Inventory Analyst

*Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary include your job specific skills, education, training, job location, number of years of experience related to this role and comparison to other employees already in this role.

DSG is seeking an Inventory Analyst to join either our Plymouth, MN or Fargo, ND team. As an Inventory Analyst, you will be responsible for managing and optimizing inventory performance while executing strategic purchasing decisions within an assigned segment . This role combines data-driven inventory analysis with proactive buying responsibilities to support business goals, product availability, and operational efficiency. The position analyzes inventory trends, forecasting accuracy, service levels, and supplier performance while making informed replenishment and purchasing decisions. This role plays a critical part in maintaining inventory health, balancing service and investment, and driving profitability through effective use of replenishment systems and supplier partnerships.

At DSG, we are dedicated to building futures one job at a time. Starting with yours. As an ESOP, we are a community of peers, first and foremost. And we focus on cultivating an environment of respect, teamwork and growth. Where your career path is rich with possibilities. Where every success is shared. And where every challenge is overcome together. For more than a century, we’ve delivered more than supplies, we’ve offered true partnership and valuable solutions. By continuing to empower the future of our vendors and customers, we will empower a future of ongoing success for all of us.

A Typical Day in the Life of an Inventory Analyst at DSG:

• Analyze inventory levels, demand patterns, and item movement to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Review and optimize supplier lead times, order quantities, and purchasing constraints.
• Execute and manage purchase orders aligned with demand forecasts and inventory strategies.
• Track service levels and product availability to support customer demand and operational performance.
• Review overstock, slow-moving, and excess inventory positions and recommend actions to improve inventory health.
• Analyze forward buy opportunities due to price increases, deals or rebate levels.
• Partner with Sales, Supplier Program Managers and Operations teams to align inventory strategies with business needs.
• Evaluate reorder points, safety stock settings, and other planning parameters to support optimal inventory positioning.
• Investigate inventory exceptions, stock-outs, unusual demand patterns, and replenishment issues and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process gaps and recommending data-driven solutions.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of inventory systems, reporting tools, and planning processes.
• Provide analytical support, training, and guidance to team members and business partners, as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

A Successful Inventory Analyst Typically Has:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, analytics, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Three or more years of experience in inventory analysis, demand planning, supply chain, or a related role preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret trends, metrics, and large data sets.
• Experience with inventory systems, planning tools, and reporting platforms.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations clearly.
• Understanding of inventory management principles, forecasting concepts, and service-level performance measures.

At DSG, We Offer Benefits Built for You:

• We are proudly 100% employee owned , which means your hard work and decisions directly benefit not only the success of the organization, but also your individual Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) .
• We are highly committed to your training and development , offering personal and professional development opportunities and unlimited growth potential.
• We offer competitive compensation packages based on your experience and potential.
• You will receive generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Extended Medical Leave (EML) allowances.
• Our comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision , also offers a multitude of other perks such as life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution , among many others.
• We know the importance of family, and offer various family planning and childcare savings opportunities, including paid parental leave, adoption assistance, infertility assistance, and a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) .
• Build your financial future through multiple retirement savings opportunities , including a 401(k) with employer match .
• You will receive a discount on all DSG-supplied products .
• We believe in giving back to our communities and hope that you will too, which is why we offer paid volunteer hours in addition to PTO.