Senior Analyst - Inventory Planning & Replenishment

Description 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... #MakeAnImpact