Operations Research Analyst

Introduction Ahold Delhaize USA, a division of global food retailer Ahold Delhaize, is part of the U.S. family of brands, which also includes five leading omnichannel grocery brands – Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Ahold Delhaize USA associates support the brands with a wide range of services, including Finance, Legal, Sustainability, Commercial, Digital and E-commerce, Technology and more. Overview The Operations Research Analyst is responsible for supporting the design of optimal fulfillment solutions, as well as being the subject matter expert on how to most optimally configure and control them to operate at peak efficiency. This includes having a thorough understanding of the systems that control the channel’s fulfillment solutions, how to best configure/parametrize them, what data they produce and how to use that data to inform key learnings and insights and identify improvement opportunities. They will use these insights to guide the design, development, and implementation of enhancements to existing, and/or innovative new solutions. They will also contribute to informing the right strategy for the most optimal tactical use of systems, all in support of ADUSA’s goals of increasing productivity, increasing capacity, improving customer and associate experiences, and driving sustainability. They will work with operators within the brand operations team, as well as counterparts within the Implementation & Integration teams, to gather on‑ground learnings. They will also advise the same teams on how to turn insights from these learnings into improved standard operating procedures. They will work to deliver solutions that use data for tactical optimization of key processes (e.g., order batching, tote cubing, item slotting, pathfinding, etc.). This role will participate in evaluating and testing new systems and processes before they are ultimately delivered, both from the perspective of their physical operation as well as the IT integration. They will ensure successful implementations due to being highly involved in feature and system testing at every step (e.g., component testing, integration testing, end‑to‑end testing) and will provide sign‑off on final user acceptance tests. They will participate and support the Optimization team in implementation of pilots and proven systems, providing project support and performing the role of subject‑matter expert. They will support the overall design of proposed facilities and formats, by bringing expertise to the table on optimal layout and other design elements. Our flexible/hybrid work schedule includes 3 in‑person days at one of our core locations and 2 remote days. Our core office locations include Salisbury, NC, Quincy, MA, Carlisle, PA, Scarborough, ME, and Hyattsville, MD. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Responsibilities Support the development of the ADUSA e‑commerce fulfillment strategy and execution by informing the design through data and insights. Support the Optimization team in the design and improvement of optimal fulfillment models that fit business needs through data, requirements gathering, documentation, working directly with vendor partners and cross‑functional teams within ADUSA. Work directly with counterparts in Tech to aid their IT integration and systems design approach, through providing data and insights on current system performance, as well as representing ADUSA Fulfillment Strategy & Solutions in the IT design, ensuring requirements are met through the appropriate design. Provide subject‑matter expertise in collaborating with counterparts in ADUSA Data Science to improve tactical fulfillment processes. Use data from current operations to identify improvement opportunities in tactical processes like item slotting, order batching, tote cubing, path finding, etc. and work with data science counterparts to deliver solutions to address these opportunities. Develop specific KPIs to evaluate solutions and individual implementations and help create the appropriate dashboards/reports to monitor performance of those KPIs. Work with counterparts in other areas of ADUSA (e.g., industrial engineering, business development, merchandising, etc.) to identify and shape improvement opportunities and engineering studies delivering required insights to improve output. Contribute to an Optimization department that promotes partnership behaviors, collaborates across functions, keeps up with relevant developments in the industry, prioritizes personal development, puts development front and center, and contributes to a culture of belonging. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Continuous Improvement or Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or related fields would be beneficial to this role. Understanding of the dynamic handling characteristics, constraints and risks associated with the wide range of material handling systems. Understanding of SQL and/or other data analysis approached to be able to pull and analyze large datasets. Familiarity with programming (Java, Python, etc.). Familiarity with simulation and modeling software. Knowledge of the constraints and methods for defining and demonstrating equipment, subsystem, and system performance criteria. Technical knowledge of fulfillment tools and systems (OMS, WMS, Picking apps, inventory systems, etc.). Knowledge of data querying, mining and dashboarding (SQL knowledge preferred). Knowledge of food safety and workplace safety best practices. Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions. Learns quickly when facing new situations. Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization. Understands the meaning and implications of key financial indicators. Demonstrates thorough understanding of retail and e‑commerce fulfillment processes. Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner. Ability to transform complex data into actionable insights to inform strategic decision‑making. Ability to present recommendations based on data‑driven conclusions. Demonstrates an openness to new and differing ideas, systems, processes and technology. Systems oriented; understanding of IT systems and applications. Evaluates and recommends changes in methods or procedures. Preferred Qualifications 3+ years of experience in a directly related field and successful demonstration of key abilities and knowledge as presented above. Track record of successful delivery of cross‑functional projects. Has either participated in projects implementing/delivering automated fulfillment solutions, or has close knowledge of operating said solutions, including insight into optimizing them through various tactical approaches. ME/NC/PA/SC Salary Range: $75,040 - $112,560 IL/MA/MD/NY Salary Range: $86,320 - $129,480 #J-18808-Ljbffr