Senior Inventory Analyst

Supply Chain Easton, Pennsylvania


Description

Senior Inventory Analyst – Global Operations 
Department: Materials Operations
Reports To: Director of Materials Operations
Position Summary 
The Senior Inventory Analyst - Global Operations serves as the strategic voice for inventory performance across our global manufacturing and distribution operations. This role combines advanced analytics, executive-level reporting, and influence-based leadership to drive inventory optimization and accountability across all facilities worldwide. You'll translate complex inventory data into executive insights, lead strategic initiatives, and build consensus among global stakeholders—requiring expertise over authority to drive results. This position demands a detail-oriented professional who can facilitate high-level discussions with VPs and senior leadership while driving performance improvements through data-driven influence rather than direct authority.
Key Responsibilities 
Executive Reporting & Strategic Analytics 
  • Create executive-level reporting for VP leadership on inventory trends, risks, and strategic recommendations
  • Generate and distribute comprehensive Materials/Purchasing analytics including:
    • Unplanned inventory vs. Open Orders analysis
    • Slow moving and obsolete inventory identification reports
    • Global inventory dashboard updates and distribution
  • Develop and maintain KPIs for global inventory performance metrics and accountability tracking
  • Analyze inventory variances and provide root cause analysis for performance gaps
  • Monitor inventory velocity and identify optimization opportunities across all locations
 
Global Inventory Governance & Accountability 
  • Lead monthly global inventory meetings with global materials managers and finance representatives
  • Facilitate global scrap review meetings ensuring proper disposal authorization and cost recovery
  • Drive accountability among global materials managers for inventory performance targets through influence and expertise
  • Review and challenge global obsolete inventory recommendations and disposition strategies
  • Establish inventory performance standards and ensure consistent application across all facilities through consensus building
  • Coordinate inventory policy compliance and best practice implementation
 
Project Management & Strategic Leadership 
  • Manage and lead inventory optimization projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables meet business objectives and timelines
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and resource requirements for inventory improvement initiatives across global operations
  • Coordinate cross-functional project teams including materials managers, finance, IT, and operations stakeholders
  • Track project progress and milestones, providing regular updates to executive leadership and stakeholders
  • Lead project meetings and communications to ensure alignment and momentum on inventory-related initiatives
  • Drive change management for inventory process improvements and system implementations through structured project methodologies
 
Influence-Based Leadership & Global Coordination 
  • Lead through expertise and influence to drive inventory performance improvements across global materials managers
  • Facilitate consensus building among stakeholders with competing priorities and different regional perspectives
  • Build credibility through data accuracy and insightful analysis that supports decision-making
  • Influence change management for inventory policies and best practices without direct authority
  • Navigate organizational complexity to achieve inventory objectives through relationship building and expertise
 
Financial Partnership & Budget Management 
  • Collaborate with Finance on inventory budget reviews and variance analysis
  • Support inventory reserve valuations and provide operational context for financial assessments
  • Provide inventory impact analysis for budget planning and forecasting processes
  • Review monthly inventory financial performance against targets and budgets
 
ERP System Management & Data Integrity 
  • Maintain data accuracy across all inventory-related system transactions with backup support as needed
  • Generate ad-hoc reports from ERP system to support operational decision-making
  • Support system improvements and process enhancement initiatives
  • Ensure data integrity for all inventory analytics and reporting
 
Required Qualifications 
  • Minimum 5-7 years of inventory management, materials planning, or supply chain analytics experience
  • 3+ years experience in global or multi-site inventory operations
  • Proven track record managing executive-level reporting and presentations
  • Experience presenting complex data to C-level/VP executives and translating analytics into business recommendations
  • Project management experience with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from conception to completion
  • Proven ability to influence and drive change without direct authority in matrix organizations
  • Advanced Excel proficiency including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, advanced formulas, and data visualization
  • ERP system expertise (M3/Infor, SAP, or similar enterprise systems)
  • Business intelligence tools experience (QlikView, Power BI, Tableau preferred)
  • Statistical analysis capabilities for inventory performance trending
  • Analytical thinking with strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities
  • Project leadership skills for leading cross-functional inventory improvement initiatives without direct authority
  • Attention to detail with high accuracy in data analysis and reporting
  • Influence and relationship building skills to drive results without direct authority over global teams
  • Change management capabilities with ability to build consensus and drive adoption of new processes
  • Global perspective with understanding of multi-site inventory challenges and solutions
  • Financial acumen to understand inventory's impact on company financial performance
  • Matrix organization experience with demonstrated success leading without direct authority
 
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
  • APICS CPIM or CSCP certification or similar supply chain credentials
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credentials
  • Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or Business Administration
  • Six Sigma or Lean certification with process improvement experience
  • International business experience with understanding of global trade and inventory implications
  • Manufacturing environment experience with understanding of production planning impact on inventory

 

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