Brian J. Ethridge
Celina,Texas
Summary
Strategic procurement leader with more than 20 years of experience in supply chain management, procurement, and vendor relations. Proven track record of optimizing processes, reducing costs, and leading teams to exceed key performance indicators. Looking for my next role in supply chain/procurement after working with an investment group on a project targeted at my hometown.
Demand planning professional with strong background in supply chain management and data analysis. Known for driving efficiency through accurate forecasting and inventory optimization. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals and adapt to changing business needs. Skills include demand planning, supply chain optimization, statistical analysis, and ERP systems. Trusted team player focused on delivering impactful results.
Demand planning professional with proven ability to manage and optimize inventory levels to meet business objectives. Known for collaborative approach and achieving consistent results through effective team coordination and adaptability to changing demands. Key skills include statistical analysis, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Demand Planning Analyst
Salad And Go
Dallas, TX
09.2025 - Current
- Analyzed demand trends to improve forecasting accuracy and reduce excess inventory.
- Developed and maintained inventory management systems to streamline supply chain operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align production schedules with market demand.
- Monitored sales data and adjusted forecasts to respond to customer needs effectively.
- Led initiatives to enhance planning processes, driving improvements in efficiency and effectiveness.
- Implemented advanced analytical tools to support strategic decision-making in capacity planning.
- Presented insights on demand variability and market trends to senior leadership for informed strategy development.
- Identified trends in sales performance, enabling proactive adjustments to inventory levels.
- Supported new product launches by collaborating with marketing teams on promotional planning and forecasting activities.
- Assisted in the development of standard operating procedures for demand planning functions, ensuring consistency across the organization.
- Identified and addressed inefficiencies, leading to potential annual savings exceeding one million dollars.
Managing Partner
The Forge 1912
Celina, TX
01.2023 - 2025
- Created investor group to bring family-owned steakhouse to Downtown Celina, TX, the fastest-growing city in the U.S.
- Purchased historic building (original 1912 blacksmith’s shop, located on the edge of the Historic Downtown Square) and oversaw construction from shell to Certificate of Occupancy over 18-month period
- Worked with Celina EDC and City of Celina to create and meet performance agreements
- Worked with City of Celina to receive permits efficiently
- Created purchasing lanes to maximize profit and efficiency through local and national vendors
- Created production planning models to create efficient kitchen and expediting station
- Reduced equipment spends 32% through negotiation and bidding process
- Hired Management staff to establish and maintain operational standards and culture, as well as run day-to-day operations
- COGS reduced from 34% to 31% in first month of operation
- Labor reduced 18% following first month of operation
- SKU rationalization following first month reduced/streamlined menu for better customer satisfaction and cost optimization by almost 10%
Roles/Progression of Responsibilities
Lennox International
Richardson, TX
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Manager Supply Chain Parts and Supplies (2018 – 2022)
- Lead Supply Planner (2018 – 2018)
- Senior Supply Planner – Marshalltown Parts Production (2017 – 2018)
- Senior Supply Chain Planner (2015 – 2017)
- Supply Planner II (2014 – 2015)
- Led a team of five Supply Planners, driving improvements in fill rate, inventory reduction, and increased turns
- Developed and implemented S&OP standards, leading to more accurate forecasting and process enhancements
- Collaborated with sourcing, product managers, and demand planning teams to optimize procurement processes
- Negotiated with commodities vendors to improve lead time and pricing, resulting in significant cost savings
- Managed transition into a leadership role while maintaining key performance indicators (KPI) across the supply chain
- Led efforts to streamline communication between departments to enhance efficiency and reduce bottlenecks
- Oversaw supply chain operations for all OEM plants, ensuring seamless integration of new processes
- Managed direct reports and supported their professional development through training and mentorship
- Managed production schedules for residential and commercial parts manufacturing, meeting customer demand across multiple locations
- Played a pivotal role in creating and refining S&OP processes within the parts and supply team
- Expanded responsibilities within the supply chain, leading initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency
- Contributed to the development of strategies that improved product availability and reduced excess inventory
- Procured materials for Lennox Residential and Commercial divisions, ensuring timely and cost-effective supply to meet production needs
- Reduced inventory 16.5MM following increase of store count from 34 to 240 by SKU rationalization over a three-month project to identify excess and regional trends
Supply Planner – Contract
Geneva Watch Group
New York, NY
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Purchased watches for large chains and specialty brands as part of a contract role, ensuring alignment with market demand
- Implemented JD Edwards for new ownership group
Category Planner
Easton Bell Sports
Irving, TX
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Analyzed forecasts, trends, and POS data to accurately predict demand for over 120 vendors worldwide, including Wal-Mart Canada and UK
- Managed SKU rationalization, developed seasonal forecasts, and built vendor relationships to ensure optimal lead times and cost controls
- Forecasted sales and demand for Blackburn Design and Bell Mass products maintaining inventories in the US, UK, Germany, and France
- Created French warehouse for division by using current specialty warehouse with excess/unused space for European market
- Created new avenue for Walmart UK with distribution model and reduced costs of shipping by maximizing lanes across all business channels
- Worked closely with logistics teams to streamline shipping processes, resulting in reduced freight costs
Owner/Operations Director
Ocean Oso’s
Galveston, TX
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Founded and operated a retail store and restaurant, managing all aspects of the business, including procurement, forecasting, and vendor relations
- Developed and launched a private label clothing line, contributing to the store’s brand identity and profitability
Demand Planner
Easton Bell Sports
Irving, TX
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Forecasted production for mass accounts for international buying
- Created production plans for mass helmets in US factory
- Maintained and created relationships with outside sales representatives for mass accounts
- Reduced shipping costs from international vendors by creating lanes and production schedules in their factories to maximize containers
Supply Planner
Fleming
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Managed procurement and supply chain operations for various commodities, ensuring consistent product availability across distribution centers
- Maintained purchasing on system created in 1969 while also implementing SAP in other divisions
Buyer
Ameriserve
01.1998 - 01.2000
- Forecasted sales for perishable goods, including chips and tortillas for Taco Bell, ensuring optimal stock levels across all warehouses for seven-day shelf life while maintaining 99.7% in stock with zero spoilage
- Worked directly with PepsiCo to maintain fill rates needed across their brands
- Worked directly with PepsiCo for branding and marketing to meet sales during promotional events (Star Wars re-launch/Super Bowl)
Buyer
Toyota Motor Credit/Lexus Financial
01.1996 - 01.1998
- Collections and Auditing
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management and Marketing
Baylor University
Waco, Texas12.1995
Skills
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Cost Reduction & Efficiency Improvements
- Process Improvement & S&OP Development
Certification
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Timeline
Demand Planning Analyst
Salad And Go
09.2025 - Current
Managing Partner
The Forge 1912
01.2023 - 2025
Roles/Progression of Responsibilities
Lennox International
01.2014 - 01.2022
Supply Planner – Contract
Geneva Watch Group
01.2013 - 01.2014
Category Planner
Easton Bell Sports
01.2011 - 01.2013
Owner/Operations Director
Ocean Oso’s
01.2006 - 01.2010
Demand Planner
Easton Bell Sports
01.2003 - 01.2006
Supply Planner
Fleming
01.2000 - 01.2003
Buyer
Ameriserve
01.1998 - 01.2000
Buyer
Toyota Motor Credit/Lexus Financial
01.1996 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management and Marketing
Baylor University
Key Metrics
- Improved Lennox fill rate from 83% to 96.2%
- Maintained a 98.8% fill rate worldwide at Easton Bell Sports
- Reduced excess and obsolete inventory by 18.4%
- Increased Blackburn sales from $7MM (2010) to $28.1MM (2013)
- Achieved over $4M in cost savings through inventory optimization