Inventory Operations Assistant Jobs in California

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POSITION SUMMARY:

• The Inventory & Operations Analyst reports to the EVP for the West Region
• Located in San Diego, CA
• Full-Time

The Inventory Optimization Specialist is responsible for supporting inventory health, accuracy, and operational efficiency across the Region by proactively managing excess, slow-moving, obsolete, and third-party inventory. This role partners closely with Purchasing, Finance, Sales, Operations, and Distribution teams to improve inventory productivity, reduce stagnant inventory, optimize stock levels, and ensure timely inventory transactions and reporting accuracy.

The position plays a critical role in balancing customer availability with disciplined inventory management, while enabling Procurement and Sales teams to focus on strategic growth and customer service initiatives.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Inventory Health & Optimization

• Review and analyze inventory data to identify slow-moving, excess, obsolete, and non-performing SKUs.
• Partner with reporting specialists and internal stakeholders to evaluate inventory trends, stock levels, usage patterns, and replenishment opportunities.
• Support inventory reduction initiatives through liquidation strategies, reseller coordination, stock reductions, and inventory disposition activities.
• Work cross-functionally with Finance and Purchasing to ensure timely inventory cleanup and accurate system adjustments.
• Evaluate stocking agreement items to ensure inventory aligns with customer demand and operational requirements.
• Review out-of-stock trends and recommend stocking parameter adjustments to improve service levels.
• Analyze project-related order quantities and identify non-standard usage trends impacting inventory planning.

Regional Responsibilities

RW Smith (RWS)

• Identify and communicate slow/non-selling inventory opportunities to Sales teams for targeted sell-through efforts.
• Coordinate with Purchasing and Finance on inventory liquidation, write-offs, and system cleanup activities.
• Evaluate inventory reduction opportunities and recommend strategic stock adjustments.
• Support inventory optimization efforts related to stocking agreements and customer-specific inventory programs.

TriMark Orange County (TMOC)

• Audit third-party logistics (3PL) inventory to ensure accuracy and reconciliation.
• Monitor general inventory and coordinate publication of available excess inventory for resale opportunities.
• Communicate regularly with 3PL partners regarding inbound and outbound inventory activity.
• Ensure inventory transactions are completed accurately and timely within Lawson and related systems.
• Conduct onsite visits to 3PL facilities as needed to validate inventory processes, controls, and accuracy.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and Distribution teams to improve inventory visibility and operational execution.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory processes, reporting, and inventory control.
• Assist with data reconciliation and inventory reporting to support operational and financial accuracy.
• Partner with Accounting and Finance teams to ensure appropriate inventory adjustments and documentation.

Success Measures / Expected Outcomes

• Reduction in stagnant, excess, and obsolete inventory.
• Improved inventory accuracy across warehouses and 3PL locations.
• Increased inventory visibility and faster disposition of non-performing inventory.
• Improved inventory turns and reduction in aged inventory exposure.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by enabling Procurement teams to focus on strategic purchasing activities and PO management.
• Increased Sales effectiveness through improved inventory communication and product availability visibility.
• Improved customer satisfaction through better inventory management and stock availability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in inventory management, purchasing, supply chain, warehouse operations, or distribution environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret inventory and operational data.
• Experience working with ERP/WMS systems such as Lawson, SX, M3, JDE, or similar platforms preferred.
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and operational locations.