Inventory Analyst

OPW Global; Burlington (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW Global in Burlington, NC is seeking an Inventory Control Analyst to maintain inventory accuracy across four facilities and drive continuous improvement. The role requires strong analytical skills, ABC/XYZ analysis, and ERP experience to optimize stock, reduce shrinkage, and improve service levels.

The successful candidate will support cycle counts, KPI dashboards, and cross‑functional collaboration with Operations, Planning, and Finance. Travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain, operations, or related field.
• 3–5 years hands-on inventory control, ABC/XYZ analysis, and ERP-based analytics.
• Proven experience in root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Strong Excel proficiency and experience with ERP systems and BI tools.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve inventory accuracy across four facilities containing approximately 7,000 active SKUs.
• Monitor inventory transactions, adjustments, cycle count results, and reconciliations.
• Analyze variances and investigations between physical inventory and ERP records.
• Partner with Operations, Purchasing, Planning, Warehousing, and Manufacturing to correct inaccuracies.
• Develop and maintain inventory control procedures, policies, and audit processes.
• Conduct regular ABC analysis based on annual consumption value and inventory investment.
• Perform XYZ analysis to classify inventory by demand variability and forecast predictability.
• Develop inventory management strategies by inventory segment (AX, AY/BX, CZ).
• Recommend safety stock adjustments, reorder parameters, and stocking strategies.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning to optimize inventory levels and working capital.
• Lead investigations into discrepancies, shortages, negative balances, stockouts, and excess inventory.
• Utilize A3/5 Why, Ishikawa, Pareto, FMEA, CAPA to identify root causes.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure inventory performance across locations.
• Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reports for leadership.

Skills

Inventory control

ABC/XYZ analysis

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management or related field

Tools

SAP

Oracle

QAD

Epicor

MS Dynamics

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

This position is based onsite at our Burlington distribution center and has a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. The ability to work overtime as needed is required.

The Inventory Control Analyst is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy, optimizing inventory performance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across four operating locations managing approximately 7,000 SKUs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring inventory integrity, supporting operational efficiency, improving service levels, reducing excess and obsolete inventory, and identifying root causes of inventory discrepancies. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, extensive knowledge of inventory management principles, proficiency in ABC/XYZ inventory segmentation methodologies, and demonstrated experience performing root cause analysis to resolve inventory-related issues.

What You’ll Do

• Maintain and improve inventory accuracy across four facilities containing approximately 7,000 active SKUs.
• Monitor inventory transactions, adjustments, cycle count results, and inventory reconciliations.
• Analyze inventory variances and investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and ERP system records.
• Partner with Operations, Purchasing, Planning, Warehousing, and Manufacturing teams to correct inventory inaccuracies.
• Develop and maintain inventory control procedures, policies, and audit processes.
• Conduct regular ABC analysis based on annual consumption value and inventory investment.
• Perform XYZ analysis to classify inventory according to demand variability and forecast predictability.
• Develop inventory management strategies by inventory segment:
• AX Items: High-value, stable demand items requiring tight controls.
• AY/BX Items: Moderate monitoring and replenishment controls.
• CZ Items: Intermittent and unpredictable demand requiring specialized management strategies.
• Recommend safety stock adjustments, reorder parameters, and stocking strategies based on product classifications.
• Collaborate with Supply Planning teams to optimize inventory levels and working capital.
• Lead investigations into inventory discrepancies, shortages, negative inventory balances, stockouts, and excess inventory situations.
• Utilize structured problem-solving methodologies including:
• A3 / 5 Why Analysis
• Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams
• Pareto Analysis
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
• Identify systemic process failures and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Drive initiatives that improve inventory accuracy, reduce shrinkage, and improve transaction discipline.
• Develop and manage ABC-based cycle counting programs.
• Analyze cycle count results and identify recurring issues.
• Ensure inventory counts are executed consistently across all locations.
• Track and report inventory accuracy metrics by site, warehouse, product family.
• Monitor inventory health metrics including:
• Excess Inventory
• Slow-Moving Stock
• Safety Stock Levels
• Days of Supply
• Inventory Turns
• Generate actionable recommendations to improve inventory performance and reduce carrying costs.
• Support inventory reduction and working capital improvement initiatives.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure inventory performance across all locations.
• Prepare weekly and monthly inventory reports for Supply Chain and Operations leadership.
• Analyze inventory trends and provide recommendations based on data insights.
• Support annual physical inventory and external audit requirements.
• Support ERP enhancements and inventory-related system implementations.
• Collaborate with IT and Supply Chain teams on inventory data governance.
• May require travel up to 10% of the time to a NC facility outside the Triad area

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Operations Management, Finance, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 3-5 years of hands‑on experience with inventory control, inventory analysis (ABC/XYZ), supply chain analytics, physical inventory, or materials management experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, ERP (SAP/Oracle/INFO/QAD/Epicor/MS Dynamics), and BI tools (Power BI/Tableau/Bus. Objects)

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring

• APICS CPIM Certification (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
• APICS CSCP Certification (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Experience supporting organizations with annual revenues exceeding $250 million

This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan. We consider several job‑related, non‑discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.