Inventory Control Analyst

Flex•Buffalo Grove, IL

About The Position

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary. Job Summary General Purpose The Inventory Control Analyst supports effective inventory decision-making by owning key areas of forecasting accuracy and Excess & Obsolete (E&O) inventory risk. This role goes beyond report execution to include analysis of forecast changes, identification of root causes driving inventory exposure, and interpretation of ambiguous or incomplete data. The analyst partners with cross-functional teams to surface risks, recommend actions, and follow through to resolution in a complex, highly regulated environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience.
2+ years of experience in inventory, supply chain, planning, or data/analytics-related roles.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret ambiguity and incomplete data
Advanced Excel capability, including experience working with macros and large datasets.
Comfortable working in systems-driven environments (MRP, planning tools, reporting databases).
Prior exposure to inventory forecasting, excess and obsolete management, or materials planning.

Nice To Haves

APICS / ASCM certification MF15

Responsibilities

Inventory Forecasting & Risk Analysis Analyze changes to demand and supply forecasts to understand drivers, trends, and downstream inventory impacts. Evaluate forecast accuracy over time and identify systemic or process-related gaps contributing to inventory risk. Interpret large, complex datasets to highlight emerging inventory exposure and potential E&O risks. Provide clear analysis and insights to support decision-making, even when inputs are incomplete or conflicting.
Excess & Obsolete (E&O) Management Own E&O analysis for assigned product lines, programs, or customers. Identify root causes of E&O (e.g., forecast changes, MOQ constraints, engineering changes, supplier issues). Develop data-backed recommendations to reduce, mitigate, or prevent future E&O. Track E&O actions to closure and escalate risks or barriers as needed.
Reporting, Tools & Data Management Run, maintain, and enhance recurring inventory, forecast, and E&O reports. Leverage advanced Excel skills (including formulas, pivot tables, Power Query, and macros) to automate analysis and improve data reliability. Work with large datasets from MRP and planning systems; validate data integrity and call out discrepancies. Support continuous improvement of reporting tools and analytical processes.
Cross-Functional Coordination & Follow-Through Partner with planning, procurement, operations, engineering, and finance to align on risks and actions. Actively follow up with action owners to drive timely resolution of inventory issues. Navigate organizational complexity and red tape while maintaining momentum and accountability. Escalate unresolved risks with clear articulation of impacts and options.