Forecasting and Inventory Analyst - Menards

American Standard•Eau Claire, WI

6d•Remote

About The Position

As a member of the Sales team, you will support our go‑to‑market execution by providing clear, actionable analysis. You’ll monitor category performance, track customer demand, and evaluate competitive movements to guide sales strategy and product decisions. Your insights help the team anticipate needs, improve forecasting accuracy, and ensure we deliver the right products to the right customers. The Forecasting and Inventory Analyst serves as the primary operational and analytical partner to Menards, working closely with Menards analysts to review business performance, align on forecasts, and drive strong in‑stock results. This role supports ordering, logistics, promotions, new product launches, and reporting.

Requirements

Proficiency in Excel, Google applications, SAP, Tableau and related analytical tools.
Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Demonstrates initiative by independently tackling tasks, exploring solutions, and proactively reaching out for support when needed.

Nice To Haves

Offsite Analyst, Preferred location within a Menards Store Territory.

Responsibilities

Review sales and purchase forecasts, recommend adjustments, and proactively identify risks to inventory availability.
Analyze POS trends, promotional calendars, and historical performance to develop accurate weekly demand forecasts.
Partner with Menards analysts in weekly business reviews covering service levels, backorders, out‑of‑stocks, promotions, and forecast trends.
Manage orders across Menards’ 11 DCs to maintain in‑stock levels and meet service targets.
Monitor open POs, provide updated ETAs, and escalate delays—especially those affecting promotions.
Coordinate with Hutchins on trailer prioritization, truck scheduling, and back‑order allocation.
Ensure system alignment between Menards and internal platforms.
Support upcoming promotions with forecasts and replenishment plans; recap performance and identify learnings.
Recommend initial order quantities and base forecasts for new SKUs; track performance and adjust as needed.
Manage new store order files, shipment tracking, and early‑stage sales monitoring.
Visits stores approximately 1x every other month to identify new products, promotions, etc.
Resolve guest quality issues, coordinate replacement parts, and manage special orders or substitutions.
Keep Menards buyers informed of issues, delays, or corrective actions.
Deliver weekly and monthly summaries covering sales, service levels, promotional results, and key highlights.
Explain major variances in sales, service levels, and turns, including YTD context and improvement plans.
Provide updates on new stores, product rollouts, and other relevant activities.
Partner closely with the Field Team to stay informed on store conditions, performance, and emerging needs.
Address store‑level needs including POP, product concerns, and any operational gaps requiring support.
Build and maintain structured agendas for the team’s bi‑weekly meetings to ensure alignment and clear priorities.