Associate Inventory Analyst

Job Title:  Zumiez Associate Inventory Analyst

Reports to:  Merchandise Analytics Manager

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Department:  Merchandising

Location:  In-office at the Lynnwood, WA Home Office

 

PURPOSE:

Our company is searching for an Associate Inventory Analyst to join our team. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical capabilities along with a passion for retail and merchandising trends. This role blends analytical rigor with merchandising intuition by using data to tell the story of what's working, what's not, and what to do about it. The ideal candidate brings strong Excel skills, foundational analytical skills, and the ability to learn to translate complex data into compelling recommendations that buying teams can act on immediately. The Inventory Analyst will partner with buyers, planners, and leadership to identify opportunities to improve profitability through optimizing in store assortment.

 

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Inventory Analytics & Insights

• Analyze sales trends, inventory productivity, and assortment performance to identify opportunities and risks and translate opportunities into specific, actionable recommendations for Buyers and Planners
• Perform pre-season, in-season, and post-season analysis that drives buy, allocation, and markdown decisions

Business Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner directly with assigned buying team(s) as their embedded analytical resource
• Support data engagement within the buying team through insights and tailored reports
• Participate in merchandising planning meetings, bringing analytical perspective to strategic discussions
• Build trust through reliability, curiosity, and focusing on topics the team cares about

Day to Day Operational Strategy

• Execute Key Item Planning (KIP) and Markdowns for buying teams
• Support forecasting of raw materials

Tools & Self-Service Analytics

• Learn and apply Power BI for creating self-service reports and dashboards
• Leverage analytical frameworks and templates to deliver consistent, efficient analysis
• Learn to train buying team members on how to interpret and use analytical tools
• Continuously improve reporting efficiency and reduce manual processes
• Suggest improvements to data systems and tools based on user needs

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

 

Must-Haves:

• 0-2 years professional experience in retail, data analysis, or related analytical role
• Advanced Excel proficiency (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, complex formulas, modeling)
• Foundational understanding of retail concepts and KPIs (sell-through, weeks of supply, margin, turn)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication (ie. able to tell compelling stories with data)
• Natural curiosity about data and self-directed learning approach
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build relationships across functions
• Thrives in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with entrepreneurial spirit

 

Preferred/Nice to Have:

• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar BI tools
• Familiarity with SQL or data querying
• Exposure to forecasting or statistical analysis
• Experience working directly with Buyers or Merchandisers
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Analytics, or related field (or equivalent experience)

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This job requires individuals to work at the office location
• Ability to sit in stationary position in an office environment for extended periods of time and work on a PC without limitations

 

BENEFITS

• Wage Range: $24.44 - $26.44 Hourly
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, following an initial wait period.
• 401k after 1 year of service
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life Insurance
• 10 days of accrued paid vacation
• Bonus Potential
• Stock Purchase Program
• Open, casual, pet-friendly office environment
• Employee Discount on Zumiez product
• On-site skate park, on-site cafeteria

 

Zumiez is a leading specialty retailer of apparel, footwear, accessories, and hardgoods for young people who want to express their individuality