Inventory Planning Analyst

Job Summary

Responsible for category inventory management across the enterprise. Responsible for creating replenishment strategies, executing SKU transitions, maintaining network balance through parameters, and collaborating with internal and external cross functional partners.

Major Tasks, Responsibilities, and Key Accountabilities

• Leverages SAP and other systems to execute "day to day" inventory control, in order to consistently achieve fill rates while minimizing Inventory days on hand across the global supply chain. Identifies and prioritizes root causes of fill rate issues and excess inventory, and drives corrective actions and control mechanisms across cross-functional teams.
• Utilizes and monitors exception reports and daily analytics for all business metrics; taking appropriate and timely action to prevent stock outs, minimize DOH, and expedite delivery to fill potential backorders.
• Develops and executes inventory strategy for new SKU introductions, discontinued SKU reductions and dispositions, customer-specific inventory positions, direct import SKU sets, and seasonal inventory requirements. Audits product master data (e.g., UoM, vendor SKU number, case quantity) to ensure accuracy.
• Partners with Inventory Analytics and Merchandising teams to proactively identify fill rate and excess inventory issues, and execute respective corrective actions as needed.
• Partners with Demand Management to align inventory system controls (EOQ, min/max, safety stock, velocity rankings) with business objectives. Analyzes and communicates impact of proposed changes.
• Manages supplier relations and partners with supplier to address fill rate, lead time, damaged in-transit issues and supplier return process. Creates import orders based on containerization requirements.
• Collaborates with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Inventory, and Finance to incorporate the on-boarding of new products, retirement of old products, customer-specific inventory requirements, regulatory changes, and promotions into the demand planning process and recommendations.
• Supports and executes aged, obsolete and excess inventory reduction strategies - RTV, "fire sale", contests, transfers, scrap, liquidation, donation, etc. Analyzes forward buys to reduce exposure to excess inventory on hand.
• Nature and Scope
• Demonstrates skill in data analysis techniques by resolving missing/incomplete information and inconsistencies/anomalies in more complex research/data.
• Nature of work requires increasing independence; receives guidance only on unusual, complex problems or issues. Work review typically involves periodic review of output by a supervisor and/or direct customers of the process.
• May provide general guidance/direction to or train junior level support or professional personnel.
• Work Environment
• Located in a comfortable indoor area. Any unpleasant conditions would be infrequent and not objectionable.
• Most of the time is spent sitting in the same position or standing/walking and/or there is some requirement to lift or handle material or equipment of moderate weight (8-20 pounds).
• Typically requires overnight travel less than 10% of the time.
• Education and Experience
• Typically requires BS/BA in a related discipline. Generally 2-5 years of experience in a related field OR MS/MA and generally 2-4 years of experience in a related field. Certification is required in some areas.

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