Inventory Management Analyst

Position Summary Are you prepared to harness your analytical expertise to drive operational excellence in a leading company? Join Ajinomoto Foods North America as an Analyst, Inventory Management and play a pivotal role in advancing our inventory management strategies, enhancing service delivery, and supporting robust production processes.

This key position involves managing inventory levels to meet market demands and manufacturing capabilities, playing a crucial role in our Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process. We are seeking a detail-oriented, driven professional who is eager to push our dynamic Supply Chain Planning team to new heights, enhance critical metrics, and make strategic contributions to our sustained growth. Position Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inventory Management:

Develop and implement data-driven strategies to maintain optimal stock levels across multiple locations, formulating precise inventory projections and managing strategic levels for existing products and new product launches. Inventory Governance: Lead quarterly inventory reviews, executing stratification and adjusting planning parameters.

Work collaboratively with purchasing, logistics, sales, and finance teams to ensure inventory strategies are integrated with overall business objectives. Inventory Health: Proactively manage slow-moving and obsolete materials, monitor inventory aging, evaluate obsolescence risks, and maintain optimal Weeks of Supply (WOS). Determine safety stock levels to achieve desired service level while minimizing inventory related costs.

Distribution Optimization: Apply Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) principles to optimize supply plans, current inventory levels, target safety stock, and replenishment quantities. Serve as the primary liaison for manufacturing locations regarding DRP issues, providing regular updates and actionable insights during S&OP meetings.

Data Analysis and Reporting: Use advanced analytics to track inventory trends, conduct variance analysis, and assess supply-demand dynamics. Generate detailed reports and presentations that drive strategic decision-making.

System Implementation and Optimization: Work with technology partners to enhance the functionality of JDE and other advanced planning systems, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking. S&OP Process Support:

Participate actively in S&OP review meetings, presenting inventory challenges and collaborating on solutions to align inventory with production capacities and market demands. Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to drive continuous improvement in business processes and system solutions.

Core Competencies: Intellectual Curiosity: Actively research, experiment, and seek out diverse perspectives to develop innovative solutions and drive impactful decisions.

Adaptability: Ability to handle competing demands and manage change effectively. Responsiveness: Quick to react and provide solutions to challenges. Problem-Solving Skills:

Demonstrates critical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Collaboration: Skilled at building relationships across teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Structured Approach:

Employs a structured approach while maintaining creativity and adaptability. Data Literacy: Highly proficient with data applications and planning systems, with a talent for simplifying complex information.

Position Qualifications Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, or Engineering. Professional Experience:

At least 3 years in supply planning and production scheduling. Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Excel and PowerPoint; familiarity with ERP systems (JDE), Advanced Planning systems (Demantra, or Blue Yonder). Industry Experience:

Prior experience in the food or related process industries. Certifications: ASCM/APICS certification is highly regarded. Pay Range $80,000 to $95,000 #INDONT