Planning Analyst is responsible for supporting Distribution Center inventory planning, replenishment planning, and supplier alignment to ensure optimal service levels and efficient use of working capital. This role goes beyond analysis and into decision-making; driving DC stocking strategies, influencing procurement and category decisions, and ensuring alignment between supplier forecasts and network execution. The position serves as a key connector across Product Management, Procurement, and Operations to translate demand signals into effective DC inventory positioning.

• Supports DC inventory positioning to ensure service level targets are achieved while managing working capital
• Establish and continuously refine DC safety stock strategies by SKU, category, and supplier
• Drive stocking strategies including SKU placement, depth of stock, and network positioning
• Ensure alignment between DC inventory strategy and branch demand requirements
• Supports purchase order quantity and timing decisions to support DC replenishment
• Translate demand signals and supplier constraints into executable replenishment plans
• Align case pack and unit‑of‑measure strategies to improve flow and efficiency from DC to branches
• Partner directly with Product Management (Category Managers) to align vendor and product strategies with DC requirements
• Influence procurement decisions related to MOQs, lead times, and supplier performance
• Maintain direct alignment with supplier planners to ensure forecasts, supply plans, and constraints are reflected in DC planning
• Supports DC‑to‑DC transfer optimization to balance inventory, reduce shortages, and minimize excess
• Identify structural issues driving unnecessary transfers and implement corrective actions
• Support network‑level decisions on inventory positioning and flow paths
• Supports DC inventory health, including excess and obsolete (E&O) management
• Drive vendor return strategies and execution from DCs
• Balance service, availability, and working capital trade‑offs in all planning decisions
• Monitor and own key metrics including in‑stock, fill rate, inventory turns, and working capital
• Identify systemic gaps in availability, overstock risk, and planning inefficiencies; drive corrective actions
• Leverage planning tools and analytics (DRP, Excel, SQL, Power BI) to inform decisions and improve outcomes
• Serve as a key partner across Inventory Planning, Procurement, Product Management, Transportation, and DC Operations
• Provide DC‑level insights and recommendations within the SIOP process
• Act as the bridge between strategic intent (PM/Procurement) and operational execution (DCs)

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Finance, or related field; APICS/IBF certification preferred
• 5+ years of experience in inventory planning, supply planning, or DC replenishment within distribution or retail
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with advanced proficiency in Excel, SQL, and data visualization tools (Power BI or Tableau)
• Experience with ERP/planning systems such as PTC Servigistics, JD Edwards, SAP, or similar
• Deep understanding of multi‑-echelon inventory environments and DC replenishment dynamics
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional partners and drive decisions
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate data into actionable strategies

• Experience in high‑SKU, fast‑moving distribution environments (aftermarket auto parts strongly preferred)
• Strong understanding of supplier constraints, MOQs, and lead time variability
• Experience with DC transfer optimization and network‑level inventory balancing
• Working knowledge of SIOP / IBP processes and how DC planning supports enterprise alignment

USD $66,000.00 - USD $88,000.00 /Yr.