Analyst, Operations

Responsibilities

Operations Analyst (Supply Chain Specialist)

The Operations Analyst is responsible for supply chain ensuring materials are available to support production while maintaining optimal inventory levels. This position purchases raw materials and supplies, monitors inventory accuracy, and supports the development of production schedules through cross-functional collaboration. The role works closely with Operations, Customer Service, Production, Quality, and Suppliers to support on-time delivery while minimizing inventory and production disruptions.

Essential Responsibilities

Purchasing

• Purchase raw materials, packaging, and production supplies based on customer demand and inventory requirements.
• Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate purchase order information within the ERP system.
• Monitor supplier confirmations and follow up on overdue acknowledgments.
• Track supplier shipments, deliveries, and expedite critical materials as necessary.
• Resolve supplier shortages, late deliveries, pricing discrepancies, and invoice issues.
• Maintain supplier lead times, minimum order quantities, and purchasing parameters.
• Support supplier performance initiatives through communication and follow-up.
• Maintain forecasts to suppliers for raw materials necessary for production.
• Drive cost savings through effective purchasing practices.
• Support supply chain activities across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Inventory Control

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure material availability while minimizing excess inventory.
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend actions to reduce obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
• Perform inventory cycle counts weekly and physical inventory counts as required.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate inventory transactions and ERP master data.

Planning & Coordination

• Review customer demand, forecasts, and sales orders to support purchasing and scheduling decisions.
• Collaborate with Customer Service regarding order priorities and delivery commitments.
• Work closely with Production, Operations, and Warehouse personnel to resolve material constraints.
• Support schedule development with a cross-functional team based on customer demand and material availability.
• Maintain visibility of upcoming production requirements to ensure material readiness.
• Support schedule adjustments to accommodate changing customer requirements, machine downtime, or material shortages.
• Support alignment of customer priorities with production capacity and inventory requirements.
• Coordinate daily with Operations and Production to communicate demand and material fluctuations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory management, purchasing processes, and scheduling efficiency.
• Maintain reports related to inventory, supplier performance, and schedule adherence.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management or a related field preferred, or an equivalent level of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, inventory control, planning, or manufacturing operations.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of MRP/ERP systems.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and supplier relationship management skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP systems such as BAAN, Infor LN, SAP, Oracle, or similar.
• Knowledge of inventory control principles, demand planning, and purchasing best practices.
• Experience scheduling based on demand

Key Competencies

• Purchasing & Procurement
• Inventory Management
• Forecasting
• Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
• Production Scheduling
• ERP Systems
• Data Analysis
• Supply Chain Coordination
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Cross-Functional Communication