Supply Chain Network Design Analysts focus on structural and strategic logistics planning rather than daily freight execution. The day-to-day work centers on ingesting large datasets covering transportation costs, facility throughput, customer demand patterns, and carrier rates to build digital representations of end-to-end supply chains. Analysts spend significant time auditing baseline data, running greenfield location algorithms, and testing scenarios that evaluate trade-offs between inventory carrying costs, transit times, and capital expenditures. The role requires translating complex mathematical optimization results into operational roadmaps that non-technical leaders can act upon.The rhythm of the work alternates between rigorous, solitary analytical modeling and active cross-functional collaboration. Analysts frequently interface with procurement, warehouse operations, transportation planning, and finance teams to validate operational assumptions and refine network constraints. The environment favors professionals with strong investigative and conventional interests who enjoy deep analytical inquiry, structured problem-solving, and systems-level thinking. Those who thrive in this career bring comfort with ambiguity, precision in data validation, and the technical aptitude to navigate complex mathematical modeling software.
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Responsibilities
Build and maintain end-to-end mathematical supply chain models using specialized network optimization and simulation software.
Execute greenfield and brownfield scenario analyses to determine optimal distribution center locations, plant capacities, and transportation lanes.
Aggregate, clean, and validate massive datasets spanning freight tariffs, demand forecasts, warehouse operations, and inventory holding costs.
Develop financial models and cost-benefit evaluations to support multi-million-dollar capital investments in logistics infrastructure.
Collaborate with transportation, procurement, and operations teams to map process constraints and establish realistic baseline models.
Design interactive visualization dashboards to communicate network scenarios, risk evaluations, and trade-offs to senior leadership.
Evaluate international and domestic supply chain flows to improve fleet capacity utilization, reduce transit times, and enhance service levels.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
Demonstrated experience building strategic supply chain models using dedicated optimization platforms such as Coupa Supply Chain Guru, Cosmic Frog, or Llamasoft.
Proficiency in data manipulation and query tools including SQL, advanced Microsoft Excel, or Alteryx.
Strong understanding of transportation economics, warehousing operational costs, inventory theory, and network capacity planning.
Experience presenting analytical findings, cost models, and scenario trade-offs to operational and executive stakeholders.
Nice to Have
Master's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, or Supply Chain Analytics.
Programming expertise in Python or R for statistical analysis, automation, and custom algorithm design.
Familiarity with enterprise resource planning and transport management systems like SAP TM, Kinaxis, or o9.
Experience utilizing layout modeling or facility design software such as AutoCAD.
Environment
Work is predominantly conducted in a hybrid office setting, balancing focused analytical modeling with remote collaboration.
Daily routines rely heavily on specialized optimization engines, relational databases, and business intelligence dashboards.
Occasional travel is required to tour distribution centers, evaluate potential facility sites, and engage with operational leadership.
Projects follow strategic initiative cycles that peak during capital planning reviews and network redesign rollouts.
Benefits & Growth
Progression typically leads toward Lead Network Modeler, Network Optimization Manager, or Supply Chain Strategy Director roles.
Compensation packages regularly feature performance bonuses tied to strategic cost reduction and network efficiency milestones.
Provides high cross-functional visibility, positioning analysts for lateral or upward moves into operational planning, procurement, or corporate strategy.
Strong industry demand ensures continuous professional development opportunities in emerging optimization algorithms, AI modeling, and simulation tools.