Inventory Operations Analyst

Inventory Operations Analyst

Job Summary

The Inventory Analyst is responsible for ensuring DC product is handled efficiently, timely and accurately to support fast and reliable shipments to stores and ecommerce customers. This is accomplished by troubleshooting obstacles created by vendors, mismatched data or warehouse limitation. This role partners cross functionally with the DC warehouse teams, DC Operations leadership, DC Logistics, Inventory Controller / PO Management team, Publishers, Vendors and Home Office to drive efficient processes for the Distribution Center(s). The Inventory Analyst partners to proactively identify, create, and implement processes, procedures, and tools that maximize labor efficiency, reduce costs, and improve speed while maintaining accuracy. Their tasks and responsibilities contribute to the overall DC cycle time goals, increasing speed to market and supporting a dependable and reliable distribution process by spending time working and observing our warehouse operations. An employee in this position can expect an annual starting rate between $55,000 -$65,000, depending on experience, seniority, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

What You Do

Oversees special order management workload, including key new releases, top priority items, author events, and manipulates DC to Store order allocations to achieve in-store dates and fill rate goals, while controlling DC freight costs. Effectively solves problems related to trouble receiving inventory and QC results. Uploads Eventbrite virtual author event customer orders, ensures fulfillment, and communicates tracking. Responsible for new / closing store merchandise and related internal processes, ensuring outbound accuracy and timeliness. Ensure Business Development special handling order needs are met, communicating any exceptions. Organizes special projects for remediation, roll outs, destruction / MOS, price ticketing, and stock balancing; initiating cost recovery when appropriate. Contributes to our B&N Vendor Operational Guidelines to drive vendor compliance and establish procedures for best practices with gains in efficiency. Resolves Customer Service, ICS, and HO escalations related to DC inventory and shipments. Achieves inventory health by curating lists of obsolete items / surplus inventory to be exited with merchant approval, and determines the appropriate exit strategy for the selected inventory; bulk / individual sale, donation, used book annex, etc. Manages bulk vendor and donor recipient relationships as well as third-party accounts. Facilitates efficiencies in receiving / shipping of DC inventory. Creates and modifies the necessary tools to recommend actions needed in volume times. Additional job duties or responsibilities may be assigned.

Knowledge & Experience

Exercises sound judgment to effectively solve problems. Works collaboratively with others to meet the needs of the organization. Follows up to ensure all work requirements are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Must be team-oriented and customer-focused. Prioritizing and multi-tasking. Works with a sense of urgency while maintaining high quality standards. Adhere to all safety protocols and foster a safe work environment. Work on the warehouse floor which includes regular lifting, bending, reaching, pulling and pushing of 10 -35 lbs. with an occasional 50 lbs., and ability to stand for extended periods of time as needed. Knowledge and understanding of the retail supply chain. Publishing or book selling experience. Strong communication and analytical skills. Familiarity with social media and third-party sales outlets. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access). Bachelor's degree in a related field and / or 3-5 years of related work experience. Business operations experience is a plus.