Business Analyst - Manufacturing

Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company is seeking a Manufacturing Business Analyst with strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and Microsoft Dynamics 365 (preferably D365 Finance & Operations). This role is responsible for analyzing, designing, and optimizing supply chain processes across production planning, inventory management, warehouse management, and logistics. The ideal candidate will serve as a liaison between supply chain stakeholders and IT teams, ensuring that business requirements are translated into effective D365 solutions.

How You Will Help

• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, and IT teams to gather and document business requirements related to supply chain processes.
• Translate business needs into functional specifications, process flows, and use cases for Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O (particularly SCM modules).
• Analyze current business processes and identify areas for improvement or automation within the ERP system.
• Configure, test, and support D365 functionality related to:

Product Information Management

• Configure released products, product variants, item groups, and product categories.
• Support lifecycle tracking of raw materials, subassemblies, and finished goods.
• Ensure correct setup of item models, dimensions, units of measure, and inventory valuation methods.
• Collaborate with engineering and quality teams to manage BOM and formula versions.
• Validate data integrity of item attributes and cross-functional dependencies (e.g., costing, planning, sales).

Inventory and Warehouse Management

• Set up inventory journals, tracking dimensions, batch and serial control, and inventory statuses
• Support location directives, inventory reservations, cycle counting, and stock adjustments
• Configure warehouse hierarchies, wave templates, replenishment strategies, and work templates.
• Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to improve inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
• Monitor inventory transactions for accuracy and timeliness, identifying and resolving discrepancies

**Production Control **

• Set up and maintain production routes, operations, resources, and cost categories.
• Assist in configuring production order types, scheduling parameters, and job card journals.
• Provide support for discrete manufacturing processes including order release, execution, reporting, and costing.
• Monitor production order progress, material consumption, and output reporting to ensure accuracy.
• Coordinate with operations to implement lean practices and eliminate non-value-added steps in production workflows.

Transportation Management

• Configure transport modes, freight rates, route plans, and carrier assignment rules.
• Support inbound and outbound shipment processes, including load planning and rate shopping.
• Integrate transportation plans with warehouse work to streamline staging and loading activities.
• Assist with freight reconciliation, carrier invoicing, and tracking logistics performance.
• Facilitate communication between shipping/receiving and third-party logistics providers.
• Support data integrity efforts by defining data standards and coordinating master data updates related to vendors, parts, BOMs, and routings.
• Develop and execute test cases for UAT, integration testing, and regression testing of supply chain features.
• Provide ongoing production support and user training for D365 supply chain users.
• Assist in managing change requests, system enhancements, and issue resolution through tools like Azure DevOps or ServiceNow.
• Participate in cross-functional projects and ERP upgrades or rollouts.
• Work with external vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of professional experience as a Business Analyst or Functional Analyst in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, especially Supply Chain Management modules.
• Solid understanding of supply chain processes (procure-to-pay, plan-to-produce, inventory control, demand forecasting, and logistics).
• Familiarity with Logistics and Transportation Management systems.
• Proven experience with business process mapping, gap analysis, and documentation.
• Experience with enterprise-level ERP implementations or optimizations.
• Experience with shop floor devices; handheld scanners, label printers, and shop floor control kiosks.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint; familiarity with Azure DevOps and Power BI is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate discussions between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
• Experience with Power Platform (Power Automate, Power Apps).
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.