Inventory Analyst

This position is based onsite at our Burlington distribution center and has a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The ability to work overtime as needed is required.

The Inventory Control Analyst is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy, optimizing inventory performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across four operating locations managing approximately 7,000 SKUs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring inventory integrity, supporting operational efficiency, improving service levels, reducing excess and obsolete inventory, and identifying root causes of inventory discrepancies. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, extensive knowledge of inventory management principles, proficiency in ABC/XYZ inventory segmentation methodologies, and demonstrated experience performing root cause analysis to resolve inventory-related issues.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and improve inventory accuracy across four facilities containing approximately 7,000 active SKUs.
• Monitor inventory transactions, adjustments, cycle count results, and inventory reconciliations.
• Analyze inventory variances and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and ERP system records.
• Partner with Operations, Purchasing, Planning, Warehousing, and Manufacturing teams to correct inventory inaccuracies.
• Develop and maintain inventory control procedures, policies, and audit processes.
• Conduct regular ABC analysis based on annual consumption value and inventory investment.
• Perform XYZ analysis to classify inventory according to demand variability and forecast predictability.
• Develop inventory management strategies by inventory segment:
• AX Items: High-value, stable demand items requiring tight controls.
• AY/BX Items: Moderate monitoring and replenishment controls.
• CZ Items: Intermittent and unpredictable demand requiring specialized management strategies.
• Recommend safety stock adjustments, reorder parameters, and stocking strategies based on product classifications.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning teams to optimize inventory levels and working capital.
• Lead investigations into inventory discrepancies, shortages, negative inventory balances, stockouts, and excess inventory situations.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including:
  • A3 / 5 Why Analysis
  • Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams
  • Pareto Analysis
  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
• Identify systemic process failures and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive initiatives that improve inventory accuracy, reduce shrinkage, and improve transaction discipline.
• Develop and manage ABC-based cycle counting programs.
• Analyze cycle count results and identify recurring issues.
• Ensure inventory counts are executed consistently across all locations.
• Track and report inventory accuracy metrics by site, warehouse, product family.
• Monitor inventory health metrics including:
  • Excess Inventory
  • Obsolete Inventory
  • Slow-Moving Stock
  • Safety Stock Levels
  • Days of Supply
  • Inventory Turns
• Generate actionable recommendations to improve inventory performance and reduce carrying costs.
• Support inventory reduction and working capital improvement initiatives.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure inventory performance across all locations.
• Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reports for Supply Chain and Operations leadership.
• Analyze inventory trends and provide recommendations based on data insights.
• Support annual physical inventory and external audit requirements.
• Support ERP enhancements and inventory-related system implementations.
• Collaborate with IT and Supply Chain teams on inventory data governance.
• May require travel up to 10% of the time to a NC facility outside the Triad area

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations Management, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-5 years of hands-on experience with inventory control, inventory analysis (ABC/XYZ), supply chain analytics, physical inventory, or materials management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing large SKU portfolios (5,000+ SKUs preferred) across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP (SAP/Oracle/INFO/QAD/Epicor/MS Dynamics), and BI tools (Power BI/Tableau/Bus. Objects)

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring

• APICS CPIM Certification (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
• APICS CSCP Certification (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Experience supporting organizations with annual revenues exceeding $250 million

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