Inventory Analyst

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar yourejoining a global team who cares not just about the work we do but also about each other. We are the makers problem solvers and future world builders who are creating stronger more sustainable communities. We dontjust talk about progress and innovation here we make it happen with our customers where we work and live. Together we are building a better world so we can all enjoy living in it.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate cross-functionally to support initiatives to implement Eastern Hemisphere supply sources and manufacturing capabilities.
• Utilizing Infor SyteLine (ERP system) and Celonis (Inventory Management application) to analyze and manage inventory performance including optimal stock levels safety stock parameters forward forecast settings based on sales inputs inventory turns and excess and obsolete inventory along with corresponding action plans.
• Develop and implement inventory strategies to optimize working capital while ensuring material availability to support business requirements.
• Monitor and report on key financial and operational metrics including inventory value (USD) inventory turns and cost reduction/improvement initiatives.
• Support inventory planning and replenishment processes to align supply with demand forecasts and business priorities.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings through inventory optimization logistics improvements and process enhancements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with supply chain procurement operations and finance teams to drive alignment on inventory targets and performance.
• Maintain accurate inventory data and ensure compliance with internal controls audit requirements and company policies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives including system enhancements reporting automation and process standardization.
• Provide regular updates and insights to management on inventory health risks and improvement actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Caterpillar management from time to time.

What Will Put You Ahead:

• Infor SyteLine (ERP system) knowledge and prior application is a must.
• Celonis (Inventory Management application) knowledge and prior application is a plus.
• Degree or equivalent experience desired.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience.
• Exposure to procurement and/or sourcing is a plus.
• Exposure to warehouse management and logistics is a plus.

Skills You Must Have:

Inventory Management - MFG: Knowledge of processes and methods of inventory management; ability to effectively manage local or distributed inventories of raw materials work-in-progress and finished goods.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Identifies basic tools and approaches for inventory management.
• Describes basic functions and reports needed for inventory management.
• Cites examples of seasonal considerations and adjustments to planned versus actual inventory.
• Describes basic benchmarks for inventory management.

Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches tools techniques for recognizing anticipating and resolving organizational operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Identifies and documents specific problems and resolution alternatives.
• Examines a specific problem and understands the perspective of each involved stakeholder.
• Develops alternative techniques for assessing accuracy and relevance of information.
• Helps to analyze risks and benefits of alternative approaches and obtain decision on resolution.
• Uses fact-finding techniques and diagnostic tools to identify problems.

Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit receive and accurately interpret ideas information and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Delivers helpful feedback that focuses on behaviors without offending the recipient.
• Listens to feedback without defensiveness and uses it for own communication effectiveness.
• Makes oral presentations and writes reports needed for own work.
• Avoids technical jargon when inappropriate.
• Looks for and considers non-verbal cues from individuals and groups.

Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Names specific tools or techniques that can be used to support the analytical thinking process.
• Describes specific software applications or products used for business analytics.
• Gives examples of how analytical thinking has been used to resolve problems.
• Helps others research and learn more about business analytics tools and applications.

Capacity Planning & Management - MFG: Knowledge of tools approaches and practices for determining production demand and ability to manage resources needed to provide satisfactory levels of service.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Names several capacity-related measurements and installed tools.
• Identifies common capacity constraints and seasonal trends.
• Locates internal and external informative sources or proprietary materials about capacity planning & management.
• Describes the roles and responsibilities of capacity planners.

Data Gathering & Analysis: Knowledge of data gathering and analysis tools techniques and processes; ability to collect and synthesize data from a variety of stakeholders and sources in an objective manner to reach a conclusion goal or judgment.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Participates in gathering and analyzing an organizations data based on requirements.
• Follows proper data gathering and analysis processes and policies.
• Utilizes basic data collection and evaluation tools and techniques.
• Reports problems that arise in the data collection process.
• Documents data from various sources and in various formats.

Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.

Level Basic Understanding:

• Explains characteristics and steps in an effective decision-making process.
• Identifies issues and communicates with others when a decision needs to be made.
• Names decision makers in own environment and cites examples of past decisions.
• Describes types of decisions incumbent may and may not make in own job or function.

Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP): Knowledge of the process issues and considerations for systematically managing distribution of inventory for multiple plants or warehouses; ability to apply related knowledge and experience in real practice.

Level Working Knowledge:

• Works with real-time inventory software moving supplies to where needed when needed.
• Interprets the impact of bottlenecks and delays on operating costs.
• Follows processes and applies technologies for items and inventory management.
• Assists in solving issues related to distribution to meet orders or inventory replenishment requirements.
• Works with basic distribution requirements planning (DRP) processes and operations.

Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.

Data Gathering and Reporting: Knowledge of tools techniques and processes for gathering and reporting data; ability to practice them in a particular department or division of a company.

Additional Notes:

• This position requires working onsite five days a week.
• This role requires travel of 10%.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

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