Inventory & Purchasing Analyst

Req ID: 446206 

BASIC PURPOSE: The Inventory Analyst will play a pivotal role in efficiently managing inventory within Love’s Distribution Network. This position involves crafting and managing purchase orders, optimizing inbound logistics, and implementing strategic inventory management processes to meet KPIs and goals. The role also emphasizes minimizing aging inventory and fostering a commitment to continuous improvement. This position will mainly be focused on running POs, inventory management for Love's distribution centers, and logistics tracking for general merchandise items.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Purchase Orders and Inbound Logistics
  • Execute weekly replenishment and opening order processes.
  • Monitor shipping and tracking against Estimated Time of Arrival for all orders.
  • Collaborate with freight forwarders and internal teams to optimize freight movement.
• In Stock % and Turns
  • Achieve established category KPIs for Love’s Distribution Network in-stock percentage goals.
  • Assure inventory efficiency in Love’s Distribution Network to achieve category turn goals.
• Aging Inventory and Continuous Improvement
  • Minimize aging inventory through proactive management and strategic decision-making.
  • Continuously assess the current inventory situation and implement improvements to enhance overall efficiency.
• Inventory Management
  • Work with Category Management to set the inventory plan for items within the Love’s Distribution Network.
  • Implement Inventory Management procedures from inception into the Love’s Distribution Network to completion in Love’s System.
• Vendor Forecasting and Planning
  • Collaborate with vendors to forecast and plan inventory needs.
  • Implement different strategies for import and domestic items to make informed business decisions.
• Analytical Decision-Making
  • Utilize analytics to cut efficient purchase orders, hitting required goals and KPIs for inventory levels.
  • Maximize in-stock percentage while optimizing turns and overall inventory efficiency.
• Handle other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education:
  • HS Diploma or equivalent required
  • Bachelor’s degree in business management or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  • 1+ years of experience in inventory management within a retail or distribution setting is required.
  • 3+ years of experience in inventory management within a retail or distribution setting is preferred.
  • Experience as a retail buyer, in category management, or merchandising is a plus.

      SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Hard Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office, knowledge of other software such as SAP applications or product lifecycle management is advantageous.
  • Soft Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, keen attention to detail, ability to multitask, strong organizational skills, flexibility, and good relationship skills. Ability to work with various levels of management, and self-motivated to take on additional tasks.

• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting, up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and vision.
  • Must be available to travel when needed (traveling by car and plane about 10% of the time).

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with more than 630 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets.
• Speedco and Love’s Truck Care, the largest oil change and preventive maintenance and total truck care network.
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader.
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert.
• TVC Pro-driver, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) protection subscription service.