Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.
Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.
With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.
We are currently hiring for the role of Supply Chain Analyst.
SUMMARY
The Supply Chain Analyst supports Kele's hub-and-spoke distribution network by evaluating supply-side fulfillment options to meet branch-level demand and ensure on-time delivery. The role also develops, tracks, and reports key performance indicators to support network visibility and data-driven supply decisions. The analyst does not own sales orders but is central to supply visibility, inventory health, and cross-branch coordination.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Shortage Evaluation & Sourcing Decisions
- Review and action daily shortage signals generated by the company’s ERP purchasing system.
- Assess each shortage by evaluating local inventory availability, supplier delivery timelines, and network stock positions across the branch system.
- Determine the most appropriate fulfillment path: a.) supplier purchase order, b.) inter-branch transfer, c.) drop-ship order monitoring, or d.) reallocation flag by weighing cost, speed, inventory impact, and customer need date.
- Apply sound procurement judgment to balance service level requirements against inventory risk and fulfillment cost.
- Ensure sourcing decisions do not compromise the inventory position of supplying branches within the network.
Purchase Order Management
- Generate and release purchase orders in the ERP against approved suppliers within established approval thresholds.
- Verify supplier delivery timelines, minimum order quantities, unit cost, and pack sizes before committing to an order.
- Monitor open purchase order status and proactively manage expected arrival dates against customer need dates.
- Respond to and resolve discrepancies including incorrect quantities, pricing variances, damaged goods, and shipment errors.
Inter-Branch Transfer Execution
- Initiate inter-branch transfer orders in the ERP when network inventory availability and delivery timing support fulfillment of branch demand.
- Evaluate regional hub and peer branch stock positions to identify the most effective transfer source.
- Coordinate with branch contacts to confirm quantities, ship dates, and fulfillment method.
- Prioritize network transfers that minimize total supply chain cost while meeting customer commitments.
Drop-Ship Order Monitoring
- Monitor active dropship purchase orders initiated through the sales order process to ensure supplier-confirmed ship dates align with customer need dates.
- Proactively identify and escalate drop-ship delivery risks, including supplier delays, shipment discrepancies, or date misalignments, to the appropriate stakeholder.
Reallocation Flagging & Escalation
- Identify situations where redirecting demand to another branch represents the best supply-side resolution and communicate that recommendation to the appropriate decision owner.
- Provide the supply analysis through network availability, timing, and cost context needed to support a reallocation decision; does not independently reassign or transfer sales order ownership.
- Escalate promptly when no viable fulfillment path can meet the customer need date; document the supply situation clearly in the ERP and notify the relevant stakeholder.
Inventory Health & Visibility
- Monitor branch inventory levels and flag developing shortages before they become ERP-generated signals.
- Partner with the Inventory team to identify excess and slow-moving inventory; support rebalance requests between branches by providing supply-side analysis and coordinating fulfillment actions to improve network efficiency.
- Review sales order pipeline changes and recommend supply adjustments to align with evolving demand.
- Maintain stock-out performance within established targets on assigned products.
- Research and report root causes for recurring stock-out events and recommend corrective actions.
Supplier & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Serve as the supply-side liaison between branch operations, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
- Communicate delivery updates, pricing changes, cancellations, and order status to relevant parties in a timely manner.
- Coordinate with the sales team to address vendor questions and resolve order discrepancies.
- Inform Sales and Product Management of model number discrepancies, obsolete items, lead time changes, and vendor issues.
- Participate in special projects and additional purchasing duties as assigned.
KPI Creation, Tracking & Reporting
- Develop and maintain key performance indicators relevant to assigned branches and regional hubs, including stockout rate, fill rate, and IBT turnaround time.
- Track performance against established KPI targets and identify trends, anomalies, or recurring issues requiring attention.
- Report KPI results and supporting analysis to the Manager, Supply & Logistics and the Director, Branch Operations.
- Recommend adjustments to sourcing, transfer, or fulfillment practices based on KPI performance and supply trends.
Preferred Qualifications
Education
-
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field preferred
-
Associate's degree with equivalent relevant experience considered
Experience
-
2–4 years of experience in purchasing, supply chain operations, inventory management, or a related field
-
Experience working within a distribution or wholesale environment preferred
-
Prior experience with ERP systems required experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or Infor a plus
-
Experience with multi-location or hub-and-spoke distribution networks preferred
Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:
-
Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- HSA
-
FSA (medical and dependent care)
-
401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting
-
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
-
Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
-
Paid time off and paid holidays
-
Tuition reimbursement
-
Paid maternity leave
