Predictive Planning & Inventory Analyst

Job Description The Predictive Planning & Inventory Analyst coordinates material purchasing, demand forecasting and inventory control to optimize supply chain operations across key product lines. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, Project Management and Procurement to align S&OP cycles, mitigate inventory risks, and maintain accurate inventory turns.

A key driver of modern operational efficiency, the Analyst actively leverages Artificial Intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics to refine demand forecasting, optimize stock levels, and automate workflows. Material Purchasing & Procurement Planning Analyze delivery certainty of larger projects. Evaluate inventory availability for non-standard requirements while optimizing availability for standard skews.

Adjust material order requirements based on the delta between production forecasts and backlog. Monitor, identify, and correct system discrepancies to maintain ordering accuracy. Verify material requirements for project transfers from other Canam manufacturing plants. Demand Planning, Forecasting & S&OP Alignment Lead the demand planning cycle across product categories (including Hot Rolled Angles, bridging, Channels, Cold Formed angles, and Deck coils), maintaining rolling forecasts, trend analysis, and seasonality tracking.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Engineering, and Project Management to validate demand assumptions and resolve forecast gaps. Update, present, and align S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) files, track material rolling dates, and submit the Monthly Material Requirement Overview to Corporate. Inventory Control & Operational Projects Monitor on-hand, in-transit, and on-order materials daily; flag supply chain risks and potential stockouts or overstock events.

Own inventory accuracy and maintain target inventory turns through established control procedures, cycle counts, reconciliations, and root cause analyses. Support facility operational improvement initiatives. Data Analysis, AI & Process Automation Maintain, update, and publish key KPI reports and dashboards from internal systems to provide visibility into replenishment, backorders, and supplier performance  Maintain and update critical decision-making tools used for cost tracking, inventory visibility, and material planning  Partner on process improvement initiatives to automate routine administrative tools and streamline purchasing workflows.

Design, test, and implement machine learning algorithms and predictive models to optimize inventory levels and forecast demand. Continuous Improvement & Individual Accountability Proactively identify operational bottlenecks, investigate inventory discrepancies, and execute corrective action plans. Deliver high execution standards across all analytical, forecasting, reporting, and material planning tasks independently.

Qualifications Experience: 3–5 years of progressive experience in material purchasing, materials management, production planning, or supply chain analysis within a manufacturing environment. Industry Background: Previous experience with a steel mill, metal service center, fabrication plant, or heavy manufacturing environment preferred. Technical Proficiency : Proficiency with ERP systems and Google Suite / Microsoft Excel.

Demonstrated capability in data analysis, dashboard creation, and working with complex datasets to drive decision-making. Exposure to or interest in machine learning, AI-driven demand forecasting models, and workflow automation is a strong plus. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical capabilities with a continuous improvement mindset; proven track record of root cause analysis, inventory reconciliation, and process optimization.

Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across cross-func