Inventory Specialist

Advance Auto Parts Inc.; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is seeking an Inventory Specialist to optimize inventory levels across a network, ensuring timely movement and correct volumes.

You will collaborate with the Inventory Analyst and Manager on complex initiatives while managing vendor relationships and reporting KPIs to leadership. The hybrid role requires Excel proficiency, familiarity with inventory systems (Blue Yonder, Relex, Manhattan Associates, SAP), and a data-driven approach.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Excel and basic analytical skills.
• Experience with inventory management systems such as Blue Yonder, Relex, Manhattan Associates, or SAP.
• Self-motivated, energetic and ready to lead their business.
• Strong organizational skills and problem solving ability.
• Flexible team player with ability to prioritize workload.
• Curiosity to analyze data and identify root causes.

Responsibilities

• Place purchase orders to maintain adequate inventory across stores and distribution centers.
• Review KPIs and in-stock metrics to ensure optimal inventory levels.
• Track vendor PO’s from order to DC and ensure on-time, full shipments.
• Identify root causes of supplier issues to maintain performance.
• Monitor product flow to support a great customer experience.
• Participate in lifecycle management for slow-moving or obsolete inventory.
• Analyze inventory turnover and spot optimization opportunities.
• Troubleshoot stockouts with stores and DCs and resolve disruptions.

Skills

Excel

Analytical skills

Retail math

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Blue Yonder

Relex

Manhattan Associates

SAP

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary The Inventory Specialist 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 Specialist manages the core business categories on each team and partners with the Inventory Analyst & Inventory Manager on more complex businesses or initiatives.

What will you do?

• 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 PO’s 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

• Manage vendor-facing relationship to ensure expectations are defined and achieved
• Partner with Senior Inventory Planner as necessary on high-visibility categories or initiatives
• Collaborate as part of 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 gather pieces of data from well-defined sources to answer questions about their business
• With the help of the Senior Inventory Planner, work with large amounts of data and create reports for Senior Management team
• Conduct ad hoc analysis to understand business opportunities
• Effectively communicate with cross functional teams
• Demonstrate consistent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to identify problems
• 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

• Proficiency with Excel and basic analytical skills required, with fundamental understanding of retail math and inventory management. Must be able to demonstrate familiarity in these areas to be considered for this position.
• Experience & familiarity in inventory management systems and Software (in Blue Yonder, Relex or Manhattan Associates, or SAP)
• Self-motivated, passionate and enthusiastic individual ready to bring energy and excitement to lead their business
• Demonstrated organizational skills with a natural curiosity and interest in problem solving
• Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize workload
• Strong sense of urgency and willingness to provide feedback on potential process improvements
• Curiosity to ask “why” behind the data and dig into the root cause opportunities.

Certifications, Experience, and Education

Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a planning and/or inventory management field; and 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 here: https://jobs.advanceautoparts.com/us/en/benefits

Company Overview

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of January 3, 2026, Advance operated 4,305 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also served 809 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

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.

#LI-CC1 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.

California Residents click below for Privacy Notice: https://jobs.advanceautoparts.com/us/en/disclosures

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. As of October 5, 2024, Advance operated 4,781 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 1,125 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.