Inventory Analyst

SUMMARY

This position is a highly analytical, process driven role that is responsible for leveraging Blue Yonder (previously JDA), COGNOS, and inventory management technology to develop and implement function-specific analytics, solutions development, and process refinements.  Requirements may be driven externally from Armada clients, or internally due to needs of the department or the organization as a whole.  Additionally, this individual will be responsible for identifying and rectifying opportunities for continuous improvement in the inventory management department. In conjunction, the Inventory Planning Analyst will consistently develop and document functional best practices and SOPs.  This individual will also serve as a resident functional expert and resource in the use of Armada’s inventory management system (Blue Yonder) and analytical tools.   This individual will also support Managers, Demand Planners, and Supply Planners as deemed necessary to drive favorable departmental results.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND DATA MINING SYSTEMS

• Leverage Demand Planning, Supply Planning, and technical expertise to act as “Super-User” and “first line of defense” for all systems tied to the inventory management function, most specifically Blue Yonder Demand and Fulfillment
• Provide analysis & recommendations that drive efficiencies, improved performance, and reduction of cost and/or effort within the inventory management team
• Utilize data mining tools (COGNOS, Spotfire, Excel) and associated skill sets, to build reports and drive required analysis
• Independently assess, troubleshoot, and resolve system and data issues, partnering with department resources and IT as needed
• Leverage advanced MS Excel functionality to manipulate data between systems, analyze data, and train other team members

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, develop refinements, and implement across all members of the inventory management team
• Develop a deep understanding of department goals and KPIs, and work with department managers to drive improvements
• Utilize Supply Planning and Demand Planning expertise in the organization and implementation of departmental initiatives
• Develop scalable, sustainable processes, tools, and templates that enable the inventory management team to consistently and quickly deliver results
• Document functional best practices, develop SOP’s, and maintain up-to-date organized documentation
• Lead training sessions for process and system implementations and improvements; aid in the training of new hires
• Engage heavily in development associated with special programs, promotions, or LTO’s
• Engage heavily in development associated with product deployment and/or innovative efforts associated with managing inventory within client’s supply chains
• Support Manager of Inventory Planning Process in driving strategic departmental evolutionary efforts
• Assist in leading all efforts associated with on boarding new or expanded services and/or clients
• Support the Manager of Inventory Planning Process to interact with clients during the development and implementation of inventory management specific processes and initiatives
• Demonstrate a high degree of organization and clear communication when leading the inventory management team in the development and implementation of planning activities
• Demonstrate a high degree of organization in achieving personal results
• Provide out-of-office coverage or act as an additional resource for Supply Planning and/or Demand Planning when necessary
• Other duties as required

 COLLABORATION

• Represent the inventory management department as a collaborative liaison and build relationships with internal groups such as IT, PMO, Engineering, Operations, Account Management, Finance, and Business Development
• Assume position to lead others without authority when developing and implementing inventory management processes, programs, and initiatives
• Demonstrate a high degree of confidence and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
• Coordinate efforts across multiple Armada disciplines when assessing requirements and driving results
• Utilize PowerPoint and other associated tools/technology to successfully lead meetings and presentations

Supervisory responsibilities

• None

Education and experience requirement

Minimum:

• 2-5 years of inventory management experience and/or proven mastery of business analytics as it relates to inventory management
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain, or other relevant discipline
• Proven track record of success in a Supply Planning or Demand Planning role
• Strong analytical abilities, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Experience using inventory management software (i.e. Blue Yonder, SAP, Logility, etc.)
• Experience using data mining software to pull data, build reports and make business decisions/recommendations (i.e. COGNOS, Spotfire, Tableau, etc.)
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to interact cross-functionally, with higher-level management, and with external clients
• Extensive use of Excel
• Ability to train others on complex and detailed technical material
• Ability to collaboratively organize and lead a team, via managing without authority
• Ability to set priorities and make decisions in a dynamic work environment
• Action oriented, with good problem solving, analytical, and math skills

Preferred:

• Experience in both Supply Planning and Demand Planning
• Experience in product redistribution
• Experience planning product with shelf life (i.e. perishables such as food)
• Experience planning product with varied lead times (i.e. international as well as domestic suppliers)
• Experience planning promotional product and limited time offerings
• Experience in project management

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended, and should not be construed to be, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.  It is intended, however, to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential for making decisions related to job performance, employee development and compensation.  As such, the incumbent may perform other duties and responsibilities as required.  Its contents imply no contractual obligation and may be changed by the company at any time.