SkillBridge - Supply Chain Fellowship

Position Purpose: Responsible for translating category and assortment strategy into executable field plans that drive measurable improvements in mix, margin, and inventory performance. This role partners cross-functionally to align strategy with operational realities, ensure disciplined execution, and build a scalable model for assortment optimization across the organization, on-the-job training to support a smooth transition into a civilian career. Key Responsibilities: 1 . Field Immersion & Business Understanding Develop a deep understanding of branch operations by working directly in multiple branch environments across varying performance levels and markets. Observe and analyze the full order lifecycle (quote → pick → deliver) to understand how assortment decisions impact daily execution. Evaluate how branches determine stocking decisions, promotions, discounting, and inventory tradeoffs. Assess SLOB management practices and identify gaps between planned assortment strategy and field execution. Partner with Category Management and Supplier Relations to understand supplier programs, brand positioning, and strategic intent. Ride along with sales teams to observe customer behavior, substitution patterns, and buying decision drivers (price, availability, brand, relationships). Analyze external market dynamics including commodity pricing, freight pressures, and regional demand shifts to assess impact on pricing and inventory strategy. Map cross-functional stakeholder ownership and decision dependencies across Supply Chain, Pricing, Sales, Branch Operations, and Supplier Relations. Document current operating realities, execution friction points, and decision flows from strategy to branch-level execution. 2. Current State Assessment & Diagnostics Conduct comprehensive assortment analysis by category, region, and branch to identify duplication, gaps, and over-assortment. Evaluate supplier mix and competitive positioning. Analyze inventory health metrics including DOH, SLOB, and turns to assess financial and operational impact. Assess alignment between category strategy, pricing execution, and field behavior. Conduct structured stakeholder interviews to identify breakdowns in execution. Develop a clear diagnostic of current-state performance across assortment, inventory, supplier mix, and pricing alignment. Identify key influencers and change agents within the organization. 3. Strategy Translation & Execution Planning Translate category strategy into actionable assortment blueprints, including: Target category focus areas Defined brand roles Good/Better/Best price-point architecture Geographic and regional considerations Customer segment requirements Align assortment decisions with inventory strategy, supplier programs, and pricing guardrails. Develop pilot execution plans including SKU phase-in/phase-out strategies. Build inventory transition plans to optimize working capital. Recommend supplier adjustments to improve mix and performance. Establish measurable success metrics including margin improvement, SKU reduction, inventory reduction, and mix shift. 4 . Cross-Functional Alignment & Governance Facilitate alignment across Supply Chain, Pricing, Sales, Branch Operations, and Supplier Relations to support execution. Define clear roles, ownership structures, and execution timelines. Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies. Build and manage a centralized execution tracker. Establish and lead a weekly operating cadence (mini-SIOP model) to monitor progress. Coordinate inventory actions, pricing updates, and sales enablement efforts to ensure synchronized execution. 5. Execution & Change Management Lead rollout of assortment updates and SKU rationalization initiatives. Coordinate inventory drawdowns, transfers, and purchasing adjustments. Partner with Pricing to ensure alignment with updated assortment strategy. Support Sales teams with substitution guidance and customer communication strategies. Communicate assortment changes clearly to field teams and stakeholders. Monitor weekly execution progress and resolve issues in real time. Reinforce adherence to new assortment standards and operating processes. Drive measurable improvements in mix, margin, and inventory performance. 6. Performance Tracking, Optimization & Scale Track performance against defined targets including margin, SKU count, inventory (DOH, SLOB), and sales mix. Conduct post-implementation reviews to identify lessons learned and optimization opportunities. Develop and standardize an Assortment Execution Playbook for enterprise-wide adoption. Present results, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership. Build a repeatable model to scale category and assortment optimization across the organization. Direct Manager/Direct Reports: Reports to SVP, Supply Chain and/or Senior Director/Manager of Supply Chain   No Direct Reports Travel Requirements: Travel to branch locations across multiple markets. Travel may include overnight stays. Physical Requirements Ability to walk and stand for extended periods while visiting branches, warehouses, yards, and job sites. Ability to navigate warehouse and yard environments, including uneven surfaces and loading dock areas. Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing stairs in operational settings. Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and travel frequently between branch locations. Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings. Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and operating office equipment. Visual acuity sufficient to review data, analyze reports, and operate safely in warehouse and job-site environments. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when in operational or construction environments. Working Conditions Reg