Analyst, Capacity Projection and Planning

At RONA, our employees let their passion blossom every day. Our teams are driven by the desire to help people bring their projects to life and are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve.

We operate or service corporate and affiliated dealer stores. With a distinctive product and service offering and complementary store formats ranging from neighbourhood hardware stores to big box stores, our RONA+, RONA and Dick’s Lumber banners are well equipped to help meet the needs of all DIYers and contractors.

You’ve got the talent? We’ve got the tools! Here, your work and ideas will contribute to building a flourishing organization. Your voice will always be heard and valued. You’ll find career opportunities that live up to your ambitions and be able to further develop your unique set of skills.

So, if you’re looking to do what you love, we could be a perfect match.

About the Role

We’re evolving the way retail supply chains operate using AI, advanced forecasting, and predictive analytics to plan smarter, move faster, and scale more efficiently.

At the intersection of innovation and operational excellence, we are reimagining how supply chains drive growth and resilience in retail. We’re looking for a strategic, data-driven Capacity Projection & Planning Analyst to help shape the future of our distribution network.

As our Capacity Projection & Planning Analyst, you will drive the development of long-range forecasting models that inform the future of our distribution network. You’ll use cutting-edge data science to model and predict flows across import containers, domestic inbound freight, and DC outbound volume, with direct influence on our annual supply chain budget and P&L strategy. The analyst will also play a critical role in building and supporting the annual supply chain budget, directly linking capacity requirements to financial planning and the supply chain P&L. This position ensures that labor, storage, and transportation resources are aligned with future business needs, while optimizing cost efficiency and service levels.

More than a technical role, this is a cross-functional leadership position that connects analytics to strategic decision-making. You’ll collaborate with senior leaders in Finance, Merchandising, and Demand & Allocation to align capacity planning with financial targets, commercialization strategies, and product buying plans. You’ll also work closely with technology teams to scale AI/ML models and integrate with enterprise platforms, including TMS, WMS, and Replenishment Systems.

1. Forecasting Model Development & Optimization

• Design, develop, and maintain long-range forecasting models using AI/ML and advanced statistical techniques to predict supply chain flows (Import Inbound, Domestic Inbound, DC Outbound).

• Conceptualize and continuously refine capacity forecasting models by integrating historical data, market signals, and business insights to improve predictive accuracy.

• Conduct model performance evaluations and scenario-based stress testing to ensure robustness under changing business conditions.

• Validate inputs and assumptions by partnering with data engineers and operations teams to ensure model reliability and accuracy.

2. Capacity Planning & Operational Translation

• Translate volume forecasts into actionable capacity requirements, including:
  - Distribution center labor needs (seasonal and long-term)
  - Storage footprint and product flow strategies
  - Transportation mode, lane, and carrier capacity planning

• Develop dynamic capacity dashboards and planning tools to facilitate proactive decision-making for peak periods, promotional events, and product launches.

• Identify capacity bottlenecks, operational risks, and mitigation strategies across the end-to-end supply chain.

3. Budgeting & Financial Integration

• Partner closely with Finance to:
  - Develop and validate the annual supply chain budget, aligning capacity projections with cost forecasts.
  - Integrate capacity forecast output into P&L modeling, capital planning, and long-term mitigation plan investments.
  - Provide insights into cost-to-serve metrics, identifying trade-offs between service levels and financial impact.

• Support strategic business cases for network expansion, automation, and process innovation.

4. Strategic & Scenario Planning

• Perform structured “what-if” analyses to assess the impact of volume surges, delays, or disruptions.

• Create sensitivity models to understand how different assumptions affect capacity plans and cost implications

• Translate model outputs into clear data-driven recommendations for infrastructure strategy, peak readiness, and contingency planning.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Alignment

• Work with cross-functional teams including:
  - Merchandising: to align forecasts with promotional calendars, commercial and supply events
  - Demand & Allocation: to synchronize capacity planning with order flow
  - Systems Teams & IT: to ensure accurate system data and model scalability

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to internal stakeholders, facilitating collaboration between supply chain operations and production planning teams.

6. Insight Delivery & Leadership Communication

• Synthesize complex analytical outputs into concise executive presentations for senior leadership.

• Build storytelling dashboards using Power BI or Tableau to communicate forecast implications on service, cost, and capacity.

• Lead regular forecast review cycles with leadership to align on planning assumptions and make course corrections as needed.

• Championing a culture of data-driven continuous improvement by identifying new modeling techniques, automation opportunities, and best practices in forecasting and planning.

• Monitor emerging AI/ML trends in supply chain analytics and recommend their application to improve decision-making and operational performance.

What You Bring

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Data Science, Business Analytics, or related discipline (Master’s a plus)

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in supply chain forecasting, network planning, or logistics analytics within retail, consumer goods, or distribution

• Proven experience working with AI/ML forecasting models and integrating with real-world supply chain systems

Skills & Knowledge:

• · Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain operations, including warehousing, transportation, and inventory planning

• Familiarity with core systems such as Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Replenishment/Inventory Planning platforms

• Proficiency in analytical tools and languages such as SQL, Python, R, or comparable platforms

• Experience with forecasting and planning tools (e.g., SAP IBP, Blue Yonder, o9, Forecast Pro) and data visualization platforms (Power BI, Tableau)

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to distill complex data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders

• Strategic, solution-oriented mindset with the agility to manage evolving priorities and business needs

By joining the RONA family, you’ll enjoy many benefits, such as:

• A childcare centre that can accommodate up to 78 children

• A cafeteria with a delicious menu prepared by a dedicated chef, healthy options, as well as FARO Roasting Houses and Tim Hortons coffee stations

• Electric car charging stations

• A fitness centre, sports activities, and showers

• Exclusive employee discounts, plus a 10% discount on store merchandise (at all RONA locations)

• Benefits: retirement savings plan, annual bonuses, student incentive program, etc.

• Career growth opportunities within the company

• An inclusive and safe working environment

• Promotion of work-life balance

• An employer that’s involved in the community

• And much more!

If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources team if you require accommodation during the interview and assessment process and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.

RONA is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender, nationality, age, disability, or any other protected status.