Systems Analyst

Description

At Northern Tool + Equipment we get up every day to serve the tradespeople who keep our country running strong and the weekend warriors who want to work like them. It’s our mission to make sure they have the right tools for the job, and an easy, hassle-free experience at our store so they can get in, get out and get on with the job at hand. Your top priority as a Systems Analyst is to analyze business and technical requirements and support the planning, design, configuration, implementation, monitoring, and ongoing support of the Company’s infrastructure and application systems supporting Distribution Centers (DCs), Manufacturing (MFG), and Order Fulfillment. The position is a member of the Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Fulfillment Product Team and helps ensure the efficient operation, availability, performance, and reliability of technology resources. The System Analyst works with business stakeholders, IT teams, Systems Administrators, and vendors to understand requirements, evaluate technical options, and implement solutions that support business operations and technology initiatives. Your positive, professional, roll-up-your-sleeves-to-help attitude contributes to our winning culture and makes sure we leave a lasting impression.

Key Responsibilities:

Agile / Product Team Delivery

• Participate in the analysis, design, testing, configuration, and implementation of infrastructure and application capabilities within Agile/product teams supporting Distribution Center and Manufacturing systems.
• Plan, test, and execute minor implementations and upgrades across server, network, and DC/MFG application environments aligned with business priorities. Coordinate activities for smaller client and server upgrade initiatives, partnering with Systems Administrators and other technical resources as needed.
• Participate in modernization and lifecycle initiatives for infrastructure and DC/MFG platforms using Agile delivery practices, analyzing existing environments and recommending improvements within established technology standards.
• Consult with DC/MFG stakeholders to understand business and technical needs, define system requirements, evaluate technical options, and implement scalable infrastructure and application solutions.
• Identify, evaluate, and implement automation and continuous improvement opportunities across infrastructure and application services.
• Collaborate with IT teams and vendors to evaluate technology solutions and recommend appropriate approaches aligned with business requirements, technology standards, and industry best practices.

ITIL Support & Operational Excellence

• Provide ITIL-aligned support, including incident, problem, and change management, across infrastructure and DC/MFG application environments.
• Monitor and analyze system health, availability, and performance; review logs, diagnose issues, determine appropriate corrective actions, and execute solutions to maintain system stability.
• Evaluate, test, and apply patches, upgrades, and configuration changes to maintain security, compliance, performance, and system reliability, escalating complex changes as appropriate.
• Support Data Center, network, server, and workstation environments, independently troubleshooting routine and moderately complex technical issues and partnering with higher-level technical resources on complex issues.
• Assist with performance tuning, capacity planning, and resource optimization by analyzing system performance and identifying opportunities to improve reliability and efficiency.
• Maintain standardized procedures, system documentation, and ITSM processes in accordance with ITIL practices and company security standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build strong partnerships with DC/MFG stakeholders and Product Team members to understand operational needs and ensure technology solutions are aligned with business requirements.
• Communicate technical risks, issues, recommendations, and implementation progress clearly to IT and business stakeholders.
• Assist in managing vendor relationships, including performance oversight, technical issue resolution, and alignment with established service-level expectations.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, including architecture diagrams, system configurations, technical procedures, and asset information.
• Apply established technical standards and best practices for Manufacturing and Distribution Center systems to support reliability, uptime, resiliency, and operational continuity.
• Crosstrain with team members and support knowledge transfer across infrastructure and application domains.
• Participate in an on-call support rotation and provide after-hours support for critical infrastructure and application incidents, including participation in SEV1 command centers for major incidents.

What you will bring to the table:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or an acceptable combination of education and relevant experience.
• 4+ years of experience in a technical analyst or similar IT role supporting infrastructure or enterprise applications.
• Certifications in a related field preferred, such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, ITIL, or similar.
• Experience working within Agile/product team environments and delivering infrastructure and application capabilities.
• Demonstrated technical and functional knowledge across Windows Workstation/Server, Microsoft 365, Linux, networking (LAN/Wi-Fi), virtualization (VMware/Nutanix), thin-client environments, and endpoint management (Intune).
• Experience analyzing technical requirements, troubleshooting system issues, testing technical solutions, and configuring or modifying systems within established technology standards.
• Experience supporting Distribution Center systems preferred, including WMS, WCS/WES, and LM platforms (e.g., Manhattan, Dematic, Swisslog, AutoStore, Takt, or similar) and other warehouse technologies.
• Experience with Zebra mobile RF equipment or similar devices and MDM solutions such as SOTI or Ivanti MDM preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O preferred, including Manufacturing, Production Control, Inventory, Supply Chain modules, and related integrations.
• Familiarity with enterprise platforms such as IBM iSeries/Power and SAN systems, JDE, and AIX within integrated supply chain environments, including the ability to understand system concepts and assist with configuration, implementation, and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated experience working within ITIL-based support models, including incident, problem, and change management.
• Strong understanding of system monitoring, troubleshooting, performance tuning, and maintaining secure, reliable technology environments.
• Knowledge of best practices for Manufacturing and Distribution Center systems, including uptime, resiliency, and operational continuity.
• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, including cloud, automation, and AI, and identify opportunities to apply them to business or technical needs.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills across technical and business stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise technical judgment and independently resolve routine and moderately complex system issues while recognizing when escalation is appropriate.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within team environments.
• Willingness to travel occasionally and participate in an on-call support rotation.

About Us

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family business with roots stretching back three generations to Minnesota’s Iron Range, where our blue-collar work ethic and commitment to serving the people who do the tough jobs was born. Our mission is to be the best in the world at serving the professional tradespeople and those who want to work like them. With over 130 retail stores across 24 states, top national brands and global manufacturing operations designed to create our own specialized tools and equipment, we are busting our knuckles to deliver the products, prices and advice our customers need to succeed. We’re looking for people who share our blue-collar work ethic. If you’re the kind of person who likes to put your nose to the grindstone to help your customers and company succeed, we’d love to talk to you about becoming a member of our team. Northern Tool + Equipment is proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Top Midsize Employer in 2023. We are committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are valued, and your professional growth is encouraged. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive and competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive Pay: Earn $68,000 to $90,000 annually, with your exact compensation personalized based on your skills, experience, and location. We believe in rewarding top talent with pay that reflects your value.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Achieve the work-life balance you deserve with our full-time, 8-hour shifts, Monday – Friday, complemented by a hybrid work schedule that allows you to work both remotely and in the office.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Your health and well-being are our priority. We offer a variety of health plans, so you can choose what best fits your needs. Employees working 30+ hours per week enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with an enhanced company match to support your financial future.
• Generous Employee Discount: Love our products? So do we! Enjoy a significant discount on the quality tools and equipment we offer, helping you save on the items you love to use.
• Get Paid on Your Terms: With our Daily Pay option, you don’t have to wait for payday - access your earnings whenever you need them for added financial flexibility.
• Paid Holidays: Take time to relax and recharge with 7 paid federal holidays, because we know how important it is to have time for yourself and your loved ones.
• Incentives: Be rewarded for eligible incentive programs.

When you join Northern Tool + Equipment, you're not just starting a job - you're joining a community that supports your success. Come be a part of a team where your skills, dedication, and passion are recognized and celebrated. Your future starts here!