Senior Analyst - Inventory Planning & Replenishment
Staples Canada · Richmond Hill
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...
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