The Distribution Performance Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on distribution center performance across all operational metrics. This role serves as the analytical backbone of the DC, transforming operational data into actionable insights that drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
The Analyst partners closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to identify trends, investigate performance gaps, and present data-driven recommendations that enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Culture (SQDCC) across the distribution network. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, proficiency with business intelligence tools, and the ability to communicate complex data insights to stakeholders at all operational levels.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting (40%):
- Monitor daily and weekly performance metrics across all DC operational categories including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Culture (SQDCC)
- Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as order accuracy, on-time shipment, labor productivity, inventory accuracy, units per hour, and cost per unit shipped
- Maintain and update performance dashboards in Power BI, Looker, or other business intelligence platforms
- Generate standardized daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports for DC leadership and functional managers
- Support Op Ex reporting cadence with timely data compilation and Sr Leadership-ready presentations
- Identify performance variances and flag anomalies requiring immediate attention or investigation
- Create visual scorecards and performance summaries for shift meetings, leadership huddles, and monthly business reviews
Data Analysis & Trend Identification (30%):
- Extract operational system data for comprehensive analysis
- Perform advanced data manipulation and analysis in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, complex formulas, and statistical analysis
- Conduct trend analysis to identify patterns in operational performance across shifts, departments, product categories, and time periods
- Analyze historical data to forecast future performance and capacity requirements
- Identify correlations between operational variables (e.g., staffing levels vs. productivity, order volume vs. accuracy)
- Develop predictive insights to support proactive decision-making and resource planning
- Benchmark performance against internal targets, historical baselines, and industry standards
Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving (20%):
- Investigate recurring operational issues and performance gaps using structured problem-solving methodologies
- Conduct deep-dive analysis on systemic problems including chronic pick exceptions, delivery delays, quality defects, and productivity challenges
- Collaborate with operational teams to gather context, validate data findings, and understand process constraints
- Document root causes with supporting data evidence and present findings to leadership
- Develop data-driven recommendations for corrective actions and process improvements
- Track effectiveness of implemented solutions through before-and-after performance comparisons
- Support continuous improvement initiatives with analytical insights and measurement frameworks
- Respond to ad hoc analysis requests from DC leadership with timely and accurate insights
Business Intelligence & Visualization Development (10%):
- Partner with BI architect and IT teams to identify dashboard and reporting enhancement opportunities
- Define requirements for new visualizations, metrics, and reporting capabilities based on operational needs
- Test and validate new reports and dashboards to ensure data accuracy and usability
- Train end-users on accessing and interpreting dashboard data
- Maintain documentation of data sources, calculation methodologies, and report specifications
- Recommend automation opportunities to streamline manual reporting processes
- Translate complex data analysis into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical audiences
Minimum Requirements:
- Associate's degree in Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Data Analytics, Business Administration, or related field.
- Serve as subject matter expert on performance metrics, data definitions, and reporting capabilities
- 2-3 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, or business intelligence
- Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement experience preferred.
Preferred:
- Preferred: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, Statistics, Operations Management, or related field.
- APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
- Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst certification
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt
- SQL or data analytics certification
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Crew Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
- While performing the duties of this job, the Crew Member regularly works near moving equipment.
- Position is routinely exposed to hot and cold temperatures during Summer and Winter months in the Distribution Center.
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Crew Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the Crew Member is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, reach with hands and arms, use hands to handle or feel. The Crew Member is occasionally required to climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or team lift items greater than 50 pounds.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
West Marine offers a wide range of benefits, which include medical/dental/vision, various voluntary benefits, 401k, and paid time off. To view eligibility and additional information on these benefits, along with starting pay ranges for select states, please visit our benefits page at www.embbenefits.com/wm-home/.
Join us at West Marine and help us provide the best boating experience for our customers!
