Inventory Specialist

Advance Auto Parts•Raleigh, NC

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Inventory Specialist optimizes inventory levels at each node of the network and ensures products move to the right location at the right time and in the right volume. The specialist manages core business categories on their team and partners with the Inventory Analyst and Inventory Manager on more complex businesses or initiatives. The position places and tracks vendor purchase orders to maintain adequate inventory for company-owned and independently operated stores. It monitors inventory levels, product flow, supplier performance, inventory turns, and slow-moving or obsolete products. The specialist also reviews business KPIs, conducts analyses, collaborates with vendors and cross-functional partners, and communicates to address issues that could disrupt product flow. This is a hybrid position based at the company’s corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, with four days in the office and one day remote.

Requirements

Proficiency with Excel and basic analytical skills.
Fundamental understanding of retail math and inventory management, with familiarity in these areas that can be demonstrated during consideration for the position.
Familiarity with inventory management systems or software such as Blue Yonder, Relex, Manhattan Associates, or SAP.
Self-motivation, enthusiasm, and readiness to bring energy to leading a business.
Demonstrated organizational skills, curiosity, and interest in problem solving.
Ability to prioritize workload effectively and thrive in a flexible team environment.
Strong sense of urgency and willingness to provide feedback on potential process improvements.
Curiosity to ask why behind the data and investigate root-cause opportunities.
A minimum of 0–2 years of experience in planning and/or inventory management.
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

Place purchase orders from vendors to AAP Distribution Centers to maintain adequate inventory for company-owned and independently operated stores.
Review KPIs, including weeks of supply and depth in-stock metrics, to maintain proper inventory levels.
Track vendor purchase orders from order point to distribution center and ensure vendors ship on time and in full.
Investigate supplier issues and address root causes to maintain acceptable 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.
Manage vendor-facing relationships and ensure expectations are defined and achieved.
Partner with the Senior Inventory Planner on high-visibility categories or initiatives as needed.
Collaborate with the immediate team and cross-functional partners.
Review KPIs and reporting against targets, provide visibility to partners and leadership, and work with partners to measure progress.
Gather data from well-defined sources to answer business questions.
With the Senior Inventory Planner’s help, work with large amounts of data and create reports for the Senior Management team.
Conduct ad hoc analysis to understand business opportunities.
Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and use verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to identify problems.
Proactively communicate and resolve product-flow issues from vendor to distribution center to store, including potential service disruptions.