Supply Network Planning Associate Analyst

Overview

The Supply Network Planning Associate Analyst is responsible for executing Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) activities to ensure finished goods are deployed across the distribution network efficiently and on time. The role focuses on monitoring automated planning processes, managing inventory deployment, resolving planning exceptions, and optimizing network parameters to deliver high customer service while maintaining healthy inventory levels.

 

Working closely with Supply Planning, Demand Planning, Customer Service, Logistics, Warehousing, Transportation, and Manufacturing teams, the analyst supports daily replenishment decisions, drives continuous process improvements, and ensures planning systems accurately reflect operational requirements. The role also contributes to supply chain performance through data analysis, root cause investigations, KPI monitoring, and network optimization initiatives

Responsibilities

• Execute the daily Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) process to ensure timely and accurate deployment of finished goods across the distribution network.
• Monitor and resolve planning exceptions, proactively identifying supply, inventory, and deployment risks while implementing corrective actions.
• Manage inventory deployment, stock transfers, and replenishment plans to ensure the right products are available at the right locations while optimizing transportation and inventory costs.
• Maintain and continuously improve planning master data and system parameters, including lead times, safety stocks, deployment frequencies, sourcing rules, and replenishment settings.
• Analyze inventory performance to minimize stock-outs, excess inventory, slow-moving stock, and obsolete inventory while maintaining agreed service level targets.
• Collaborate closely with Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Logistics, Customer Service, Warehousing, and Transportation teams to ensure alignment on supply execution and deployment priorities.
• Perform root cause analysis for service failures, expedites, deployment exceptions, and inventory imbalances, driving sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Support deployment decisions during supply constraints by prioritizing inventory allocation based on business priorities, customer requirements, and network optimization principles.
• Monitor key Supply Chain KPIs including Case Fill Rate (CFR), OTIF, Inventory Days of Supply (DOS), Stock Availability, Deployment Accuracy, and Inventory Health, providing actionable insights and recommendations.
• Support the monthly S&OP and Supply Review processes by providing inventory projections, deployment risks, and mitigation plans.
• Ensure planning systems (SAP, Blue Yonder/JDA, Prolink, or equivalent) remain accurate, supporting optimal planning recommendations and high system utilization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, improve planning accuracy, automate repetitive activities, and enhance overall supply chain performance.
• Prepare regular performance reports, dashboards, and business reviews to communicate network performance, inventory risks, and improvement opportunities to stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional projects, business transformation initiatives, and system enhancements related to Supply Network Planning and Distribution Planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 1–3 years of experience in Supply Chain Planning, Distribution Planning (DRP), Supply Planning, Logistics, Inventory Planning, or related FMCG operations.
• Experience in a fast-paced FMCG environment is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with SAP ERP is required.
• Experience with Blue Yonder (JDA), Prolink, APO, or other Supply Chain Planning systems is preferred.
• Strong numerical and data analysis capabilities.
• Experience working with planning parameters such as:
  • Lead Times
  • Safety Stock
  • Reorder Points
  • Deployment Planning
  • Inventory Targets

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Continuous improvement mindset with strong root cause analysis capability.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken).

Preferred Competencies

• Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP)
• Inventory Deployment
• Supply Network Optimization
• Exception-Based Planning
• Root Cause Analysis
• Inventory Management
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• KPI Performance Management
• Process Improvement
• Data Analytics