Inventory Control and Planning Analyst

Inventory Control and Planning Analyst Department: Supply Chain / OperationsReports to: Director, Finance and Accounting Employment status: Full time, salaried Position Summary The Inventory Control and Planning Analyst oversees inventory integrity and develops inventory controls that support Athens Foods’ manufacturing operations. The position analyzes raw materials, ingredients, packaging, work in process, and finished goods to improve availability, record accuracy, inventory investment, and waste reduction. The analyst evaluates inventory risks, develops corrective actions, and advises management on policies and planning decisions affecting production continuity and inventory costs. The primary focus is inventory analysis, control design, and process improvement. Physical counts and transaction verification support these responsibilities as needed. Essential Responsibilities · Own the inventory accuracy program, including risk based cycle count priorities, reconciliation procedures, investigation standards, and follow up on corrective actions. · Investigate material inventory discrepancies across receiving, storage, production consumption, transfers, and shipping; evaluate causes and select corrective actions within delegated authority. · Analyze inventory balances, usage, demand trends, lead times, and production requirements; recommend inventory targets, safety stock levels, and replenishment parameters. · Evaluate shortages, excess inventory, slow moving materials, and aging finished goods; develop action plans with Purchasing, Production, Warehouse, Sales, and Finance. · Develop and revise inventory procedures and internal controls, including transaction timing, adjustment documentation, approval requirements, and segregation of duties. · Review inventory adjustments and supporting evidence; approve adjustments only within documented authorization limits and escalate exceptions for approval. · Monitor lot traceability, expiration dates, and first expired first out practices where applicable; coordinate with Quality on inventory holds, approved disposition, and recall support. · Analyze yield, scrap, production usage, and inventory variance trends with Production and Finance; recommend changes that reduce losses and improve reporting accuracy. · Prepare inventory performance reports and present findings, financial implications, and recommended actions to management. · Lead inventory process improvement projects, assess alternatives, coordinate implementation of approved changes, and measure results. · Coordinate physical inventory planning and reconciliation; support month end inventory review and internal or external audit requests. · Train employees on inventory procedures, documentation, and system controls; monitor adherence and address recurring process gaps with department leaders. · Partner with system users to improve inventory data integrity, units of measure, item records, and reporting; coordinate controlled changes with the appropriate system owners. · Follow company safety, food safety, sanitation, and Good Manufacturing Practices requirements; perform other related duties consistent with the position. Decision Making and Authority Independently prioritize inventory investigations, evaluate competing solutions, and implement corrective actions within approved policies and delegated authority. Recommend changes to inventory policies, stock targets, and business processes based on operational and financial analysis. Obtain required approval for purchases, write offs, policy exceptions, and system changes outside established limits. Quality retains authority over product release and food safety disposition. Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, accounting, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant education and experience considered. · Three or more years of…

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