Inventory Analyst

Inventory Analyst - Inventory Management Job Summary: The Inventory Analyst will be responsible for optimizing inventory levels at each node of the network and ensuring product is moving to the right location at the right time, with the right volume. The Inventory Analyst will manage the most critical or complex business categories on each team and serve as a leader regarding all inventory activities for their assigned businesses. A best‑in‑class Inventory Analyst will help build a long‑term strategy for the category in partnership with their manager & cross‑functional partners across Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, & Supply Chain. Core Execution Place purchase orders from vendors to AAP Distribution Centers to maintain adequate inventory to support AAP Company Owned stores and hundreds of independently operated stores Ensure that proper inventory levels are maintained by consistently reviewing KPIs such as weeks of supply and depth in‑stock metrics Track vendor POs from order point to DC to ensure vendors are shipping on time and in full Root cause supplier issues to maintain acceptable performance Monitor product flow throughout the supply chain to create an excellent customer experience Participate in Lifecycle Management review process; determine path forward for slow moving product and obsolete inventory Monitor inventory‑turn performance and identify opportunities to optimize inventory levels Root cause analysis and troubleshooting when stores or DCs are out of stock Collaboration / Partnership Leader in establishing a strong, collaborative, vendor‑facing relationship to ensure expectations are defined and achieved Mentor and develop less experienced Inventory Planners with day‑to‑day responsibilities Develop and foster a cohesive team environment with immediate team and cross‑functional partners alike Business Analysis / Insights Review KPIs and reporting against targets to provide visibility to partners and leadership; work with key partners to measure progress against targets Ability to tell data‑driven stories, using information from multiple sources, to provide actionable insightsAbility to work with large amounts of data and create reports for Senior Management team Conduct ad hoc analysis to understand business opportunities and develop plans to address Communication Effectively communicate with cross‑functional teams, field team members and leadership to present data and resolution Demonstrate excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to influence an optimal outcome Proactively communicate and resolve all issues regarding product flow from Vendor to DC to Store and resolve potential service disruptions Location & Work Availability: This position is Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote), based at our corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Qualifications Advanced Excel and analytical skills required, with strong aptitude in retail math and inventory management; must demonstrate proficiency in these areas. Experience & familiarity in inventory management systems and software (Blue Yonder, Relex or Manhattan Associates, or SAP). Self‑motivated, passionate, and enthusiastic individual ready to bring energy and excitement to lead their business. Outstanding organizational skills with a natural curiosity and interest in problem solving. Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and delegate workload, juggling multiple concurrent projects and deliverables. Strong sense of urgency to change, adapt, and push processes forward. Curiosity to ask “why” behind the data and dig into the root cause opportunities. Certifications, Experience, & Education Minimum of 2‑5 years of experience in a planning and/or inventory management field. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or other related field; or equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Benefits Summary We believe in supporting our Team Members and those they love through comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Learn more: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Advance Auto Parts