Inventory Planning Analyst

HD Supply•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for category inventory management across the enterprise. Responsible for creating replenishment strategies, executing SKU transitions, maintaining network balance through parameters, and collaborating with internal and external cross functional partners. Leverages SAP and other systems to execute “day to day” inventory control, in order to consistently achieve fill rates while minimizing Inventory days on hand across the global supply chain. Identifies and prioritizes root causes of fill rate issues and excess inventory, and drives corrective actions and control mechanisms across cross-functional teams. Utilizes and monitors exception reports and daily analytics for all business metrics; taking appropriate and timely action to prevent stock outs, minimize DOH, and expedite delivery to fill potential backorders. Develops and executes inventory strategy for new SKU introductions, discontinued SKU reductions and dispositions, customer-specific inventory positions, direct import SKU sets, and seasonal inventory requirements. Audits product master data (e.g., UoM, vendor SKU number, case quantity) to ensure accuracy. Partners with Inventory Analytics and Merchandising teams to proactively identify fill rate and excess inventory issues, and execute respective corrective actions as needed. Partners with Demand Management to align inventory system controls (EOQ, min/max, safety stock, velocity rankings) with business objectives. Analyzes and communicates impact of proposed changes. Manages supplier relations and partners with supplier to address fill rate, lead time, damaged in-transit issues and supplier return process. Creates import orders based on containerization requirements. Collaborates with Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Inventory, and Finance to incorporate the on-boarding of new products, retirement of old products, customer-specific inventory requirements, regulatory changes, and promotions into the demand planning process and recommendations. Supports and executes aged, obsolete and excess inventory reduction strategies – RTV, “fire sale”, contests, transfers, scrap, liquidation, donation, etc. Analyzes forward buys to reduce exposure to excess inventory on hand.

Requirements

BS/BA in a related discipline OR MS/MA in a related discipline.
2-5 years of experience in a related field (for BS/BA) OR 2-4 years of experience in a related field (for MS/MA).
Skill in data analysis techniques for resolving missing/incomplete information and inconsistencies/anomalies.
Ability to work independently with guidance on complex issues.

Nice To Haves

Certification in some areas.

Responsibilities

Execute "day to day" inventory control using SAP and other systems to achieve fill rates while minimizing inventory days on hand.
Identify and prioritize root causes of fill rate issues and excess inventory, and drive corrective actions.
Utilize exception reports and daily analytics to prevent stock outs, minimize DOH, and expedite deliveries.
Develop and execute inventory strategy for new SKU introductions, discontinued SKUs, customer-specific inventory, direct import SKUs, and seasonal requirements.
Audit product master data for accuracy.
Partner with Inventory Analytics and Merchandising teams to identify and address inventory issues.
Align inventory system controls with business objectives in partnership with Demand Management.
Analyze and communicate the impact of proposed changes.
Manage supplier relations and address issues related to fill rate, lead time, and damaged goods.
Create import orders based on containerization requirements.
Collaborate with various departments (Merchandising, Sales, Marketing, Inventory, Finance) on product lifecycle management and demand planning.
Support and execute strategies for reducing aged, obsolete, and excess inventory.
Analyze forward buys to reduce exposure to excess inventory.