Senior Inventory Planner

A. Stucki Company; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage 80% of premiums

401(k) company match

Life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation

Work-Life Balance

Job summary

A. Stucki Company, founded in 1911, delivers cutting-edge rail parts and services, shaping global rail solutions. The Senior Inventory Planning Analyst leads inventory planning across the manufacturing network, balancing demand with supply, to improve service and working capital.

Working cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, Sales, Finance, Engineering, and Manufacturing, this role drives continuous improvement and data-driven decisions, with a hybrid in-office schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 5+ years in inventory planning, materials management, or analytics.
• Experience with multi-site manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with SAP and inventory planning software.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual inventory investment targets, budgets and E&O planning.
• Develop and maintain enterprise inventory policies (safety stock, reorder points, segmentation).
• Use PFEP to optimize levels across the network.

Skills

Inventory planning

Analytics

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/related

Tools

SAP

ERP software

PFEP tooling

Job description

At A. Stucki Company, we’re all about innovation, engineering excellence, and keeping the rail industry on track—literally! Founded in 1911, we’ve evolved into a powerhouse of businesses delivering cutting‑edge parts and services for rail systems worldwide. From dynamic control products and brake system components to springs, bearings, and track infrastructure, we’ve got rail covered. But we don’t stop there—our services include remanufacturing, repair, and more. Over a century strong, we’re redefining what it means to move the world forward, one railcar at a time.

What sets us apart?

Global Impact: Be part of a team that’s making waves on a global scale. Your work at A. Stucki Company will contribute to solutions that transcend boundaries and impact lives.

Collaborative Culture: We value teamwork and collaboration. Our open-door policy ensures that your ideas are not only heard but valued. Together, we build the future.

Continuous Learning: Embrace a culture of continuous improvement. At A. Stucki Company, we invest in your professional development, providing resources and opportunities to help you reach new heights.

Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate differences and believe in the strength of diversity. Join a workplace that encourages individuality and values the unique perspectives each team member brings.

The Senior Inventory Planning Analyst is responsible for leading enterprise inventory planning activities across A. Stucki’s manufacturing network. This role supports the Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) process by balancing customer demand, inventory investment, production capacity, and supply availability to achieve optimal business performance. Working cross‑functionally with Operations, Procurement, Sales, Finance, Engineering, and Manufacturing, this position develops inventory strategies that improve customer service, optimize working capital, reduce excess and obsolete inventory, and improve inventory accuracy across the enterprise. The Senior Inventory Planning Analyst serves as a subject matter expert for inventory planning and analytics while driving continuous improvement, standardization, and data‑driven decision making throughout the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Planning & Strategy

• Lead the development of annual inventory investment targets, inventory budgets, and Excess & Obsolete (E&O) reserve planning for each manufacturing location.
• Develop and maintain enterprise inventory planning policies including safety stock, reorder points, inventory segmentation, and replenishment strategies.
• Utilize Plan for Every Part (PFEP) methodology to optimize inventory levels, material flow, and stocking strategies across the manufacturing network.
• Partner with Procurement, Manufacturing, and Sales to balance customer demand, production capacity, and inventory investment.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and end‑of‑life inventory planning.

SIOP & Business Planning

• Support the monthly Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) process through inventory analysis, demand and supply balancing, and inventory risk identification.
• Analyze forecast changes and inventory impacts while recommending actions to minimize shortages, excess inventory, and customer service risks.
• Present inventory performance, risks, and recommendations during monthly SIOP and leadership reviews.

Inventory Performance & Analytics

• Develop and maintain executive dashboards and reporting for inventory performance, including:
• Inventory Turns
• Days Inventory Outstanding (DIO)
• Fill Rate
• Inventory Accuracy
• Excess & Obsolete Inventory
• Inventory Investment vs. Budget
• Analyze inventory trends to identify opportunities for working capital improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor site performance and proactively communicate inventory risks and opportunities to plant leadership and executive management.

Inventory Optimization

• Lead initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory while implementing preventive actions to minimize future exposure.
• Identify root causes of inventory imbalances and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across inventory planning, replenishment, forecasting, and inventory control processes.
• Support ERP enhancements to improve planning effectiveness and data accuracy.

Inventory Control

• Drive enterprise cycle count processes and inventory accuracy initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to coordinate annual physical inventories across all manufacturing locations.
• Ensure inventory transactions, reporting, and controls support financial accuracy and operational excellence.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Operations, Finance, Sales, Engineering, Procurement, and Plant Leadership to improve inventory performance across the enterprise.
• Lead or support strategic supply chain projects focused on working capital improvement, process optimization, and operational excellence.
• Provide inventory planning expertise and recommendations to leadership through data‑driven analysis and actionable insights.

Qualifications/Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Operations, Engineering, Finance, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in inventory planning, materials management, supply chain analytics, or related manufacturing environment.
• ASCM CPIM or CSCP certification preferred.
• Experience supporting multi‑site manufacturing operations preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP strongly preferred) and inventory planning software.
• Strong understanding of inventory management concepts including MRP, safety stock, reorder point planning, inventory segmentation, and PFEP.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Hybrid Work Schedule (3 days per week in office and 2 days per week worki
• Health Coverage: The company covers 80% of medical, dental, and vision premiums, ensuring comprehensive healthcare for you and your family.
• Retirement Savings: Enjoy immediate full vesting in our 401(k) plan, with a generous company match to support your financial future.
• Life Insurance: Receive company‑paid life insurance for peace of mind and security.
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, plus paid vacation, and sick time available in your first year.
• Work-Life Balance: Supportive benefits designed to help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance.