Purchasing & Inventory Analyst

About the Company

Atlantic Coated Papers (ACP) is a dynamic manufacturing organization committed to operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. We leverage advanced analytics and emerging AI technologies to enhance supply chain efficiency, optimize purchasing decisions, and support sustainable growth. ACP is recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, for the past 8 years, for our outstanding achievements in strategic business transformation and operational resilience, despite the challenges of today's economic climate.

Position Summary

The Inventory Analyst plays a crucial role in optimizing the organization's supply chain by analyzing purchasing and inventory data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and supporting strategic sourcing initiatives. This role is responsible for generating actionable reports and insights for key decision makers, optimizing purchasing and inventory processes, and supporting data-driven procurement strategies.

Reporting to the Director of Purchasing, the Inventory Analyst works closely with suppliers, production, and cross-functional internal teams to ensure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials required for manufacturing operations. The role leverages advanced analytics, Excel, and AI tools and methodologies to improve supplier performance, inventory efficiency, and overall supply chain effectiveness, while maintaining a strong focus on continuous learning and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Collect, analyze, and interpret complex purchasing data, including spend analysis, supplier performance, pricing trends, and inventory levels.
• Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and metrics to track key purchasing KPls and provide insights to management.
• Identify variances and trends in purchasing data and recommend corrective actions or opportunities for improvement.
• Customer product use analysis to determine product benefits or needed substitutions.

Operational Optimization & Savings:

• Analyze purchasing and inventory data, market trends, and supplier performance to inform procurement strategies and drive cost savings
• Generate comprehensive reports and dashboards for senior management and stakeholders, delivering clear insights, trends, and actionable recommendations
• Support purchasing decisions by evaluating supplier bids, assisting with contract negotiations, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and standards
• Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs), including cost savings, supplier quality, delivery reliability, inventory turns, and process efficiency
• Optimize purchasing and replenishment processes to reduce excess inventory, mitigate supply risk, and improve service levels
• Leverage AI tools and technologies to automate routine tasks, enhance data analysis, and uncover actionable patterns in purchasing and inventory activities
• Prompt Engineering: Effectively use generative AI tools through natural language to assist with procurement and inventory workflows, enabling analysis, reporting, and process support without the need for deep coding skills
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance, Operations, and IT to streamline purchasing workflows and integrate AI-driven solutions
• Support inventory accuracy initiatives, including cycle counts, variance analysis, and root-cause investigations
• Stay abreast of emerging AI technologies, analytics trends, and industry best practices, proactively identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and process innovation
• Participate in ongoing training and development, actively seeking opportunities to enhance AI proficiency, analytics capabilities, and purchasing expertise

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Finance, Operations, Engineering, or a related field
• 2–5+ years of experience in inventory analysis, purchasing analysis, or supply chain analytics (manufacturing environment preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, Power Query, complex formulas; macros an asset)
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems and large data sets
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to generate actionable insights, not just reports
• Familiarity with AI tools, automation, or predictive analytics used in procurement or inventory planning
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present findings to senior decision makers
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting procurement strategy or supplier performance management
• Exposure to AI-based forecasting, machine learning, or advanced analytics platforms
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or S&OP processes.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits
• A collaborative, data-driven environment where insights directly influence decisions
• Opportunities to work with modern analytics and AI technologies
• Ongoing professional development and career growth

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Profit sharing
• Vision care

Work Location: In person