Retail Inventory Analyst

Job Details: Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $70000.00 - $80000.00Salary, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Category: Retail,   The Retail Inventory Analyst is responsible for overseeing and optimizing inventory planning, allocation, replenishment, and assortment strategies across Portland Leather Goods' retail locations. This position plays a key role in ensuring product availability, maximizing inventory efficiency, supporting store openings, and driving overall retail profitability. This role requires a combination of analytical expertise, strategic thinking, and independent decision-making. The Retail Inventory Analyst will have the authority to make inventory purchasing, allocation, assortment, replenishment, and clearance decisions that directly impact the company's financial and operational performance. Working collaboratively with Retail Leadership, Supply Chain, Merchandising, and third-party logistics partners, this position will develop and implement inventory strategies, evaluate business performance, and identify opportunities to improve retail inventory operations. Key Responsibilities Inventory Strategy & Decision-Making Independently develop, implement, and adjust inventory allocation and replenishment strategies across retail locations based on sales performance, inventory trends, and business needs. Exercise independent judgment when determining appropriate inventory levels, product distribution, replenishment quantities, and assortment adjustments. Establish and modify inventory management processes, procedures, and strategies to improve operational efficiency and inventory performance. Evaluate inventory risks, identify opportunities, and implement corrective actions to minimize overstock, stockouts, and excess inventory. Make inventory-related decisions that have a meaningful financial and operational impact on retail performance. Purchasing, Replenishment & Assortment Management Independently determine purchasing and replenishment needs and authorize product orders within established business and financial guidelines. Make assortment decisions, including adding, reducing, reallocating, or discontinuing products across retail locations. Determine inventory adjustments and execute clearance strategies for slow-moving or excess merchandise. Analyze sales trends, product demand, seasonality, and historical performance to establish appropriate inventory levels. Manage inventory planning for product launches, promotional initiatives, seasonal changes, and new retail store openings. Evaluate inventory investment decisions to balance product availability, inventory turnover, and profitability. Inventory Analysis & Financial Performance Analyze inventory performance across retail locations, including stock levels, turnover, sell-through rates, shrinkage, stockouts, and aged inventory. Evaluate financial and operational implications of inventory purchasing, allocation, and clearance decisions. Develop demand forecasts using historical sales data, seasonal trends, and anticipated business growth. Identify inventory inefficiencies and independently implement strategies to improve product availability and operational performance. Prepare inventory performance reports and present business insights, trends, and strategic recommendations to Retail Leadership. Supply Chain & Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with Supply Chain, Merchandising, Retail Operations, and third-party logistics providers to ensure effective inventory distribution. Coordinate inventory planning and product availability for new store openings, including soft launches and grand openings. Make inventory allocation and replenishment decisions to support individual store performance and company-wide retail objectives. Partner with cross-functional teams to resolve inventory discrepancies, distribution challenges, and product availability concerns. Evaluate operational challenges and implement solutions to improve inventory accuracy, distribution efficiency, and inventory movement. Process Improvement & Operational Strategy Identify opportunities to improve inventory management systems, forecasting methods, and replenishment processes. Develop and implement inventory management procedures and best practices that support business growth. Assess existing inventory processes and independently recommend or execute operational improvements. Utilize inventory management technology, reporting tools, and analytical systems to improve decision-making. Monitor the effectiveness of implemented inventory strategies and make adjustments based on business performance. Qualifications:   Qualifications & Skills Education Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Retail Management, Finance, or a related field preferred. Experience 1–3 years of experience in retail inventory analysis, inventory planning, allocation, replenishment, retail buying, or a related field Experience working with soft goods merchandise within the retail market required, preferably apparel, footwear, handbags, accessories, or comparable consumer products. Experience analyzing sales performance and making inventory purchasing, allocation, or replenishment decisions preferred. Experience supporting multiple retail locations or a growing retail business is required. Technical Skills Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, forecasting, and reporting required. Experience with ERP and inventory management systems such as NetSuite, NetSuite POS, Shopify, SAP, Oracle, or comparable systems is required. Familiarity with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI preferred. Strong understanding of retail inventory metrics, including inventory turnover, sell-through, stock-to-sales ratios, and demand forecasting. Core Competencies Independent Judgment: Ability to evaluate complex business information and make informed inventory decisions without requiring routine management approval. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop inventory strategies that align with financial goals and operational priorities. Financial Acumen: Understanding of the financial impact of inventory investments, purchasing, clearance decisions, and product allocation. Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable business decisions. Problem-Solving: Ability to independently identify challenges, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and communicate business recommendations. Organization: Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced retail environment. Work Environment & Travel Remote work environment with regular collaboration across departments and retail locations. Occasional travel of up to 10% may be required to support retail operations, store openings, inventory initiatives, and business meetings. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, growing retail organization. Employees must reside in a state where the company is currently registered to conduct business and process payroll. At this time, we are able to hire in the following states: Oregon, Texas, Washington, Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, Nevada, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, Tennessee, New Hampshire and Georgia.   What we can offer you! Health, dental & vision insurance (75% cost covered by PLG for team member) 401(k) with 4% company match Discounted pet insurance Holidays (including 1 floating holiday), vacation & sick time Store discount Dynamic & collaborative team environment About Portland Leather We’ve come a long way since the garage days. Portland Leather Goods was founded in 2016 to solve a simple problem: Why was it so hard to find an affordable, full-grain leather bag that actually looked and felt great? We’ve grown fast by staying focused — on quality, on value, and on creating a brand people actually love to be part of. Now, we’re building something even bigger. And we’re doing it with people who love taking ownership, bringing energy, and making a real impact. If that’s you — we’d love to meet you. At Portland Leather Goods, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join our team. Check us out at portlandleathergoods.com and on Instagram @portlandleather