Sr. Inventory Optimization Specialist

Watts Water•North Andover, MA

56d•Hybrid

About The Position

This data-driven and collaborative individual, as part of Supply Chain Management team, will be responsible for optimizing inventory deployment, network performance, and supply chain execution to achieve targeted service levels while minimizing inventory investment. The position partners closely with Product Management, Manufacturing Operations, Distribution Centers, Demand Planning, Supply Management, Sourcing, Finance, and Sales to identify and implement inventory and network optimization opportunities, resolve supply chain risks, and drive execution through cross-functional collaboration. This role also serves as a key liaison to the agent network for supply chain-related issues and continuous improvement. This position reports to the S&OE Manager. This role is hybrid and is based in North Andover, Massachusetts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field: Supply Chain, Business, Operations or Finance.
5+ years of experience in supply chain management using relevant inventory management tools.
Experience with ERP systems and an understanding of how ERP systems integrate with supply chain processes (SAP preferred)
Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management and cost reduction initiatives
Experience with other software packages including Windows, and Microsoft Office.
Strong analytical, organizational, decision making, and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal skills are also essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of business affecting the forecast process – both internal and external.
Strong facilitation and influencing skills are required.

Nice To Haves

APICS or other related certification
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel

Responsibilities

Lead the development and refinement of inventory and service dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools that strengthen visibility and actionability across the Supply Chain.
Analyze inventory performance across distribution centers, agents, and field locations to identify optimization opportunities and drive implementation through cross-functional teams.
Serve as the primary point of contact for supply chain issues raised by agent representatives and ensure timely resolution.
Identify and execute inventory rebalancing opportunities across the network to improve product availability, reduce excess inventory, and optimize working capital.
Analyze inventory positioning throughout the distribution network and recommend stocking location strategies to improve service and reduce logistics costs.
Monitor inventory health and service performance metrics, perform root cause analysis of inventory-related issues, and implement preventive actions to improve future performance.
Facilitate execution-related supply chain reviews and coordinate actions to mitigate inventory shortages, excess inventory, and service risks.
Proactively identify inventory and service risks, communicate impacts to stakeholders, and coordinate corrective action plans to mitigate customer and operational disruptions.
Monitor short-term supply, demand, inventory, backlog, and allocation exceptions to identify service risks and translate findings into prioritized corrective actions; including inventory rebalancing for service.
Partner with Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Distribution, Sourcing, and Commercial teams to balance customer priorities against available supply, inventory constraints, and network capacity.
Analyze projected stockouts, fill-rate gaps, aged backlog, and constrained supply situations; recommend mitigation plans including inventory redeployment, prioritization, substitution, expedite avoidance, or escalation.