Inventory & Purchasing Analyst

Location: Marshfield, WI (onsite)

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: Starting at $50,000 annually

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!

About Us

At Nelson-Jameson, we’ve been a trusted partner in the food manufacturing industry since 1947. We provide high-quality products and innovative solutions that help businesses maintain top standards in quality, safety, and compliance. As a family-owned company, we believe in accountability, teamwork, and growth—for our people and the business. We take pride in our close-knit, supportive culture where every team member has a voice and the chance to grow. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a team that works hard and stays optimistic, we’d love to have you join us!

Job Summary

The Inventory & Purchasing Analyst aligns inventory planning, demand forecasting, and purchasing execution to support service levels, margin goals, and capital objectives across the business. This role works closely with suppliers on a daily basis and partners internally with Inventory Control, Buyers, Product Management, and other groups to ensure the right products are available at the right time and at the right cost.

This position goes beyond transactional purchasing and requires a strong analytical mindset. The Inventory & Purchasing Analyst evaluates demand patterns, inventory health, and supplier performance to identify risks proactively, recommend improvements, and support data-driven decision-making. While the role is product-focused today, it offers the opportunity to help shape more integrated, distribution center–level inventory planning over time through continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze historical demand, forecasts, and inventory trends to support purchasing and replenishment decisions
• Develop and maintain demand forecasts, reorder points, safety stock levels, and order quantities
• Execute purchasing decisions aligned to demand signals, lead times, and supplier constraints
• Monitor inventory health metrics including turns, days on hand, service levels, and excess or obsolete inventory
• Identify risks related to demand volatility, long lead times, stockouts, or overstock and recommend mitigation strategies
• Work closely with suppliers on lead times, fill rates, MOQs, and variability
• Partner with Buyers and Inventory Control to ensure accurate and consistent purchasing execution
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Sales, Operations, and Finance to incorporate demand signals, promotions, and product lifecycle changes
• Develop and maintain inventory, purchasing, and demand planning reports and dashboards
• Analyze and interpret data to provide actionable insights that support margin improvement, inventory optimization, and process efficiency
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency across ERP and demand planning systems
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce manual work, variability, and inefficiencies
  
  

Why Nelson-Jameson?

At Nelson-Jameson, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to grow and succeed within a family-owned company that values innovation, collaboration, and hard work. You’ll be part of a trusted industry leader, working alongside passionate professionals who are dedicated to making a difference.

As a golden rule company, we strive to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and kindness. Our organization is committed to operating ethically and respecting people, our community, and the environment. With us, you’ll become part of a hard-working team that takes pride in providing safe, high-quality food to communities around the world.

With Nelson-Jameson, You’ll Receive

• Comprehensive Health Benefits with your choice of benefits to match your unique needs
• 401(k) with company match
• Competitive Compensation: Starting at $50,000 annually
• Paid time off at time of hire
• Annual allowance for company-branded clothing
• Annual Wellness Stipend & other wellness programs
• And much more!
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

• Required:
• Education: Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience: 1–2 years of experience in inventory planning, demand planning, purchasing, supply chain analytics, or a related analytical role
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and support data-driven decisions
• Proficiency in Excel and experience working within ERP systems
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners
• Preferred:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, or a related field
• Experience: 3–5 years of related experience in inventory planning, demand planning, or purchasing analytics
• Experience using demand planning or forecasting software (similar to Recurrency)
• Experience working in a product-focused inventory environment, with interest in expanding toward broader distribution center–level planning
• Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement and process optimization
  

How To Apply

If you’re ready to drive your career forward with a company that values hard work, safety, and excellent customer service, apply now on our career site!

Nelson-Jameson, Inc. and NEXT Logistics, LLC. are Equal Opportunity Employers. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status.