Inventory Analyst

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
This position is responsible for planning, managing and maintaining replenishment for all specified lines of business. Also responsible for monitoring and adjusting variables to meet the needs of the stores. This individual will effectively manage the placement and/or replenishment of a designated product category to maintain and in stock standard while achieving planned turnover and revenue growth. The individual must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and be able to prioritize them in accordance with the challenges of a rapidly changing retail environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties and responsibilities of the Inventory Analyst are essential in the daily execution of the position:

• Acts with strong sense of urgency to anticipate customer's needs
• Expertly utilizes the appropriate tools and levers to optimize in-stock and minimize unproductive inventories
• Provides promotional merchandise in the correct quantities to stores in support advertised promotions
• Maintains collaborative partnership with stores and vendors
• Proactively communicates key strategies and initiatives to store partners
• Leads others to adapt processes, solutions, successes, ideas, etc
• Makes quick, intelligent fact-based decisions
• Takes responsible risks to find lasting solutions to difficult problems
• Keeps the buying team updated on current projects and problems
• Engages in continuous teaching about system capabilities and supply chain processes
• Performs complex and highly detailed work with accuracy and precision
• Maintains proper inventory levels in all stores to support profitable sales
• Reviews local market tailoring and records assortment needs through discussion with the buying team
• Makes quality inventory and purchase recommendations to Buyers.
• Analyzes sales and stock levels to ensure that reorder recommendations made by the replenishment system reflect the sales trend, presentations standards and turnover goals
• Recommends new/remodel store assortments
• Recommends promotional/new product forecasts by reviewing and updating sales estimates and history
• Tracks and maintains purchase orders (import and domestic)
• Documents (with Buyer) menu of attributes relevant to a class
• Creates superior order allotments and makes adjustments prior to receipt of goods as warranted by sales trend

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication – Communicates effectively using oral and written language to convey information clearly and effectively. Speaks clearly and expresses self well in groups and in one-on-one conversations. Listens willingly to concerns expressed by others and takes appropriate action. Keeps people informed of decisions, changes, and other relevant information.

Strong interpersonal relationship skills – Relates well with others in an open, candid, consistent, and professional manner. Works to understand the views of others to ensure effective, collaborative business efforts. Actively works to build credibility with all colleagues, customers, and partners.

Proven leadership skills – Proactively identifies opportunities to add value beyond what is required. Readily accepts responsibility for leading and managing work, creates a "can do" climate, promotes and maintains enthusiasm, builds credibility to influence decisions, and ensures organizational collaboration.

Flexibility/Adaptability to Change – Readily adapts to changing priorities, ideas, strategies, procedures, and methods. Displays openness to analyzing methods for completing work, modifying work to ensure maximized productivity and results, and implementing new methods to ensure maximum organizational value.

Strategic Problem Solving/Analytical Ability/Decision Making – Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret data, situations, and information, while considering the strategic/organizational impact of alternative solutions. Actively explores innovative, creative, and/or collaborative solutions to issues.

Responsibility/Accountability – Acts like a business owner; builds relationships, formulates decisions, assesses business impact, pursues opportunities for improvement, and responds to the needs of the Company. Assumes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes.

Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree from a four year college or university; or four years related experience and/ or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Highly flexible and able to work well under pressure
• Strong analytical kills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Proficiency in the use of desktop applications and Windows-based programs
• Basic knowledge of financial planning systems (ex. DCM); Intermediate knowledge / certification on Supply Chain / Inventory Systems