Work Location: [Chicago, IL]Due to the highly interactive and team-based nature of this role, in-person attendance for most of the workweek (i.e., 3 days or more) is essential for: effective communication including during in-person meetings, strong supervision, real-time problem-solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives.
The Analyst, Lifecycle Management (LCM) is responsible for executing end-to-end governance of portfolio transitions at Ferrara, ensuring that item changes - whether driven by innovation, commercial action, or product discontinuation - are executed with discipline, financial rigor, and minimal inventory risk. This role directly influences master data governance, MRP governance, and IBP process integration for all portfolio transitions, while executing the obsolescence mitigation strategy across the full transition lifecycle.
The Analyst partners closely with Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Material Planning, Finance, Quality, and Commercial teams to drive cross-functional alignment, enforce planning discipline, and protect the business from avoidable inventory write-offs.
Ways you will make a difference Master Data Governance
• Provide master data governance for all end-of-life portfolio transitions, including MRP settings, material status management, and BOM updates.
• Maintain substitution table entries in partnership with Customer Service to enable ATP logic for shared-GTIN transitions.
• Govern data accuracy across the item transition lifecycle; identify and remediate data defects that generate inconsistent MRP signals.
MRP Governance & IBP Integration
• Continuously improve the Item Transition Process, serving as a cross-functional process influencer for all portfolio transition workflows from intake through runout.
• Prepare content for the weekly MRP Governance Forum: review demand signal exceptions, supply signal exceptions, and on-hand excess for all in-flight transitions; route findings to appropriate workstreams.
• Ensure transition plan assumptions (transition date, material scope, GTIN impact, customer exceptions) are current, validated, and reflected in system planning signals at all times.
Brand Obsolescence Mitigation
• Support brand obsolescence mitigation strategy, including integrated tactical planning analysis, redeployment analysis, repack/repurpose evaluation, and blocked stock disposition.
• Develop the redeployment program: assess site-level stranded inventory, evaluate redeployment eligibility within the 90-day ITP horizon, and validate cost-benefit against transportation spend.
Skills that will make you successful - Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain principles with a focus on Material Requirements Planning (MRP), IBP processes, and inventory lifecycle management.
- Demonstrated experience with master data governance in an ERP environment, including material status management, BOM maintenance, and MRP parameter configuration; SAP strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of portfolio transition mechanics - including packaging, component, and finished goods transitions - and the financial implications of transition timing decisions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power Query, and BOBJ. Experience building or maintaining dashboards and automated data refreshes is a plus.
- Ability to translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable conclusions for cross-functional and senior leadership audiences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting in structured governance forums and escalating risks to senior leadership.
Experiences that will support your success - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or a related field required.
- 2+ years of experience in supply chain, inventory management, or lifecycle/portfolio management.
- Proven track record of delivering measurable financial impact - through obsolescence mitigation, inventory risk reduction, or process improvement.
What We Offer At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center
Compensation The salary range for this role is
$71,100 - $99,540 annually + 10% bonus potential.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
