AI-Powered Logistics Planning Leader

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 74,300 - 116,710; Full time

Job summary

MSC Industrial Supply Co. in Davidson, NC is seeking a Logistics Planning Analytics and AI Manager to drive lean transformation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions across Planning, Logistics, and Distribution.

You will own the end-to-end CI portfolio, mentor CI Engineers, and partner with senior leaders to shape MSC's supply chain. Expect leadership of cross-functional teams and impactful cost savings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in industrial/manufacturing engineering, supply chain, business, data science, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in continuous improvement, lean transformation, supply chain, or analytics.
• 3+ years of experience managing direct reports.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Proven track record leading enterprise-level lean transformation programs with measurable financial impact.
• Experience deploying AI or machine learning solutions in planning, forecasting, inventory, or logistics.
• Experience standing up or scaling a CI or analytics Center of Excellence.
• Experience presenting to senior executives.
• Background in distribution, logistics, or planning operations.
• Strong proficiency with Lean tools (VSM, 5S, A3, Kaizen) and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC, SPC, DOE).
• Demonstrated ability to apply analytics and AI tools (Tableau, Power BI, Python/R, Celonis) to supply chain problems.
• Familiarity with Blue Yonder, SAP, Salesforce, ERP/WMS platforms, and process mining tools (Celonis).
• Proven ability to mentor CI practitioners toward Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong project and program management skills with data-driven decision making.
• Analytical and conceptual thinking with ability to translate data into action.
• Strong leadership presence to influence senior leaders and frontline teams.

Responsibilities

• Owns the Logistics & Planning CI and analytics roadmap, prioritizes projects by business value, and aligns with enterprise goals.
• Coaches associates in Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, and A3 problem solving.
• Sets vision for AI, ML, and analytics in forecasting, inventory, freight, planning, and distribution; selects tools and ensures data quality.
• Leads enterprise-valued transformation initiatives across multiple sites and functions; ensures sustained results.
• Owns savings and productivity pipeline for Logistics & Planning; builds business cases and reports outcomes to leadership.
• Defines and maintains MSC's CI and analytics standards (standard work, dashboards, KPI definitions).
• Translates data into actionable stories for senior leaders; influences C-suite priorities.
• Partners with Planning, Logistics, IT, Finance, Sales Ops to remove blockers and deliver shared outcomes.
• Leads change strategy and adoption plans for transformation programs; builds training and communication.

Skills

Lean transformation

Six Sigma

Data analytics

Executive communication

Team mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Celonis

Python/R

Job description

MSC Industrial Supply Co. in Davidson, NC is seeking a Logistics Planning Analytics and AI Manager to drive lean transformation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions across Planning, Logistics, and Distribution.

You will own the end-to-end CI portfolio, mentor CI Engineers, and partner with senior leaders to shape MSC's supply chain. Expect leadership of cross-functional teams and impactful cost savings.