Essential Work Sample Exercises for Hiring Top Supply Chain Planners

Supply Chain Planners serve as the operational backbone of modern businesses, orchestrating the delicate balance between inventory levels, production schedules, and customer demand. Their ability to forecast accurately, optimize resources, and navigate disruptions directly impacts a company's bottom line and customer satisfaction. In today's complex global supply chains, hiring the right planner can mean the difference between operational excellence and costly inefficiencies.

Traditional interviews often fail to reveal a candidate's true capabilities in supply chain planning. While resumes highlight past experiences and behavioral questions explore soft skills, neither adequately demonstrates how candidates approach the analytical challenges and cross-functional coordination that define this role. Work samples bridge this gap by simulating real-world scenarios that supply chain planners face daily.

The exercises outlined below are designed to evaluate candidates' technical proficiency, analytical thinking, and problem-solving approaches in realistic supply chain contexts. By observing candidates work through these scenarios, hiring managers gain invaluable insights into their practical skills, thought processes, and ability to balance competing priorities—qualities that are difficult to assess through conversation alone.

Implementing these work samples as part of your interview process not only helps identify truly qualified candidates but also gives applicants a realistic preview of the role. This transparency leads to better job fit and reduced turnover, as candidates can self-assess their interest and aptitude for the position before accepting an offer.

Activity #1: Demand Forecasting and Inventory Optimization

This exercise evaluates a candidate's ability to analyze historical data, identify patterns, and develop accurate forecasts—core competencies for any supply chain planner. It also tests their understanding of inventory management principles and how to balance service levels with carrying costs. Effective planners must regularly make these calculations to optimize inventory investments while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Directions for the Company:

• Prepare a dataset containing 12-24 months of historical sales data for 5-10 products, including seasonality patterns and some anomalies.
• Include information on lead times, current inventory levels, storage costs, and service level requirements.
• Provide access to Excel or similar analysis tools during the interview.
• Allow 45-60 minutes for completion, followed by 15 minutes for presentation and discussion.
• Consider including a recent supply chain disruption scenario to see how the candidate adjusts forecasts accordingly.

Directions for the Candidate:

• Analyze the provided historical data to identify trends, seasonality, and potential outliers.
• Develop a 3-month demand forecast for each product using appropriate forecasting methods.
• Recommend optimal inventory levels and reorder points based on lead times and service level requirements.
• Calculate the financial impact of your inventory recommendations (carrying costs vs. stockout risks).
• Prepare a brief explanation of your methodology and rationale for your recommendations.

Feedback Mechanism:

• After the candidate presents their analysis, provide feedback on one strength (e.g., "Your identification of seasonal patterns was particularly insightful") and one area for improvement (e.g., "Consider how you might account for the promotional events in your forecast").
• Ask the candidate to revise one aspect of their forecast or inventory recommendation based on the feedback, giving them 5-10 minutes to make adjustments.
• Observe how receptive they are to feedback and their ability to quickly incorporate new considerations into their analysis.

Activity #2: Supply Chain Disruption Response

This scenario tests a candidate's ability to think critically under pressure and develop contingency plans—essential skills for today's volatile supply chains. Supply chain planners must regularly navigate disruptions while minimizing impact on operations and customers. This exercise reveals how candidates prioritize competing objectives and communicate during crisis situations.

Directions for the Company:

• Create a realistic disruption scenario relevant to your industry (e.g., supplier factory shutdown, transportation delay, sudden demand spike).
• Provide relevant background information including current inventory levels, production schedules, customer commitments, and alternative sourcing options.
• Include constraints such as budget limitations, lead time requirements, and quality standards.
• Allow 30-45 minutes for the candidate to develop a response plan.
• Consider having a cross-functional team member participate to evaluate the candidate's collaborative approach.

Directions for the Candidate:

• Review the disruption scenario and assess its potential impact on the supply chain.
• Develop a comprehensive response plan that addresses immediate needs while minimizing long-term consequences.
• Prioritize actions based on urgency and impact, considering both customer needs and operational constraints.
• Identify which stakeholders should be informed and what information they need.
• Outline preventive measures that could mitigate similar disruptions in the future.
• Prepare to present your plan, including rationale for your decisions and any trade-offs you considered.

Feedback Mechanism:

• Provide feedback on the candidate's approach, highlighting one effective strategy they proposed and one consideration they may have overlooked.
• Ask the candidate to refine their communication plan based on your feedback about stakeholder needs.
• Evaluate how well they adapt their approach and whether they demonstrate flexibility while maintaining focus on key priorities.

Activity #3: Cross-Functional Planning Simulation

This exercise evaluates a candidate's ability to collaborate across departments and balance competing priorities—critical skills for effective supply chain planners. The role requires constant negotiation between sales, operations, finance, and logistics teams. This simulation reveals how candidates navigate these complex relationships while maintaining focus on overall business objectives.

Directions for the Company:

• Set up a role-play scenario where the candidate must facilitate a sales and operations planning (S&OP) meeting.
• Assign company representatives to play roles of different stakeholders (sales manager, production manager, finance director, etc.).
• Provide background materials including current production capacity, sales forecasts, financial targets, and inventory constraints.
• Brief the role players on their departmental objectives and potential points of conflict.
• Allow 15 minutes for the candidate to review materials and 30 minutes for the meeting simulation.

Directions for the Candidate:

• Review the provided materials to understand current supply chain performance, constraints, and departmental objectives.
• Prepare an agenda for the S&OP meeting that addresses key planning issues.
• Facilitate the meeting, ensuring all stakeholders have input while keeping discussions productive.
• Work toward consensus on production plans, inventory targets, and resource allocation.
• Document key decisions and next steps that emerge from the discussion.
• Be prepared to mediate conflicts between departments with competing priorities.

Feedback Mechanism:

• After the simulation, provide feedback on the candidate's facilitation skills, highlighting one effective technique they used and one area where their approach could be improved.
• Ask the candidate to reflect on how they might handle a specific challenging moment differently based on your feedback.
• Observe their self-awareness and ability to adapt their communication style to different stakeholders.

Activity #4: Supply Chain Analytics and Optimization Project

This project assesses a candidate's analytical capabilities and strategic thinking—fundamental requirements for modern supply chain planning. Today's planners must leverage data to identify improvement opportunities and quantify their impact. This exercise reveals how candidates approach complex optimization problems and translate analysis into actionable recommendations.

Directions for the Company:

• Prepare a dataset showing current network configuration, transportation costs, warehouse locations, and customer delivery requirements.
• Include information on service level agreements, volume constraints, and cost structures.
• Clearly define the optimization objective (e.g., reduce total logistics costs while maintaining service levels).
• Provide this assignment 24-48 hours before the interview, asking candidates to prepare a 15-minute presentation.
• Ensure the scope is reasonable for the timeframe while still being substantive enough to demonstrate analytical skills.

Directions for the Candidate:

• Analyze the provided supply chain data to identify inefficiencies and optimization opportunities.
• Develop recommendations for network improvements that balance cost, service, and risk considerations.
• Quantify the potential benefits of your recommendations (cost savings, service improvements, etc.).
• Create a phased implementation plan for your proposed changes.
• Prepare a concise presentation explaining your analysis, recommendations, and implementation approach.
• Be prepared to discuss your methodology and how you would validate your assumptions.

Feedback Mechanism:

• After the presentation, provide feedback on both the analytical approach and communication effectiveness, highlighting one strength and one area for development.
• Ask the candidate to elaborate on how they might refine their analysis based on additional data points you suggest.
• Evaluate their ability to think on their feet and adapt their recommendations when presented with new considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should we allocate for these work sample exercises?

Most of these exercises require 45-60 minutes for completion, plus 15-20 minutes for discussion and feedback. The cross-functional simulation may need additional time for setup and role player briefing. Consider spreading the exercises across multiple interview rounds rather than attempting all in one session.

Should we provide these exercises before the interview or conduct them live?

The analytics project (Activity #4) works best when assigned beforehand, allowing candidates time for thoughtful analysis. The other exercises are more effective when conducted live to assess how candidates think on their feet. For remote interviews, ensure candidates have access to necessary tools and clear instructions.

How should we evaluate candidates who use different methodologies than we expected?

Focus on the effectiveness of their approach rather than adherence to a specific methodology. The best candidates may introduce novel techniques that deliver superior results. Evaluate their reasoning process, the soundness of their assumptions, and whether their approach would work in your specific business context.

What if candidates don't have experience with our specific industry?

These exercises test fundamental supply chain planning skills that transfer across industries. Consider providing additional context about industry-specific factors before the exercise. Strong candidates will ask clarifying questions and adapt their approach to your business environment, even without prior industry experience.

How can we ensure these exercises don't disadvantage candidates from diverse backgrounds?

Review exercise materials to eliminate industry jargon or cultural references that might create barriers. Provide clear instructions and equal preparation time for all candidates. Consider offering accommodations when needed, such as additional time for non-native English speakers or alternative formats for candidates with disabilities.

Should we use the same exercises for all experience levels?

While the core activities remain relevant, consider adjusting expectations and complexity based on seniority. For entry-level positions, focus more on analytical fundamentals and learning potential. For senior roles, emphasize strategic thinking and cross-functional leadership aspects of the exercises.

Supply chain planning excellence directly impacts your company's operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and bottom line. By incorporating these work samples into your hiring process, you'll identify candidates who not only understand supply chain theory but can apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. The best planners combine analytical rigor with practical problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration—qualities these exercises are specifically designed to reveal.

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