Logistics Planning Analytics & AI Manager

MSC Industrial Direct Co.,Inc.; Davidson (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,710; Full time

Job summary

MSC Industrial Supply Co. in North America seeks a Logistics Planning Analytics and AI Manager to lead the strategy, roadmap, and execution of Lean transformation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions across Planning, Logistics, and Distribution.

This role owns the end-to-end CI portfolio for Logistics & Planning, mentors CI Engineers and Specialists, and partners with senior leaders to shape MSC's supply chain while delivering measurable financial impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Seven+ years in CI, Lean, analytics, or supply chain roles.
• Experience leading enterpriseLean transformation programs with measurable impact.
• Experience presenting to senior executives and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

• Owns the logistics & planning CI and analytics roadmap and multi-year plan.
• Leads Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, A3, and transformation initiatives across sites.
• Sets vision for AI/ML use in forecasting, inventory, planning, and distribution.
• Mentors CI Engineers and Specialists; partners with senior leaders to drive impact.
• Defines standards, data quality, dashboards, and KPI definitions; tracks benefits.

Skills

Lean transformation

AI analytics

Project management

Tableau

Power BI

Mentoring

Change management

Executive communication

Data storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Data Science, or equivalent

Master's degree or MBA preferred

Tools

Celonis

Tableau

Power BI

Blue Yonder

SAP

Salesforce

ERP/WMS

Copilot/AI

Job description

BUILD A BETTER CAREER WITH MSC

Serving customers and our community starts with the best people doing their best work. That is precisely what we have created at MSC Industrial Supply Co. We are a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), products and services. We offer more than 2 million products and have over 80 years of experience across dozens of industries. We aim to execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise for all our stakeholders, including our associates.

BRIEF POSITION SUMMARY

The Logistics Planning Analytics and AI Manager leads the strategy, roadmap, and execution of Lean transformation, advanced analytics, and AI-enabled solutions across Planning, Logistics, and Distribution. This role sets the standard for how MSC uses data, AI, and Continuous Improvement (CI) tools to eliminate waste, accelerate decisions, and deliver measurable financial impact. The manager owns the end-to-end CI portfolio for Logistics & Planning, mentors CI Engineers and Specialists, and partners directly with senior leaders to shape the future of MSC's supply chain.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Owns the Logistics & Planning CI and analytics roadmap. Prioritizes projects against business value, builds the multi-year transformation plan, and aligns it with MSCOS and enterprise goals.
• Coaches associates in Lean, Six Sigma, PDCA, and A3 problem solving. Builds bench strength and succession.
• Sets the vision for how AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics are applied to forecasting, inventory, freight, planning, and distribution. Selects tools, governs data quality, and partners with IT to scale solutions.
• Leads enterprise-level Value Stream Analysis, Kaizen events, and complex transformation initiatives across multiple sites and functions. Holds accountability for sustained results, not just event execution.
• Owns the savings and productivity pipeline for Logistics & Planning. Builds business cases, tracks benefits realization, and reports outcomes to executive leadership.
• Defines and maintains MSC's CI and analytics standards including standard work, control plans, dashboards, KPI definitions, and audit routines. Integrates improvements into MSCOS.
• Translates data, insights, and process findings into stories, recommendations, and decisions for senior business and technical leaders. Influences C-suite priorities.
• Partners with Planning, Logistics, Category, IT, Finance, Sales Ops, and external suppliers to remove blockers, align priorities, and deliver shared outcomes.
• Leads change strategy for transformation programs. Builds adoption plans, training, and communication that move the culture from reactive firefighting to proactive, data-driven oversight.
• Directs application of Lean (VSM, 5S, A3, Kaizen), Six Sigma (DMAIC, SPC, DOE), and digital tools (Celonis, Tableau, Power BI, Salesforce, Blue Yonder, Copilot/AI). Select the right tool for the right problem.
• Ensures safety, quality, and compliance are designed into every process change. Approves risk assessments and error proofing across the team's portfolio.
• Fosters the MSC Culture in the department and throughout the company to ensure fulfillment of MSC's vision and unity of purpose.
• Participation in special projects and performs additional duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in industrial/manufacturing engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Data Science, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in Continuous Improvement, Lean transformation, supply chain, or analytics roles.
• Minimum of three years of experience managing direct reports.
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent demonstrated experience required.
• Proven track record of 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, or similar) to solve supply chain or operational problems.
• Familiarity with Blue Yonder, SAP, Salesforce, ERP/WMS platforms, and process mining tools (Celonis).
• Proven ability to mentor and develop 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 the ability to translate complex data into clear business action.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior leaders and frontline teams alike.
• Flexibility to work in a dynamic environment and lead through change.

BONUS POINTS IF YOU HAVE

• Master's degree or MBA with a focus on supply chain, analytics, or operations preferred.
• Lean certification preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license may be required.
• Position requires up to 20-30% of travel
• This position may require access to International Traffic in Arms Regulations Information (“ITAR”) and/or Controlled Unclassified Information (“CUI”)

COMPENSATION

Compensation starting at $74300 - $116710 depending on candidate location and experience.

The salary range represented is based on similar roles in comparable industries, and the cost of labor in respective cities. Actual compensation is based on the candidate's relevant experience, education requirements and peer pay equity. The Company reserves the right to modify the range as market conditions change.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position at this time.

This job posting will remain open for a minimum of 3 business days from the original posting date or longer as needed to fill the position.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Our associates are our top priority and investing in their well-being is one way we execute our Built to Make You Better brand promise. Alongside competitive pay, we have a comprehensive benefits program to support you and your family's health, well-being and financial future. We offer dynamic healthcare plans, generous 401K and stock purchasing programs, tuition reimbursement opportunities, and paid time away for holidays, vacations, and illness.

You will also have the opportunity to join our Associate Inclusion Circles: Women, Pride, Black, Generational, Veterans, HOLA, and Able. These circles are open to all associates and are designed to promote awareness, collaboration, and respect.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

At MSC, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and our associates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or any category protected by applicable law. Accommodation requests can be made at any stage of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements known.

Please note that MSC uses electronic monitoring and system logs in its workplace, including monitoring of Company-provided systems and collaboration tools, as permitted by applicable law.