Inventory Analyst

Role Overview

MS2 Retail is a Canadian retail advisory and operations partner focused on empowering small and mid-size retailers worldwide through remote team augmentation and scalable capability solutions. We blend real-life retail experience with data-driven execution to help brands strengthen core functions such as merchandising, planning, supply chain, e-commerce, and customer support.

We are seeking an experienced Inventory Analyst to support our Client a mid-size menswear retail business on a remote, contract basis.

This is a hands-on allocation and replenishment role focused on size-intensive apparel, working closely with Planning and Buying to optimize inventory productivity across stores and e-commerce. The role requires strong analytical capability, disciplined execution, and the ability to operate independently in a remote environment while supporting store-level needs.

This is a Contract temporary role that requires 8:30AM to 5:00PM EST working hours. Remote.

Key Responsibilities

Allocation, Sizing & Replenishment

- Plan and execute allocations by class for distribution to stores and e-commerce
- Develop, maintain, and refine size scales and size models based on historical performance, trends, and store profiles
- Allocate product according to store clustering, regional trends, and channel performance
- Analyze sizing, depth, and distribution effectiveness and recommend corrective actions
- Support OTB productivity through data-driven allocation and replenishment decisions

Performance Analysis & Reporting

- Produce weekly allocation, replenishment, and inventory performance reports
- Analyze store- and channel-level performance (sales, sell-through, weeks of supply, stock health)
- Partner with Planners and Buyers to understand performance drivers and support in-season decisions
- Identify size, price-point, and class-level trends and translate insights into action

Purchase Orders, On-Order & DC Flow

- Upload, manage, and track purchase orders and DC distributions with a high degree of accuracy
- Ensure product flow is reflected accurately on the on-order at least two weeks ahead of the month start
- Manage weekly receipts and on-order adjustments, ensuring variance reporting accuracy
- Take ownership of PO changes, including pricing, delivery dates, sizes, descriptions, and quantities
- Ensure orders are prepared and communicated in a timely manner to support execution

Store & Cross-Functional Support

- Respond to store allocation and inventory queries in a timely and service-oriented manner
- Communicate changes to BIR / replenishment models and allocation logic as required
- Act as a key link between Planning, Buying, and Operations to ensure alignment
- Support consistent, clear communication despite remote and time-zone differences

Required Skills & Experience

- 4+ years of experience in allocation, replenishment, or inventory analysis, preferably in menswear or apparel
- Strong experience working with size-intensive commodities (e.g., tailored clothing, denim, shirts, outerwear)
- Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis); comfort working with large datasets
- Strong understanding of store-level performance and omnichannel inventory dynamics
- Experience managing POs, on-order, DC flows, and store distributions
- Highly detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and follow-through
- Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a remote, contract-based environment

Preferred Qualifications

- Background in retail, merchandising, planning, or supply chain
- Strong English communications skills and demonstrated ability to work directly with North American companies.
- Experience supporting both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels
- Familiarity with merchandising or ERP systems (e.g., SAP, JDA, Blue Yonder, or similar)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills when working with remote teams and stores

What This Role Offers

- Flexible, remote contract engagement
- Opportunity to work closely with Planning and Buying on core business decisions directly with a Canadian Retail
- High-impact role focused on real execution, not just reporting
- Ideal for experienced allocators who thrive in data-driven, operational retail environments