Senior Analyst - Inventory Planning

Westlake Chemical Corporation; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division, seeks an experienced Inventory Planning Manager to lead the SIOP process across North America. You will develop and maintain the inventory plan, manage DRP and storage capacity, and collaborate with manufacturing, logistics, and finance to align demand and supply.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain, 5+ years of inventory management experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred) and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field.
• 5+ years of supply chain and inventory management experience.
• Demonstrated analytical skills with ability to develop concepts with actionable plan.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Excel, Word, Outlook, Power BI.
• Proficient with MRP experience required.
• ASCM/APICS certification is preferred.
• Experience with ERP Systems, with SAP S/4HANA preferred.
• Experience with Kinaxis or Arkieva planning systems preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate the inventory plan through the monthly SIOP process.
• Oversee inventory management and replenishment across a multi-echelon NA network.
• Standardize DRP parameters and process.
• Ensure ERP data is set up and maintained for inventory management and DRP.
• Execute replenishment strategy to meet demand and service levels.
• Lead and train replenishment analysts on DRP tasks.
• Develop storage capacity tools as part of the RRP.
• Forecast capacity requirements and optimize network design.
• Define inventory planning parameters like ABCXYZ, safety stock, reorder points.
• Monitor KPIs such as Fill Rate, OTIF, Inventory Turns, etc.
• Design optimal inventory mix by site to meet demand.
• Support planning system enhancements as part of digital strategy.
• Drive organizational change using change management methodologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal and communication

Multi-tasking

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

MS Outlook

Power BI

MRP

SAP S/4HANA

Kinaxis

Arkieva

Job description

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SUMMARY

Oversees the inventory planning activities for the Sales Inventory and Operations Planning (SIOP) process. Responsible for managing, developing and maintaining the inventory plan, as well as the storage capacity requirements plan to meet strategic objectives of the organization. Reports to the SIOP Manager and works cross-functionally to support the overall operations planning and control process.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for the development and communication of the inventory plan through the monthly SIOP process
• Oversees inventory management and replenishment process of a multi-echelon distribution network across North America
• Standardizes Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) parameters and process
• Ensures the ERP data is set up and maintained properly for inventory management and DRP execution
• Executes the replenishment strategy through DRP planners to support the demand plan while achieving the customer service levels required
• Train the team of replenishment analysts responsible for executing daily DRP tasks
• Ensure inventory management processes are in place for DRP planners to execute
• Develops storage capacity tools and process as part of the Resource Requirements Planning (RRP) process
• Forecasts storage capacity requirements, identifies constraints based on the supply and demand plans, and provides recommendations to improve network design
• Defines inventory planning parameters, such as, but not limited to, ABCXYZ classification, Safety Stock, and reorder points
• Enhances, develops and report on KPIs such as Fill Rate, OTIF, Slow Move, Aging, Inventory Turns, IQR, In-line Fill Rate, OSL
• Designs the optimal inventory mix by site to support the demand plan, while achieving the desired customer service levels
• Support the design, implementation and enhancement of the Company’s planning system solution as part of the supply chain digital strategy
• Utilizes change management methodologies to drive organizational change

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain or related field
• 5+ years of supply chain and inventory management experience
• Demonstrated analytical skills with ability to develop concepts with actionable plan
• Proficient computer skills in MS Excel, Word, Outlook, Power BI
• Proficient with MRP experience required
• ASCM/APICS certification is preferred
• Experience with ERP Systems, with SAP S/4HANA preferred
• Experience with supply chain planning systems such as Kinaxis, Arkieva, is preferred
• Able to multi-task and display a high level of company/team spirit in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Be able to travel to sites as needed (up to 25% travel)

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.