Forecasting and Inventory Analyst - Menards

About Us

Every person on the planet dreams of a better home. And at LIXIL, we’re committed to making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. We make it happen with pioneering water and housing technology solutions. Home to world leading brands like INAX, American Standard, GROHE, TOSTEM and many more, we touch the lives of more than a billion people each day, transforming houses into homes.

Our planet is the home we all share. So how we do business matters. Our inclusive and empowering culture, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to having a positive impact on the planet are integral to our business strategy.

LIXIL today is on a journey of transformation. The world around us is changing. Technological advances. Evolving needs. New demographics. Shifting expectations. These changes serve as opportunities for solutions to be discovered, and to unlock progress for all.

We invite you to make this journey with us. It is as challenging as it is inspiring. Together we can shape the future of living. We’re a home for growth, for imagination, for creativity. A home for your talent and ambition.

A home for everyone.

Overview

As a member of the Sales team, you will support our go‑to‑market execution by providing clear, actionable analysis. You’ll monitor category performance, track customer demand, and evaluate competitive movements to guide sales strategy and product decisions. Your insights help the team anticipate needs, improve forecasting accuracy, and ensure we deliver the right products to the right customers.   

Responsibilities

Forecasting and Inventory Analyst – Menards

The Forecasting and Inventory Analyst serves as the primary operational and analytical partner to Menards, working closely with Menards analysts to review business performance, align on forecasts, and drive strong in‑stock results. This role supports ordering, logistics, promotions, new product launches, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Forecast Management

• Review sales and purchase forecasts, recommend adjustments, and proactively identify risks to inventory availability.
• Analyze POS trends, promotional calendars, and historical performance to develop accurate weekly demand forecasts.
• Partner with Menards analysts in weekly business reviews covering service levels, backorders, out‑of‑stocks, promotions, and forecast trends.

Order, Inventory & Logistics Coordination

• Manage orders across Menards’ 11 DCs to maintain in‑stock levels and meet service targets.
• Monitor open POs, provide updated ETAs, and escalate delays—especially those affecting promotions.
• Coordinate with Hutchins on trailer prioritization, truck scheduling, and back‑order allocation.
• Ensure system alignment between Menards and internal platforms.

Promotions, New Products & New Stores

• Support upcoming promotions with forecasts and replenishment plans; recap performance and identify learnings.
• Recommend initial order quantities and base forecasts for new SKUs; track performance and adjust as needed.
• Manage new store order files, shipment tracking, and early‑stage sales monitoring.
• Visits stores approximately 1x every other month to identify new products, promotions, etc.

Customer Service & Issue Resolution

• Resolve guest quality issues, coordinate replacement parts, and manage special orders or substitutions.
• Keep Menards buyers informed of issues, delays, or corrective actions.

Reporting & Insights

• Deliver weekly and monthly summaries covering sales, service levels, promotional results, and key highlights.
• Explain major variances in sales, service levels, and turns, including YTD context and improvement plans.
• Provide updates on new stores, product rollouts, and other relevant activities.

Field Team

• Partner closely with the Field Team to stay informed on store conditions, performance, and emerging needs.
• Address store‑level needs including POP, product concerns, and any operational gaps requiring support.
• Build and maintain structured agendas for the team’s bi‑weekly meetings to ensure alignment and clear priorities.

Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in Excel, Google applications, SAP, Tableau and related analytical tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrates initiative by independently tackling tasks, exploring solutions, and proactively reaching out for support when needed.
• Offsite Analyst, Preferred location within a Menards Store Territory.
• Travel is limited. 2-4 times a year focusing on Menards headquarters in Eau Claire, WI.

Hiring Range

The Hiring Salary Range for this position is 62,000.00 -78,000.00 anually.

(Salary offer to be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.)

Other Compensation (if applicable): This role will be eligible to participate in the annual Short Term Incentive plan.

EEO Statement

AS, AMERICA INC. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetics, disability, marital status, age, veteran status, domestic partner status, medical condition or any other characteristic protected by law. Only at LIXIL’s request preferred vendors may be invited to refer talent for specific open positions. In such cases, a current and fully executed agreement with LIXIL must be in place.

Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: AS, AMERICA INC does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than candidates. The submission of unsolicited resumes by recruitment or staffing agencies to AS, AMERICA INC. or its employees is strictly prohibited unless contacted directly by AS, AMERICA INC. internal Talent Acquisition team. Any resume submitted by an agency in the absence of a signed agreement will automatically become the property of AS, AMERICA INC. and will not owe any referral or other fees with respect thereto.