Senior Inventory Strategist

Job Description TEAM MEMBER MUST BE WILLING TO WORK AT OUR RALEIGH, NC HQ FOUR DAYS A WEEK. The Senior Inventory Strategist will optimize inventory levels across our network, ensuring that products are efficiently delivered to the right locations at the right times and in appropriate volumes. This role will handle critical and complex business categories and act as a key leader for all inventory operations within assigned business units. The ideal candidate will collaborate with management and cross-functional teams in Merchandising, Marketing, Pricing, and Supply Chain to develop a long-term strategic vision for inventory management. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Core Execution Place purchase orders with vendors to maintain sufficient inventory levels for AAP Company Owned stores and numerous Independently operated stores. Regularly review KPIs, including weeks of supply and in-stock metrics, to ensure optimal inventory levels. Manage vendor purchase orders from initiation to distribution centers (DCs), guaranteeing timely and complete shipments. Analyze supplier issues to improve performance and resolve challenges. Monitor product flow through the supply chain to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction. Engage in the Lifecycle Management review process to address slow-moving products and obsolete inventory effectively. Assess inventory turnover performance and identify opportunities for optimization. Conduct root cause analysis and troubleshooting for inventory shortages in stores and DCs. Collaboration/Partnership Establish strong vendor relationships to clearly define expectations and achieve objectives. Mentor and support less experienced Inventory Planners in their daily responsibilities. Foster a cohesive team dynamic within your team and among cross-functional partners. Business Analysis/Insights Evaluate KPIs and report on targets to provide insights to partners and leadership, gauging progress against objectives. Utilize data storytelling to derive actionable insights from various data sources. Work with substantial datasets to construct reports for senior management. Perform ad-hoc analyses to identify business opportunities and formulate strategies to address them. Communication Effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, field staff, and leadership to communicate data findings and solutions. Exhibit strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to advocate for optimal results. Proactively address and resolve product flow issues from Vendor to DC to Store, preventing service disruptions. Education and Experience 2-5 years of experience in planning or inventory management. Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or related field; equivalent experience is also acceptable. Qualifications Advanced Excel and analytical skills are essential, along with a strong grasp of retail math and inventory management; proficiency in these areas is required. Experience with inventory management systems such as Blue Yonder, Relex, Manhattan Associates, or SAP. A self-driven, passionate, and enthusiastic individual ready to lead and inspire their team. Exceptional organizational skills and a natural inclination for problem-solving. A flexible team player who excels in dynamic environments, managing multiple priorities and projects effectively. A strong sense of urgency for adapting and enhancing processes. A curious mindset that questions data to uncover root causes and opportunities. #LI-AC1 California Residents click below for Privacy Notice:

Created: 2026-03-04