Inventory Analyst

Advance Stores Company•Raleigh, NC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Inventory Analyst optimizes inventory levels throughout the network, ensuring products reach the right locations at the right time and in the right quantities. The analyst manages critical or complex business categories and leads inventory activities for assigned businesses. In partnership with their manager and cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, and Supply Chain, the role helps develop long-term category strategy. The position is based at Advance Auto Parts’ corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, with a hybrid schedule of four days in the office and one day remote. The analyst executes purchasing and inventory planning, monitors product flow and supplier performance, analyzes business results, collaborates with vendors and internal teams, and communicates insights and resolutions to partners and leadership.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in a planning and/or inventory management field; the posting gives a minimum experience range of 2–5 years.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Advanced Excel and analytical skills, with strong aptitude in retail math and inventory management; proficiency must be demonstrated to be considered.
Experience and familiarity with inventory management systems and software, such as Blue Yonder, Relex, Manhattan Associates, or SAP.
Strong organizational skills and interest in problem-solving.
Ability to prioritize and delegate workload effectively while managing multiple concurrent projects and deliverables.
Strong sense of urgency and ability to adapt and advance processes.
Curiosity to ask why behind the data and investigate root causes.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to influence optimal outcomes.
Self-motivated, passionate, and enthusiastic approach to leading the assigned business.

Responsibilities

Place vendor purchase orders to Advance Auto Parts Distribution Centers to maintain sufficient inventory for company-owned stores and independently operated stores.
Review inventory KPIs, including weeks of supply and depth-in-stock metrics, to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
Track vendor purchase orders from order placement through delivery to the Distribution Center and verify on-time, in-full shipments.
Investigate supplier issues and work to maintain acceptable supplier performance.
Monitor product flow throughout the supply chain to support a positive customer experience.
Participate in lifecycle management reviews and determine next steps for slow-moving products and obsolete inventory.
Monitor inventory-turn performance and identify opportunities to optimize inventory levels.
Perform root-cause analysis and troubleshooting when stores or Distribution Centers are out of stock.
Establish collaborative, vendor-facing relationships and ensure expectations are defined and met.
Mentor and develop less experienced Inventory Planners in day-to-day responsibilities.
Foster a cohesive team environment with immediate teammates and cross-functional partners.
Review KPIs and reporting against targets, provide visibility to partners and leadership, and work with key partners to measure progress.
Analyze data from multiple sources and communicate actionable, data-driven insights.
Work with large data sets and create reports for the Senior Management team.
Conduct ad hoc analysis to understand business opportunities and develop plans to address them.
Present data and resolutions to cross-functional teams, field team members, and leadership.
Proactively communicate and resolve product-flow issues from vendor to Distribution Center to store, including potential service disruptions.