1. Demand Planning Analyst
What they do: Match product demand with appropriate inventory levels.
Why it’s important: Carrying too much or too little inventory can have dire consequences on a company’s bottom line. Demand Planning Analysts prevent this from happening.
Skills: This role is heavy on quantitative analysis, so an academic background in mathematics is useful. Experience using enterprise resource planning (ERP) software such as SAP or Oracle is also beneficial. Many individuals in these roles have advanced certifications, such as becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) through APICS or a Six Sigma Black Belt.