Planning and Optimization Analyst

At RONA, over 22,000 employees let their passion blossom every day. Our teams are driven by the desire to help people bring their projects to life and are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

We operate or service some 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores. With a distinctive product and service offering and complementary store formats ranging from neighbourhood hardware stores to big box stores, our RONA+, RONA and Dick ’ s Lumber banners are well equipped to help meet the needs of all DIYers and contractors.

You ’ ve got the talent? We ’ ve got the tools! Here, your work and ideas will contribute to building a flourishing organization.

Your voice will always be heard and valued. You ’ ll find career opportunities that live up to your ambitions and be able to further develop your unique set of skills.

So, if you ’ re looking to do what you love, we could be a perfect match

Our expectations

Reporting to the Supervisor of Planning & Optimization and working in partnership with various departments within the Store Support Center, the Planning & Optimization Analyst is responsible for analyzing and optimizing inventory management processes, as well as assessing all operational activities within the distribution centers of the network, applying principles of total quality and lean manufacturing.

The goal is to achieve operational excellence, improve the Perfect Order Index, and maximize customer satisfaction throughout the network.

You will use advanced algorithms to optimize product positioning and analyze storage capacity to maximize operational efficiency and reduce costs at the distribution centers.

You will closely collaborate with teams in demand management and procurement, production planning, inventory management, and finance.

The scope of this role includes all distribution centers across Canada and the expanding network of direct delivery centers.

This role will support the operations of distribution centers, the demand management and replenishment department, as well as the finance team as a center of excellence in inventory management and act as a key collaborator for the distribution center general managers and finance teams.

The chosen candidate must understand the risks related to building capacity, different performance and quality measurement tools, and recommend innovative storage solutions to meet projected volumes.

They will also be responsible for developing short-term strategies that will allow us to meet the standards set by our key performance indicators (KPIs).

Your role

I nventory Data & Production Performance Analysis :

• Collect and analyze data related to stock levels, product movements, and demand to assess storage capacity needs.
• Use analytical tools and statistical techniques to identify trends and forecast future needs.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to efficiently maximize building capacity by providing incoming and outgoing forecasts, as well as analyzing stock levels and / or external storage needs.
• Analyze the accuracy of forecasts to provide feedback on errors and inaccuracies.
• Support optimal product flow (supplier solutions) : supplier scorecards, benchmark data, refinement of minimum order quantities.
• Track and analyze the Perfect Order Index (POI) to measure order performance (on-time delivery, order accuracy, completeness, etc.).
• Propose actions to improve the POI and thus enhance customer satisfaction.
• Product Positioning Optimization :
• Develop and apply optimization algorithms to improve product positioning within the distribution center.
• Develop strategies to minimize travel distances, reduce order preparation times, and maximize space utilization.
• Warehouse Capacity Analysis :
• Regularly assess current and future storage capacity considering seasonal variations and demand fluctuations.
• Recommend adjustments in warehouse layout to optimize the use of available space.
• Collaborate with the Operations team to forecast space needs and product positioning.
• Produce weekly operational inventory metrics at regional, national, and consolidated levels.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration :
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Master Data Management, Merchandising, and Operations teams to ensure data integrity across all systems.
• Work with inventory management teams to align inventory strategies with demand forecasts.
• Collaborate with warehouse managers to implement optimization recommendations and monitor their effectiveness .
• Reporting and Presentation :
• Prepare detailed reports on inventory and production performance, efficiency analyses, and optimization recommendations.
• Present findings and recommendations to key stakeholders in the organization.
• Create ad hoc reports.
• Continuous Improvement :
• Identify process improvement opportunities and propose innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency.
• Stay informed about technological advancements and best practices in inventory management and warehouse optimization.
• Collaborating with continuous improvement leads by providing and analyzing data to support the integration of improvement opportunities.
• Use advanced statistical tools to analyze performance data and identify trends.
• Apply various analytical methods to solve complex problems and improve processes.

The qualifications we are looking for

• 2 to 4 years of experience in a supply chain analyst role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management or Business, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) (a significant asset).
• Programming skills and the use of optimization algorithms (languages such as Python, R, SQL) (an asset).
• Lean Black Belt certification or equivalent (an asset).
• Advanced knowledge of software applications, including Excel and Access.
• Experience in inventory management in a distribution environment (an asset).
• Analytical mindset and troubleshooting skills for identifying and creatively solving complex problems.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with attention to detail.
• High importance placed on customer service (stores).
• Ability to work independently, as well as in a team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Our Hybrid Workplace Policy establishes that associates need to have a reliable transportation to and from our corporate head office located in Boucherville (Quebec), to come to the office on a regular basis.
• We require all our head office associates to be proficient in French, spoken and written.

By joining the RONA family, you ’ ll enjoy many benefits, such as :

• An inclusive and safe working environment
• Promotion of work-life balance
• Exclusive employee discounts
• Benefits : insurance (certain conditions apply), annual salary review, etc.
• Opportunities for advancement within the company
• An employer that’s involved in the community
• Teamwork and ongoing training
• A comprehensive training program for all new hires
• A student incentive program
• And much more!

RONA is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, age, disability, or any other protected status.