Demand and Inventory Analyst

Slumberland Furniture • Oakdale, MN

11d • $64,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Demand and Inventory Analyst optimizes merchandise flow across the supply chain by forecasting demand, managing inventory levels, and generating actionable business insights. The role combines forecasting, inventory planning, and data analytics to help ensure products are in the right place at the right time while supporting sales, margin, and turn goals.

The analyst maintains SKU-level forecasts, accounts for promotions and seasonal patterns, models product lifecycle changes, and collaborates with Merchandising on sales targets, assortment strategies, and pricing. The role also manages distribution center inventory and replenishment, monitors vendor and shipment performance, and helps mitigate aging, excess, and discontinued inventory.

The position analyzes sales trends and business drivers using dashboards and KPIs, shares insights with business partners and senior management, and supports cross-functional collaboration and operating excellence practices.

Requirements

• Advanced Excel skills.
• Analytical and data-driven approach.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to problem solve.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Attention to detail and strategic thinking.
• Initiative and an ownership mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred in Supply Chain, Business, Analytics, Economics, or Math.
• Exposure to SQL or business intelligence tools preferred.
• Forecasting experience is a plus, including regression, moving averages, and seasonality.
• Retail or consumer goods experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain SKU-level forecasts using statistical models and business inputs.
• Forecast promotional lifts, seasonal patterns, and event buys.
• Model new product introductions, discontinuations, and lifecycle transitions.
• Collaborate with Merchandising on sales targets, assortment strategies, and pricing changes.
• Maintain distribution center inventory levels to meet in-stock percentage and GMROI targets.
• Calculate reorder points, safety stock, and weeks of supply.
• Create, edit, and approve purchase orders based on forecasts, lead times, and vendor constraints.
• Monitor late shipments, vendor fill rates, and lead-time changes.
• Manage aging, excess, and discontinued inventory through proactive mitigation.
• Collaborate with warehouse slotting and receiving prioritization as needed.
• Analyze category sales, trends, and drivers, including mix, price, and promotions, using dashboards and KPIs.
• Identify economic, competitive, weather, and marketing patterns that may affect future demand.
• Provide insights to Merchandising, Finance, Stores, and senior management.
• Use and support operating excellence tools, including work strategy, work structure, work improvement, meeting compass, and problem-solving documents.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with the business and core teams.
• Attend and contribute to meetings with the current team and other teams as needed to support business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage as part of a full benefits package.
• Up to three weeks of paid time off in the first year, plus 24 hours of PTO provided on the first day.
• 401(k) retirement plan and profit sharing.
• Yearly bonus potential.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Training and career development.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Potential franchise ownership.
• No-cost mental health and wellbeing support through the Employee Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed