Associate Field Inventory Manager

Associate Field Inventory Manager

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Work Schedule: Hybrid: Monday & Friday remote; Tuesday-Thursday onsite
Reports To: Field Inventory Manager
Travel: 10%-25%, based on business needs

Summary of the Role

The Associate Field Inventory Manager (AFIM) supports the Field Inventory Management team through inventory analysis, reporting, process coordination, and project-based supply chain activities. The role works with Field Inventory Managers, Branch Operations, Sales, Procurement, Buyers, and Supply Chain leadership to support inventory planning and execution across the branch network.

The AFIM analyzes inventory and operational data, prepares recommendations, maintains inventory-related data and systems, and coordinates recurring processes, enabling Field Inventory Managers to focus on strategic inventory performance and higher-value activities.

This position provides an opportunity to develop expertise in inventory management and supply chain analytics, with a defined career path toward Field Inventory Management.

Inventory Management Support

• Analyze inventory data, usage history, replenishment parameters, customer requirements, and branch performance to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Support stock/nonstock reviews by preparing analysis and recommendations for Field Inventory Managers and branch leadership.
• Analyze excess, obsolete, slow-moving, and inactive inventory and identify redistribution or rehoming opportunities.
• Support OSMI/SLOB reviews by preparing data, identifying potential actions, and tracking follow-up.
• Assist with inventory parameter reviews, including LP/OP, min/max, planner settings, and manual parameters.
• Prepare analysis for customer commitments, seasonal builds, new business, turnarounds, shutdowns, lost business, and other one-time events.
• Support review of high-value purchase order lines and identify opportunities to adjust replenishment parameters or purchase quantities.
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory availability while minimizing excess inventory and unnecessary purchases.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and summarize inventory, purchasing, usage, forecast, and branch-level data.
• Develop and maintain recurring reports, analytical files, dashboards, and other inventory-management tools.
• Prepare data for backlog meetings, SIOP activities, parameter reviews, stock/nonstock reviews, and excess inventory reviews.
• Identify trends, exceptions, data-quality issues, and inventory risks and bring findings to the appropriate Field Inventory Manager.
• Translate data into actionable recommendations supporting availability, inventory turns, excess reduction, and overall inventory health.

Process Support & Coordination

• Manage weekly preparation for backlog meetings, including updating reports, gathering information, and tracking follow-up actions.
• Support turnaround planning by analyzing data, preparing planning materials, and developing preliminary recommendations.
• Perform ERP data maintenance and support mass-upload activities as needed.
• Coordinate with Buyers, Branch Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain team members to obtain information required for analysis and follow-up.
• Identify recurring process issues and opportunities to improve efficiency, standardization, and data accuracy.

Cross-Functional Support

• Serve as a resource and coordinator between Field Inventory Managers, Buyers, Branch Operations, Sales, Procurement, and Supply Chain.
• Support consistent application of inventory management processes, tools, reports, and standards across the organization.
• Escalate significant inventory risks, data issues, or unresolved actions to the appropriate Field Inventory Manager.
• Develop effective working relationships across functions and locations to support timely execution of inventory activities.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and commitment to data accuracy.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the ability to manipulate, analyze, and summarize data.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to identify trends, exceptions, and root causes and translate analysis into practical recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage recurring activities and project deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across Supply Chain, Sales, Procurement, Buyers, and Branch Operations.
• Microsoft Office proficiency required; ERP, inventory management, reporting, Power BI, or other data-analysis experience preferred.

Other Duties

• Support special projects and other supply chain initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations, Analytics, Mathematics, or a related field preferred.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience in supply chain, inventory management, purchasing, procurement, operations, logistics, or data analysis.
• Strong data-analysis experience and demonstrated ability to use data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities.
• Experience working with ERP systems and/or supply chain planning tools preferred.
• Experience in a multi-location distribution or industrial environment preferred.

Total Rewards

• Competitive compensation plan
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is our policy to employ qualified persons without regard for race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, or disability. Individuals are considered for employment, promotion, or training solely on their ability to perform the essential functions of the position.