Analyst, Production Planning (Distribution center)

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.

Reporting to the Distribution Center Production Planning Manager and working in partnership with various other departments within the Store Support Center, the Production Planning Analyst within the dynamic distribution center network is responsible for creating the long-term plan for the distribution center. The selected individual will be responsible for managing and optimizing production processes to ensure smooth operations and customer satisfaction. You will play a key role in planning production activities to achieve performance and efficiency objectives while considering available production capacities.

The scope of this role includes all distribution centers across Canada and the expanding network of direct delivery centers. This role will support distribution center operations, the demand management and replenishment department, as well as the finance team as a center of excellence for inventory management and will act as a key collaborator with distribution center general managers and finance. The candidate must understand risks related to building capacity and recommend a workforce plan to meet projected volumes. They will also be responsible for developing short-term guidance that enables the application of standards set by our key performance indicators (KPIs).

Production Planning

• Develop and maintain production schedules based on demand forecasts, production capacities, and inventory levels.

• Coordinate production activities with other departments (procurement, operations, and transportation) to ensure a smooth workflow.

• Create short-term inbound ad outbound projections and reports using historical and supply chain data.

• Forecast labor and building utilization by analyzing historical data and sales forecasts.

Resource and Production Capacity Management

• Analyze and adjust required resources (labor, equipment, raw materials) to meet production needs while respecting the available production capacities of distribution centers.

• Regularly evaluate production capacities to ensure they are adequate for production goals and propose adjustments as needed.

• Collaborate with the Operations team to efficiently maximize building capacity by providing inbound and outbound forecasts and analyzing inventory levels and/or needs.

Monitoring and Analysis

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production rates, total order production time, and production delays/bottlenecks.

• Identify potential production capacity issues and propose solutions to improve processes and reduce performance gaps.

• Using supply chain reports, establish workforce plans by period and quarter.

• Create ad hoc reports.

Communication and Coordination

• Collaborate with the Operations team to forecast hiring needs.

• Work with production teams, stock managers, and suppliers to ensure effective communication and smooth coordination of operations.

• Prepare regular reports on production status and inventory levels for management.

• Analyze forecast accuracy to provide feedback on errors and inaccuracies.

• Produce weekly, regional, and consolidated operational metrics.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement initiatives to increase efficiency and quality while optimizing production capacity utilization.

• Participate in continuous improvement projects and internal audits.

• Collaborate with continuous improvement leaders by providing and analyzing data to support the integration of improvement opportunities.

• 2 to 4 years of prior experience in production planning or a similar role within a distribution center environment is preferred, or experience as a supply chain analyst.

• Bachelor’s degree in production management, logistics, industrial engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.

• Experience with a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a strong asset.

• Experience with SQL server is a plus.

• Advanced knowledge of software applications, including Excel and Access.

• Experience in inventory management in a distribution environment is an asset.

• Analytical mindset and troubleshooting skills for creatively identifying and solving complex problems.

• Understanding of Production Capacities: Ability to assess production capacities and adjust plans based on constraints and opportunities related to those capacities.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously with attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across various departments.

• Strong customer service orientation (stores).

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• 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: group insurance, 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.