What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory Analyst position at US Farathane?
Summary:
The Inventory Analyst is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing inventory levels to support uninterrupted production and on-time delivery to automotive OEM customers and other suppliers. The role ensures inventory accuracy, minimizes excess and obsolete (E&O) inventory, and supports compliance with IATF16949, customer specific requirements, and internal materials control procedures within a high-volume plastic injection molding manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitor raw materials, WIP, finished goods, MRO, and packaging inventory to ensure alignment with production schedules and customer demand.
- Maintain high inventory accuracy through cycle counts, root cause, analysis, and corrective actions.
- Set up and maintain stock location throughout the plant.
- Champion of BOM accuracy and institute changes as needed.
- Responsible for end-of-the-month final inventories of finished goods, raw materials, components, and works in process; including all reports required.
- Responsible for assisting in daily cycle counting and inventory adjustments.
- Periodic audit of supplier material receipts (Bill of lading – confirm quantity and entry into Parts ).
- USF regrind scanning process implemented and virgin material not consumed added back to inventory.
- Implement and follow USF standard cycle process in Parts
- Investigate and resolved inventory discrepancies, shortages, and variances.
- Support physical inventory and annual inventory audits.
- Analyze inventory turns, days on hand, aging inventory, and E&O exposure.
- Prepare and present inventory performance reports to Material Manager.
- Identify trends impacting inventory levels, including demand fluctuations, scrap, downtime, and supplier performance.
- Support cost-reduction initiatives through improved inventory optimization.
- Collaborating with Production Planning, Scheduling, Purchasing, and Quality support uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
- Ensure inventory availability aligns with OEM releases, forecasts, and EDI requirements.
- Support customer scorecard metrics related to delivery performance and inventory health.
- Work with Purchasing to align order quantities, lead times, and safety stock levels.
- Assist in supplier performance tracking related to delivery, quality, and responsiveness.
- Support materials flow improvements to reduce lead time and inventory risks.
- Ensure inventory processes align with IATF16949, internal work instructions, and customer-specific requirements.
- Participate in internal and external audits as a subject matter resource.
- Support Lean initiatives, including FIFO, PFEP, and 6S related to materials management.
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on inventory accuracy and efficiency.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Industrial Engineering or related preferred (or equivalent experience).
- 2-5 years of inventory analysis or materials control experience in automotive manufacturing preferably plastic injection molding.
- Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis).
- Experience working in a fast-paced, OEM-driven production environment.
- Experience in Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier environment.
- Familiarity with OEM requirements (GM, Ford, etc.).
- Working know of IATF 16949 and automotive audit expectations.
- Prefer Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure.
- Analytical and data-driven decision making.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong cross-functional communication.
- Problem-solving and root cause analysis.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a production environment.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a warehouse and manufacturing environment.
- Ability to climb stairs and access to dock areas, trailers, and warehouse platforms.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach to inspect materials, packaging, and shipments.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Manual dexterity to handle shipping documentation, labels, scanners, and inventory systems.
- Ability to visually inspect materials, labels, and finished goods for accuracy and damage.
- Ability to read and interpret shipping documents, bills of lading, computer screens, and handheld devices.
- Ability to hear and respond to forklift alarms, dock signals, and verbal communication in a noisy environment.
- Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, and high visibility apparel.
- Ability to work environments with temperature variations, dust, and industrial noise.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. These conditions include:
- Manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, forklifts, and moving equipment.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the facility as needed.
- Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Extended computer use for reporting and analysis.
- Warehouse and manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, forklifts, and moving equipment.
- Standing, walking, and lifting required throughout the shift.
US Farathane offers an impressive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k with company match, paid holidays and vacaction, job promotional opportunities and much more!
US Farathane provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all qualified applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, or status as a protected veteran