Category Sales Analyst

Sales and Inventory Analyst
Location: Oak Brook, IL (In-Office)

About Inaba Foods (USA) Inc.
Inaba Foods is a manufacturer of premium pet food, treats, toppers, and complements, deeply rooted in a family tradition of excellence that spans generations. Since 1958, pet parents have trusted Inaba to deliver products that are human-grade, nutrient-rich, and designed to bring joy to pets.

Today, Inaba is the most popular brand of premium cat and dog dinners and treats in Japan, with growing distribution throughout the United States and globally. Inaba Foods (USA) Inc. continues to expand its footprint, invest in talent, and build long-term partnerships across the pet industry, supported by the stability and vision of our Japanese parent company.

Position Summary:
The Sales and Inventory Analyst will play a key role in supporting sales operations through accurate forecasting, customer portal setup, sales and product analytics, and administrative support for the sales team.
This individual will bring a strong understanding of the CPG retail landscape and contribute to improving operational efficiency, financial accuracy, and overall business performance.

This is a full-time, in-office position based in Oak Brook, IL, as required by company leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Forecasting Support:

• Collaborate with sales staff to gather, validate, and consolidate product forecasts.
• Analyze sales trends and inventory levels to support demand planning and replenishment.
• Monitor customer chargebacks and deductions; forecast and report on trends to help minimize impact.
• Create and maintain accurate sales and product performance reports using advanced Excel tools and other software.

Customer Portal & Account Setup:

• Set up and maintain customer portals, ensuring smooth access and integration for sales activities.
• Support the onboarding and setup of new customer accounts, ensuring all necessary data and compliance documentation is complete.

Operational & Financial Analysis:

• Provide insights that drive profitability and cost efficiencies across sales channels.
• Work closely with operations and finance teams to reconcile forecasts with inventory and financial goals.
• Analyze the financial impact of sales strategies and promotional activities.

Reporting & Data Management:

• Develop and distribute regular reporting on KPIs, sales performance, and product trends.
• Maintain clean and organized data across internal systems, ensuring accuracy for strategic decision-making.

Administrative & Sales Team Support:

• Assist sales staff with administrative tasks, including order tracking, documentation, meeting prep, and follow-ups.
• Serve as a liaison between sales, operations, finance, and logistics teams to ensure alignment and efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in sales operations, forecasting, or analytics in a CPG or retail environment.
• Strong analytical and financial skills with a deep understanding of inventory dynamics.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data modeling); experience with ERP systems and BI tools a plus.
• Nielsen / IRI / Scintilla / Stackline or similar
• Familiarity with customer portals and retail compliance systems.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of accountability and a focus on contributing to the bottom line.

Why Join Inaba Foods

• Growing U.S. business with expanding distribution and increasing market presence
• Long-term stability and leadership from a well-established Japanese parent company
• Opportunity to manage meaningful accounts and influence growth strategy
• Collaborative, professional environment with a strong brand reputation

Inaba Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment laws, including California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.