Forecast & Inventory Analyst

Job Summary

The Forecast & Inventory Analyst position manages all aspects of the Company’s materials forecasting, using all available tools to help ensure that customer fill rate and Company inventory objectives are achieved. The responsibilities of this position include creating and presenting data analysis on how to meet company inventory and demand goals. This position is required to communicate and coordinate with multiple departments and serves as a conduit of information throughout the organization, making sure the Company’s MRP data is accurate and signals adequate inventory to support customer demand.

Essential Responsibilities and Functions

Coordinates sales inputs, inventory and operations planning to meet market demands and to optimize inventory levels and establish MRP demand.
Analyzes inventory levels, production speed, and product demand to determine the amount of finished goods product that will be produced and/or purchased.
Uses statistical methods and models to project material demands through seasonal and market trends and develops forecast and inventory strategies to meet market demands, while balancing inventory levels.
Creatively uses ‘what if’ scenarios to project inventory levels and availability based on various factors.
Assists Product Marketing, Purchasing, and Management with cost of goods sold projections.
Aligns forecast with various budget scenarios and multiple budgeting iterations.
Works with Product Marketing to develop sales forecast estimates for new products based on like product history, sales inputs, and projects potential cannibalization of existing products.
Works with individual Buyers to understand anomalies impacting lead times and material availability so that adjustments can be made through either systematized or ad hoc methods.
Analyzes material outages for the department and adjusts forecasts as necessary to account for fluctuations in demand, whether short or long term.
Updates safety stock levels monthly or as needed to respond to changing market conditions.
Analyzes large potential orders to see if inventory position can support them and analyzes resulting impact on other customers’ orders.
Manages and tracks product discontinuances through the various processes of disposition.
Updates Management, Product Management, and Finance in regard to liabilities and optimal cut-in dates associated with product discontinuance.
Performs Materials Sr. Buyer/Planner III and Materials Buyer/Planner II responsibilities as required.
Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications to Succeed

Bachelor's degree (B.A.) in Business, Supply Chain Management, Statistics, Economics, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven experience in inventory management, demand forecasting, or supply chain analysis. Three plus years of experience is preferred.
Advanced Excel skills or other data manipulative and analysis tools.
Experience with inventory management software with comprehensive knowledge regarding automated MRP system (preferably Expandable software).
Extremely high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to interface effectively with technical, administrative and operational communities.
Ability to travel as required.

Desired

Six Sigma Green Belt
Certificates from ASCM/IBF or other demand planning certificates

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to talk and hear frequently (in person and by telephone), and must be able to see and read (documents, order statements, etc.)
Manual dexterity required, frequent use of hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, use tools/objects, and controls and to climb or balance
Frequently required to stand and walk.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the team members assigned to this job. All team members must comply with Company policies and applicable laws.