Inventory Optimization Specialist

Hybrid | Turn slow inventory into opportunity. Use analytics and cross-functional partnerships to reduce excess and dead inventory, improve working capital, optimize inventory placement, increase warehouse capacity, and drive measurable business results.
Job Purpose:
Our Inventory Optimization Specialist will be responsible for representing Supply Chain Planning in all regions/segments for the purpose of reducing, managing and eliminating Dead and Excess inventory. The person will also assess inventory performance against customer’s contract/agreement commitments. This role will be required to facilitate slow moving inventory for reduction of aged inventory and national transfers to strategically relocate aged inventory.
Job Responsibilities:
● Daily dead & excess inventory review using the monthly D&E report from Finance to determine and execute item actions – Broker, Discount, Dispose, Donate, Return, Sell Thru or Transfer as well as noting if items have sold or additional follow-up is needed
● Run monthly call with regional sales managers and operations to review top D&E (by $ value) for each manager.
● Update inventory parameters such as stocking flags to prevent the reorder of dead items.
● Process stock transfers – move D&E to locations where product is selling (if possible).
● Conduct CDI (customer dedicated inventory) performance reviews with Regional Sales teams and Corporate Accounts on a monthly basis.
● Review reporting showing potential D&E – codes with no activity last 3 months, last 4 months.
● Develop working relationships with operations, customer service, supply chain and other teams in order to streamline processes and procedures as it relates to reducing the influx of D&E inventory
● Review regular dead & excess national transfers taking into consideration location constraints, product handling and freight costs.
● Work with Sourcing team, Segment Managers, National Account Managers as needed.
● Daily inquiries/requests from field (ex: suspending/un-suspending codes, discounting questions, etc.
● Coordinate with Operations and Sales on product disposals.
● Work with sales to identify codes that will become D&E due to loss of accounts.
● Research customer, sales manager, and sales rep information when systematically unavailable.
● Assist customer service with billing process on disposal of dead customer specific inventory.
● Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and prioritize improvement ideas with the management team.
Additional Responsibilities & Qualifications:
● BA/BS in Business, Finance, Logistics or Engineering preferred.
● Will lead through influence and may need to manage the sense of urgency and time utilization of key team members.
● Able to work effectively at all levels of an organization with the ability to influence others to move toward consensus.
● Strong situational analysis and decision-making abilities.
● A broad, enterprise-wide view of the business and varying degrees of appreciation for strategy, processes and capabilities, enabling technologies, and governance preferred.
● Hybrid Office setting available – 3 days on site, 2 days remote.
● Majority of time sitting and working at a computer.
● Minimal travel.
● Other duties as assigned.
Work Experience:
● 3-5 years of related job experience.● Ability to manage multiple projects, work under pressure, and adapt to sudden changes in the work environment.● Ability to work in a team environment.● Ability to work quickly and efficiently.● Basic experience of simple office/operational systems.● Excellent verbal, written, people, and diplomacy skills are required.● Experience working with ERP systems, contract management, CRM systems and project management tools preferred.● Must be highly motivated, flexible and deadline driven.● Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.● Strong customer service skills (friendly, courteous and helpful).● Strong planning and organization skills are required.● Strong problem-solving and attention to detail skills are required.
Education:
● Bachelor's Degree Preferred
What We Offer
Engaging and inclusive culture with employee-led Employee Resource Groups, Veritiv Cultural Alliance, recognition platform, etc.
Extensive training opportunities, professional development programs, career pathing, and mentorship opportunities.
Collaborative atmosphere with our customers and suppliers to create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities through our responsible operations and innovative solutions.
Healthcare benefits (including medical, dental, vision, and health savings account), life, AD&D, and disability insurance, 401k, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and other fringe benefits.
About Veritiv
Together with its subsidiaries, Veritiv is the leading full-service provider of packaging solutions. Veritiv also provides JanSan, hygiene, print and publishing products and services. Veritiv serves customers in a wide range of industries, through team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers. For more information, visit www.veritiv.com and connect with the Company on LinkedIn.