Job Information
College of American Pathologists Senior Inventory & Supply Planning Analyst in Northfield, Illinois
Who we are? As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.
Our Culture
CAP employees make a meaningful difference by partnering with colleagues customers and members on challenging and rewarding work
CAP provides its employees with an energetic and collaborative work environment and encourage opportunities to further develop their skills—offering reimbursement for educational programs and participation in events that enhance your skills
We offer a generous compensation and benefits package, 401K, and more -- visit Careers at the CAP (https://www.cap.org/careers-at-the-cap) for more details
Brief Description
The Senior Inventory & Supply Planning Analyst is responsible for managing master planning and inventory processes to ensure the timely availability of materials and finished goods across the supply chain. This role plays a critical part in aligning supply with demand, maintaining optimal inventory levels, and enabling efficient fulfillment of customer orders.
The analyst collaborates closely with Procurement, Demand Planning, Suppliers, Distribution, and Packaging Operations to manage supply signals, monitor inventory health, and ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of master planning within the ERP ecosystem.
This role also supports continuous improvement of planning processes, ERP configuration integrity, and inventory visibility, enabling the organization to improve service levels, reduce delivery costs, and strengthen supply chain reliability.
Specific Duties
Key Responsibilities:
Master Planning & Supply Alignment
Manage and maintain ERP master planning settings (Microsoft D365) to ensure planned purchase and production orders support timely fulfillment of customer demand.
Configure and maintain planning parameters including lead times, safety stock levels, order policies, and planning calendars.
Partner with Demand Planning and Procurement to ensure accurate synchronization between supply signals and demand forecasts.
Monitor MRP outputs and planning runs to identify supply risks, shortages, or planning inconsistencies.
Inventory Management & Optimization
Monitor inventory levels to ensure optimal availability while minimizing excess and obsolete inventory.
Oversee processes for inventory visibility, cycle counts, and reconciliation across systems and supplier portals.
Collaborate with Finance and Procurement to maintain accurate inventory valuation and data integrity.
ERP Planning Systems & Data Governance
Maintain configuration and data integrity within D365 master planning and related systems (PIM, Supplier Portal, Precision, etc.).
Monitor batch processes and system integrations to ensure planning processes execute correctly and resolve errors or failures promptly.
Troubleshoot system-related planning and inventory issues across platforms.
Planning Governance & Process Development
Develop, maintain, and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for MRP and inventory management processes.
Ensure clear communication of planning processes, responsibilities, and expectations across stakeholders.
Support the evolution of planning best practices and governance frameworks.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Act as the primary point of coordination for inventory and planning discussions across key stakeholders including:
Procurement
Distribution
Contact Center
Product Teams
Suppliers / Packagers
Communicate proactively regarding supply delays, fulfillment risks, or inventory issues affecting customer delivery timelines.
Continuous Improvement & Analytics
Analyze supply chain data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
Support initiatives to improve planning accuracy, inventory performance, and operational efficiency.
Develop reports and dashboards that provide visibility into inventory health, supply risks, and service performance.
Additional Responsibilities
Support supply chain planning initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Knowledge/Skills Required/Preferred
Personal:
High attention to detail with the ability to work with complex datasets .
Self-driven, motivated professional with critical thinking and sound judgement.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Professional:
Strong analytical and IT/technical problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills .
Technical:
Experience with ERP-based planning systems, production planning, and inventory management processes.
Education/Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree Preferred - Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field.
Experience
Proven experience in D365 MRP (preferred), production planning, supply chain management, or a similar role.
Experience with ERP systems.
Background in supply planning, inventory management, or production planning.
Knowledge of Lean supply chain or operational excellence principles.
Related certifications
Certification in supply chain management (e.g., APICS, CPIM CSCP, or equivalent).
Additional Criteria
Salary: $77,000 - $96,000
Candidates must reside within 75-miles of the Northfield, IL office and meet in office requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer The CAP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, ancestry, disability or genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, order of protection status, homelessness, or any other characteristic protected by federal law and the applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection Act
Job Details
Job Family Operations
Pay Type Salary