Aftermarket Inventory Strategy Analyst

Caterpillar Inc.•Morton, IL

3d•$89,210 - $133,810•Onsite

About The Position

Our Product Support and Logistics Division (PSLD) is one of the most innovative divisions within Caterpillar. In PSLD, as within all of Caterpillar, our priority is our customers and helping them build a better world. We touch nearly every element of the services value stream. PSLD is responsible for Aftermarket Parts Distribution of Cat Parts, Integrated Logistics and Global Services supporting Caterpillar dealers and customers. Our teams work together in critical areas that leverage digital capabilities, technology and operational excellence. As an Aftermarket Inventory Strategy Analyst, you will be responsible for partnering with Caterpillar dealers to improve service parts availability, inventory performance, and customer satisfaction. Serving as a trusted inventory management advisor, you will analyze data, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide recommendations that help dealers optimize inventory investments, reduce backorders and excess inventory, and achieve key business objectives. This role combines analytics, problem-solving, and relationship management, requiring the ability to translate complex data and system insights into practical solutions for dealers and internal stakeholders.

Requirements

Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.
Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools, techniques, and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion, goal, or judgment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience in inventory management, supply chain analytics, demand planning, forecasting, logistics, or inventory optimization.
Proven ability to analyze large datasets, uncover trends and root causes, and translate insights into actionable business recommendations.
Strong analytical skills with experience using tools such as SQL, Snowflake, SAS, Power BI, and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Understanding of how analytical models, calculations, and business metrics are developed, with the ability to validate results and identify data issues.
Experience influencing customers, stakeholders, or business partners through data-driven recommendations and consultative problem-solving.
Ability to communicate complex analytical concepts in a clear, practical manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Experience conducting business reviews, presenting findings, and building trusted relationships with customers, dealers, suppliers, or operational teams.
Knowledge of inventory planning, service level management, backorder reduction, inventory investment strategies, and operational performance metrics.
Experience supporting operational improvements through stakeholder engagement, training, process improvement initiatives, or change management efforts.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility, navigate diverse personalities, and confidently engage with customers and leaders at all levels.
Experience creating dashboards, reports, visualizations, or decision-support tools that drive business performance.
Self-motivated approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and follow through on commitments in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted inventory management advisor to assigned Caterpillar dealers, building strong relationships and providing data-driven recommendations that improve inventory performance and customer satisfaction.
Analyze inventory, operational, and business performance data to identify opportunities to improve product availability, reduce backorders, optimize inventory investment, and increase service levels.
Partner with dealers to develop inventory strategies that align with business objectives, customer demand, and service performance targets.
Conduct inventory simulations and scenario analyses to help dealers evaluate stocking decisions, inventory investments, and potential business outcomes.
Lead performance reviews with dealers and internal stakeholders, presenting key metrics, trends, and actionable recommendations to drive continuous improvement.
Identify root causes of inventory performance gaps and collaborate with dealers to implement solutions that enhance inventory productivity and customer availability.
Translate complex analytical findings and technical concepts into clear business recommendations that can be understood by stakeholders at all levels.
Provide training, consultation, and ongoing support to help dealers adopt inventory optimization tools, reporting solutions, and industry best practices.
Troubleshoot inventory planning and system-related issues impacting dealer operations and work collaboratively to resolve challenges.
Influence business decisions through facts, data analysis, and strategic recommendations while partnering with dealers to achieve shared service and inventory performance goals.
Support process improvement initiatives, reporting enhancements, dashboard development, and other projects that strengthen inventory management capabilities across the dealer network.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive inventory optimization initiatives and deliver measurable business results for dealers and Caterpillar.