Inventory Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary The Inventory Specialist will be responsible for optimizing inventory levels at each node of the network and ensuring product is moving to the right location at the right time, with the right volume. The Inventory Specialist manages the core business categories on each team and partners with the Inventory Analyst & Inventory Manager on more complex businesses or initiatives.

What will you do?

Core Execution Place purchase orders from vendors to AAP Distribution Centers to maintain adequate inventory to support AAP Company Owned stores and hundreds of Independently operated stores

Ensure that proper inventory levels are maintained by consistently reviewing KPIs such as weeks of supply and depth in-stock metrics

Track vendor PO’s from order point to DC to ensure vendors are shipping on time and in full

Root cause supplier issues to maintain acceptable performance

Monitor product flow throughout the supply chain to create an excellent customer experience

Participate in Lifecycle Management review process; determine path forward for slow moving product and obsolete inventory

Monitor inventory-turn performance and identify opportunities to optimize inventory levels

Root cause analysis and troubleshooting when stores or DCs are out of stock

Collaboration/Partnership Manage vendor-facing relationship to ensure expectations are defined and achieved

Partner with Senior Inventory Planner as necessary on high-visibility categories or initiatives

Collaborate as part of a cohesive team environment with immediate team and cross-functional partners alike

Business Analysis/Insights Review KPIs and reporting against targets to provide visibility to partners and leadership. Work with key partners to measure progress against targets

Ability to gather pieces of data from well-defined sources to answer questions about their business

With the help of the Senior Inventory Planner, work with large amounts of data and create reports for Senior Management team Conduct ad hoc analysis to understand business opportunities

Communication

Effectively communicate with cross functional teams

Demonstrate consistent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills to identify problems

Proactively communicate and resolve all issues regarding product flow from Vendor to DC to Store and resolve potential service disruptions

Location & Work Availability:

This position is Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote), based at our corporate headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Qualifications Proficiency with Excel and basic analytical skills required, with fundamental understanding of retail math and inventory management. Must be able to demonstrate familiarity in these areas to be considered for this position.

Experience & familiarity in inventory management systems and Software (in Blue Yonder, Relex or Manhattan Associates, or SAP) Self-motivated, passionate and enthusiastic individual ready to bring energy and excitement to lead their business

Demonstrated organizational skills with a natural curiosity and interest in problem solving

Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize workload

Strong sense of urgency and willingness to provide feedback on potential process improvements

Curiosity to ask “why” behind the data and dig into the root cause opportunities.

Certifications, Experience, and

Education:

Minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a planning and/or inventory management field; and Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, or other related field; or Equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Benefits

Summary:

We believe in supporting our Team Members and those they love through comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Learn more here:  Overview:

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of January 3, 2026, Advance operated 4,305 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also served 809 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to…