Inventory Analyst (34888)

Job Summary

The Inventory Analyst is responsible for analyzing and monitoring companywide inventory to support effective inventory management and strategic decision-making. This role evaluates inventory levels, utilization, aging, expiry, reserves, potential write-offs, and financial exposure to identify risks, trends, and opportunities. Working cross-functionally, the position provides actionable insights and recommendations to improve inventory accuracy, availability, utilization, controls, and overall inventory performance while reducing excess investment and financial risk.

Essential Functions, Duties, And Responsibilities

Inventory Analysis & Optimization

• Analyze inventory levels, utilization, sales, and usage across company locations, including Sales Consultant and Consignment accounts, to identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improved inventory performance.
• Monitor aging, slow-moving, and obsolete inventory; recommend strategies for reduction and improved turnover.
• Evaluate and recommend inventory placement, allocation, and replenishment actions based on sales trends, operational requirements, and company objectives.

Inventory Cost, Risk & Financial Analysis

• Conduct inventory reserve analysis and provide recommendations to Accounting and leadership to support accurate financial reporting and inventory valuation.
• Analyze and project financial exposure related to aging, expiry, excess inventory, obsolescence, and potential write-offs.
• Analyze inventory investment and working capital trends to identify opportunities to reduce excess inventory while maintaining appropriate product availability and service levels.
• Analyze inventory cost and valuation data, including standard costs, inventory adjustments, purchase price variances, and other inventory-related cost variances to identify trends and financial impacts.
• Evaluate the financial impact of inventory decisions, including excess investment, redistribution, replenishment, write-offs, and inventory reduction initiatives.
• Partner with Finance and Accounting on inventory valuation, reserves, cost variances, write-offs, and other inventory-related financial analysis.
• Develop and enhance analytical tools and financial models to support inventory risk, cost, and investment decisions.

Reporting, KPIs & Trend Analysis

• Develop and present comprehensive inventory reports and dashboards for Executives, Finance, Regulatory, and department leaders.
• Develop, monitor, and trend inventory KPIs to identify changes in performance, emerging risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Translate inventory data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for management and key stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve and automate inventory reporting for greater accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Planning & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Purchasing, Quality, Finance, and Regulatory, to strengthen inventory controls, processes, and compliance.
• Partner with Sales, Operations, and Purchasing to translate demand, usage, and inventory analysis into inventory planning and procurement recommendations.

Systems & Inventory Controls

• Utilize SAP and analytics platforms for data modeling, reporting, and inventory analysis.
• Validate inventory data, research discrepancies, and analyze inventory variances to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
• Analyze physical inventories, cycle counts, reconciliations, adjustments, and inventory audits across company inventory locations to identify discrepancies and improve inventory accuracy.

Process Improvement, Training & Special Projects

• Lead inventory optimization and process improvement initiatives and training related to inventory management best practices.
• Manage special projects assigned.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting, Data Analytics, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in inventory analysis, supply chain analytics, inventory planning, financial analysis, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, PivotTables, lookup functions, data analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with Power BI or similar business intelligence, data visualization, or reporting tools preferred.
• SAP experience preferred; experience with inventory management or ERP systems required.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of internal and external associates/customers/colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within the organization.
• Ability to follow through on issues, make informed decisions that comply with policies and procedures, complete tasks and problem-solve.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Possess intermediate to advanced level knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Adhere and support KLS Martin’s quality and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to retrieve and interpret documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions.
• Ability to develop, analyze, and interpret inventory reports, dashboards, KPIs, data, and supporting documentation.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on data accuracy and integrity.

Skill Requirements

• Typing/Computer keyboard
• Utilize computer software (specified above)
• Retrieve and compile information
• Maintain records/logs
• Verify data and information
• Organize and prioritize information/tasks
• Operate office equipment
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Research, analyze and interpret information
• Investigate, evaluate, recommend action
• Basic mathematical concepts (e.g. add, subtract)

Physical Requirements

• Sitting for extended periods
• Standing for extended periods
• Extended periods viewing computer screen
• Walking
• Reading
• Speaking
• Hear/Listen
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance
• Lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds various items
• Lifting/carrying more than 20 pounds various items
• Repetitive motions
• Pushing/Pulling
• Bending/Stooping
• Reaching/Grasping
• Writing

Hazards

Normal office environment