Director of Distribution Strategy & Analytics

Colours, Inc. is a leading distributor of automotive and industrial coatings, providing high-quality products, training, and service to customers across the region. We pride ourselves on reliable delivery, technical expertise, and a commitment to helping our customers succeed. Position Summary The Director of Distribution Strategy & Analytics is responsible for leading and optimizing Colours, Inc.’s end-to-end distribution planning strategy while building and managing a high-performing data analytics function. This role integrates demand planning, inventory management, purchasing, and distribution strategy with advanced analytics to drive informed decision-making and operational efficiency. The Director will partner closely with division leaders and executive leadership to improve forecasting accuracy, optimize inventory investment, and enhance overall supply chain performance. Key Responsibilities Develop and lead the overall supply chain planning strategy to support operational efficiency, service levels, and business growth. Oversee demand planning, supply planning, inventory optimization, replenishment strategies, and product allocation across all company locations. Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP/SIOP) process, ensuring alignment between demand forecasts, supply capabilities, and financial objectives. Drive network optimization initiatives, including warehouse utilization, distribution flow improvements, and inventory positioning. Establish and lead the Distribution Strategy and Analytics function, including data governance, reporting structures, and performance measurement frameworks. Develop and implement predictive models, simulations, and advanced forecasting tools to improve demand accuracy and mitigate supply chain risk. Design, implement, and maintain dashboards and KPIs that provide real-time visibility into supply chain performance and key business metrics. Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for cost reduction, service improvement, and process optimization. Build, lead, and mentor a team fostering a high-performance, culture. Translate analytical insights into clear, actionable recommendations for cross-functional stakeholders and executive leadership. Partner with Sales to incorporate market intelligence and customer demand signals into forecasting and planning processes. Collaborate with Finance to align supply chain strategies with financial goals, including cost control, margin improvement, and working capital optimization. Work closely with teams to enhance ERP functionality, planning systems, and data infrastructure. Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across supply chain operations, including forecasting accuracy, inventory control, and distribution efficiency. Standardize processes and implement best practices to improve scalability, consistency, and operational performance. Apply Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce waste, improve quality, and drive sustainable performance improvements. Communicate key risks, opportunities, and performance insights effectively to senior leadership and stakeholders. Requirements Strategic planning and thinking with strong execution capability Operational leadership Strategic thinking with strong execution capability Data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset Leadership and team development Cross-functional collaboration and influence Continuous improvement and operational excellence Strong communication and executive presence #J-18808-Ljbffr