Catalyst Salary & Career Guidance

INVENTORY PLANNING

A Salary Guide

SALARY GUIDE

This Salary Guide is intended to compliment our Hiring Guide.
Our profession has evolved and has become a career destination.

This guide will assist you in department planning
as well as creating career roadmaps.

INVENTORY ANALYST SKILLS

Today’s Inventory Planning Analysts are Business Owners

Analytically Savvy · Focused on the Bottom Line · Building Collaborative Partnerships

01 02 03 04 05

Math Analytics Problem Solving Professional Savvy Business Finance

A Strong math ability is a Chairside self-service Daily redundant tasks are Today’s inventory The income statement
foundational requirement analytical tools are consulting less and less of professionals stand and along with industry
of the analyst position. becoming as important the analyst’s day. deliver their business leading service are the
Many inventory teams and common as Excel. The profession requires updates and plans report card goals for the
recruit from math An ability and passion for prudent thinking and The ability to step out and team.
departments of local analytics will continue to quick decision making build collaborative It is important that
colleges grow in importance toward changing KPIs relationships will enhance Inventory Analysts
the bottom line. understand our influence
on the financials.

TALENT & EXPERIENCE

The winning formula starts with talent

Talent

The best inventory teams hire for talent over pure experience. Many of the strongest
inventory professionals knew very little about the profession before being recruited in.
Knowledge of your company and industry can be taught, but many of the key skills can not.

Experience

Experience is a very helpful, however new talent to the profession can outperform a long term
veteran in a matter of months. This is especially true with a world class inventory solution.
Search for experience with analytical tools, math-focused solutions, finance and general
business experience.

Integrity

Great teams are made up of great teammates. A culture of inspired, educated and equipped
inventory professionals will push each other for excellence and stay together for a long
tenure.

SOURCE OF THE NUMBERS

Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com, ZipRecruiter
Our profession has evolved and has become a career destination.

This guide will assist you in department planning
as well as creating career roadmaps.

MEET TODAY’S STAR PERFORMERS

Their names, faces & company names have been disguised, but they are star performers in the Planning Posts’ Community

01 02 03 04 05

David Eastern Nicole Wane Chris Brow Jane Alexandra Cynthia Parker

INVENTORY TEAM MANAGER DIRECTOR OF INVENTORY WEB DEVELOPER INVENTORY TEAM MANAGER TEAM CHAMPION

As a young buyer, he listened, She entered the team He is the first in each As a young buyer focused on She is very strong on her
learned and delivered strong directly from a non-business morning and the most best practice, she was system but gets bored of the
numbers / Stepped into the major / Focused on learning consistent performer / He quickly tagged as team same routine. Her role is
role of team champion and the right process and the prefers heads’ down coach / A move across the team champion and she
focused on growth for himself proven steps with the functions and suppliers who country resulted in an continually coaches &
and then others around him, solution / This commitment offer challenges / He does inventory manager role and inspires / She serves as a
often stepping out to learn led to team leading KPIs / not aspire to lead the team, pioneering opportunities / resource of knowledge and
from other companies / This After years of others pulling but provides a blueprint for Life brought her back home data to partner departments
approach led to the role of up their chairs to request success for others / He where she was recruited to / She finds the unique days
managing the department. coaching, she grew to considers this career a lead the team for inventory and collaborative
manager and eventually perfect fit. results where she began her opportunities energizing.
Director of the team. career.

INVENTORY ANALYST TIME ALLOCATION

40% 10% 30% 20%

Inventory Set-Up, Daily Collaborative Inventory
Analytics Refinement Replenishment Connecting Projects

Inventory victories and results What was once by far the Our profession includes What were once interruptions
are won during the supplier / most time-consuming aspect important heads up to a chaotic day, should now
item set-up and smart, of the profession should not connections. Meetings, be expected and planned
targeted analytics inspired be a short disciplined function phone calls and presentations projects, performed with
refinement. An analyst who when using the right tools. create our team identity and proven analytical tools in
knows their numbers, knows help educate and equip our collaboration.
their business and will deliver partners.
results.

INVENTORY ANALYST TEAM

MEDIAN SALARIES from 3 common levels within the inventory team

III $63,039SENIOR INV The Senior Inventory Analyst is a proven professional, often handed the
ANALYST most important and challenging supplier lines. They often act as mentors

and role models without taking on the requirements of a manager.

II $54,528INV ANALYST The Inventory Analyst is the common role of the group, performing
all replenishment functions across a group of suppliers. Success and

a willingness to learn and innovate will lead to a senior level.

ENTRY INV I $49,022 New hires and recent graduates often start in this first level of the
ANALYST Inventory Analyst position. A commitment to learning and success
will position this position for growth.

1000’s of respondents through Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

SALARY SURVEY $62,907

Salary data from the sources listed below provided median values for all three levels, 75%
but only levels II and III offered enough data to provide these tables

$54,528

Median

$47,545

25%

$40,562 INVENTORY ANALYST II $71,286

Low High

1000’s of respondents through Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

SALARY SURVEY

Salary data from the sources listed below provided median values for all three levels,
but only levels II and III offered enough data to provide these tables

$63,039

$57,306 $70,446

25% 75%

$51,572 SR INVENTORY ANALYST III $77,853

Low High

1000’s of respondents through Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

DEMAND PLANNER

AVERAGES from 3 common levels within the inventory team

DEMAND III $80,141 The Senior Inventory Analyst is a proven professional, often handed the
PLANNER most important and challenging supplier lines. They often act as mentors
and role models without taking on the requirements of a manager.

DEMAND II $70,878 The Inventory Analyst is the common role of the group, performing
PLANNER all replenishment functions across a group of suppliers. Success and
a willingness to learn and innovate will lead to a senior level.

DEMAND I $62,689 New hires and recent graduates often start in this first level of the
PLANNER Inventory Analyst position. A commitment to learning and success
will position this position for growth.

1000’s of respondents through Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

SALARY SURVEY

$70,878

$62,689 $80,140

25% 75%

$52,499 DEMAND PLANNER $89,402

Low High

1000’s of respondents through Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

BONUS OPPORUNITIES

Common Measurements 5%

Bonus opportunities have become common in our profession, based on inventory Bonus
performance, margin management and unique inventory portfolio components.
Base Salary
Inventory KPIs: Service,
Inventory Level, Overstock% 95%

Unique Inventory Sectors like COMMON EXAMPLE: The opportunity to earn 5% of the annual salary is a common
New Items, Promo, Private Label, framework. These are often paid in quarterly payments with an annual end of year
Slow, Etc. bonus making up a larger portion
Margin Expansion via Deal
Management: Announced and
Negotiated Deals.

Take a moment to participate in our salary survey and
continue to enhance the salary guide.

A CAREER ROADMAP

New Inventory Leading the Commitment to
Professionals are planning is a team is not for success,
great career and everyone. It’s a
often still a long term responsibility collaborative
learning about destination for even more than relationships
our profession and continued
many. a privilege learning will
$180,000 lead upward

$160,000 $159,300
$140,000

$120,000

$100,000 $97,700 $107690
$80,000

$60,000 54,528 $63.039
$40,000
$20,000 49,022

$0

ASSFOECBIATE INVEMNATORRY SENAIPORR INVEMNTAOYRY DIRJEUCNTOR VJU.PL.
INVENTORY ANALYST INVENTORY TEAM INVENTORY SUPPLY
CHAIN
ANALYST ANALYST MANAGER PLANNING

Salary info via Glassdoor, Paysa, Payscale, Salary.com & ZipRecruiter

INFO & ADJUSTMENTS RELATED TITLES

TOP CITIES INVENTORY COORDINATOR
ORDER ANALYST
INVENTORY CONTROL ANALYST
BUYER
SUPPLY CHAIN
DEMAND PLANNER
INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER

COMPANY SIZE Company Size
50 to 200
Salary Adjustment 200 to 500
-5% 500 to 1000
-3% 1000 to 5000
2% Over 5000
4%
9%

New Haven-Milford, CT 6% $62,600 Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA -3% $57,500

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA 5% $62,400 Indianapolis-Carmel, IN -3% $57,400

Salt Lake City, UT 5% $61,800 Stockton, CA -3% $57,300

Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA 4% $61,700 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA -3% $57,300

METRO AREA ADJUSTMENTSCharlotte-Gastonia-Concord,NC-SC 4% $61,700 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN -4% $56,500
Worcester, MA 4%
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 4% $61,500 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN -5% $56,400

$61,400 Memphis, TN-MS-AR -5% $56,400

Modesto, CA 3% $60,700 Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA -6% $55,900

Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC 3% $60,600 Wichita, KS -6% $55,900

Metropolitan Area Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 2% $60,400 Ogden-Clearfield, UT -6% $55,800

+ / - Median Median PayRichmond, VAMetropolitan Area + / - M2%edian Me$d60ia,2n00PayOrlando-KissimMmeeter,oFpLolitan Area + / - -M6%edian M$e5d5i,a70n0Pay

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 41% $99,600 PSaronvJiodseen-cSeu-nNneywvaBlee-dSfaonrtda-FCalallrRa,ivCeAr, RI-MA 421%% $6909,1600 STaunlsaJo, sOeK-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA -461%% $$5959,,660000
$$5759,,600000
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA 25% $79,000 MSainamFria-FnocirstcLoa-uOdaekrldaanlde--FProempoannt,oCBAeach, FL 225%% $6709,000 SBantoFnraRnocuisgceo,-LOAakland-Fremont, CA -265%% $$5751,,690000
$$5751,,580000
Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX 18% $71,900 AHlobuusqtoune-rSquugea,rNLMand-Baytown, TX 128%% $5791,900 HKnoouxsvtoilnle-S, uTNgar Land-Baytown, TX -168%% $$5751,,520000
$$5750,,420000
Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT 18% $71,800 ABrlliedngetopwornt-BSetatmhlfeohredm-N-oEarwstaolnk, PCAT-NJ 118%% $5791,800 BNreidwgOeprloeratn-Sst-aMmeftoaridri-eN-Koerwnnaelkr,, CLAT -168%% $$5649,,620000

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 17% $71,200 MSeialwttaleu-kTeaec-oWmaau-Bkesllheav-uWee, WstAAllis, WI 117%% $5791,6200 SPeroavttol-eO-Treacmo,mUaT-Bellevue, WA -167%% $$5648,,290000
$$5648,,180000
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 16% $70,200 CWoaloshraindgotoSpnr-iAnrglisn,gCtOon-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 116%% $5790,4200 WChaasrhleinstgotonn-N-AorltihngCthoanr-lAesletoxna-nSdurmiam, DeCr-vVilAle-,MSDC-WV -166%% $$5637,,990000
$$5637,,680000
Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT 15% $69,200 Hoarntofolurdlu-,WHeIst Hartford-East Hartford, CT 105%% $569,200 HBoairstefoCrdit-yW-Neasmt Hpar,tIfDord-East Hartford, CT -185%% $$5636,,460000
$$5636,,330000
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH 14% $68,900 ABolbsatonny-SCcahmebnreidctgaed-yQ-uTrinocyy, ,NMYA-NH 104%% $5698,2900 BSporsitnognf-ieCladm, MbrAidge-Quincy, MA-NH -194%% $$5636,,010000
$$5626,,800000
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA 14% $68,800 PNoeuwghYkoerke-pNsoiert-hNeerwnbNuerwghJ-eMrsidedyl-eLotonwgnIs,lNanYd, NY-NJ-PA 104%% $5698,2800 NGreewenYsobrok-rNo-oHritghherPnoNinet,wNJCersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA -194%% $$5625,,720000
$$5624,,780000
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA 13% $67,900 CSainncDinineagtoi-CMairdlsdbleatdo-wSann, MOHar-cKoYs-,INCA 103%% $5697,1900 SBairnmDiniegghoa-mCa-Hrlosboavde-rS, aAnL Marcos, CA -193%% $$5614,,780000
$$5614,,650000
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA 13% $67,800 KOaxnnsaarsdC-Tithyo,uMsaOn-dKSOaks-Ventura, CA 103%% $5697,0800 OVixrngianrida-TBheoauchsa-NndorOfoalkks--NVeewnptuorrat,NCeAws, VA-NC -103% $$5614,,520000
$$5613,,390000
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA 11% $66,600 DLoasytAonng,eOleHs-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA 101%% $5696,0600 LBousffAanlog-eNleiasg-aLoranFgaBllesa, cNhY-Santa Ana, CA -101% $$5603,,290000
$$5603,,080000
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 11% $66,300 MDaaldlaiso-Fno,rWt WI orth-Arlington, TX 101%% $5696,0300 DAakrlloans,-FOoHrt Worth-Arlington, TX -11% $$4693,,630000
$$4693,,230000
Sacramento--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 11% $66,100 TSuacrsaomn,eAnZto--Arden-Arcade--Roseville, CA 101%% $5686,8100 SOakclraahmomenatoC-it-yA,rOdeKn-Arcade--Roseville, CA -11% $$4692,,160000
$$4682,,440000
Bakersfield, CA 11% $66,000 PBiatktsebrsufrigehld, ,PCAA 1-11%% $5686,7000 BCahkaettrasnfioeoldg,aC, TAN-GA -121% $$4681,,480000

Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI 10% $65,200 SDaentrAonitt-oWnaiorr,eTnX-Livonia, MI 1-10%% $5685,4200 DGeratnroditR-aWpaidrrse-Wn-yLoivmoniniag, MI -120% $61,700

Denver-Aurora-Broomfield, CO 9% $64,800 SDte.nLoveuris-A, MurOo-rIaL-Broomfield, CO -91%% $5684,3800 DCaepneveCro-rAaul-rFoorart-BMroyeorms,fiFeLld, CO -192%% $61,700

Raleigh-Cary, NC 9% $64,800 CRlaeleveiglhan-Cda-rEyly, rNiaC-Mentor, OH -91%% $5684,3800 RBaralediegnht-oCna-rSya, rNaCsota-Venice, FL -194%% $61,500

Baltimore-Towson, MD 9% $64,500 CBoaltuimboures-,TOoHwson, MD -91%% $5684,3500 BLaanltciamstoerre,-PTAowson, MD -194%% $61,400

Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ 8% $64,200 TPahmoepnai-xS-tM. Peestae-rSscbouttrsgd-Calea, rAwZater, FL -82%% $5684,0200 PJahcokesonnix,-MMSesa-Scottsdale, AZ -185%% $60,700

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 8% $63,900 RPohcilhaedsetleprh,iNa-YCamden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD -82%% $5673,900 PTohlieladdoe,lOphHia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD -185%% $60,600

Austin-Round Rock, TX 8% $63,900 FAruesstnino-,RCoAund Rock, TX -82%% $5673,900 ACoulsutminb-Riao,uSnCd Rock, TX -188%% $60,400

Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI 8% $63,800 AChuigcuasgtoa--NRiacphemrvoinllde-CJoulinety, ,ILG-IAN--SWC I -82%% $5673,800 CElhPicaasgoo, -TNXaperville-Joliet, IL-IN-WI -188%% $60,200

Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI 7% $63,300 JMacinknsoenavpiolleis,-FSLt. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI -73%% $5673,5300 MLaiknenlaenadp-oWlisin-Stte.rPHaauvl-eBnl,oFoLmington, MN-WI -179%% $60,100

Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL 7% $63,300 SPyarlamcuBsaey,-NMYelbourne-Titusville, FL -73%% $5673,5300 PScarlamntBoany---MWeillkbeosu-rBnaer-rTei,tPuAsville, FL -270%%

New Haven-Milford, CT 6% $62,600 HNaerwrisHbauvregn-C-Marillifsolerd, P, CAT -63%% $5672,5600 NLiettwleHRaovcekn-N-MoritlfhoLridt,tlCeTRock-Conway, AR -260%%

Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA 5% $62,400 IAntdlaiannta-pSoalnisd-yCaSrpmrienlg,sI-NMarietta, GA -53%% $5672,400 AMtclaAnlltean-S-EadnidnybSuprgri-nMgiss-sMioanr,ieTtXta, GA -252%%

Salt Lake City, UT 5% $61,800 StaoltckLatokne,CCiAty, UT -53%% $5671,3800 SYaolutnLgaskteowCinty-W, UaTrren-Boardman, OH-PA -252%%

Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA 4% $61,700 DPoerstMlanodin-eVsa-nWcoeustveDre-sBeMaovienretos,nI,AOR-WA -43%% $5671,3700 Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, OR-WA 4%

Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 4% $61,700 LCohuairslvoitltle-/GJeafsfteornsioan-CCoonucnotryd,,KNYC-I-NSC -44%% $5661,5700 Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC 4%

Worcester, MA 4% $61,500 NWaosrhcveisllte-rD, MavAidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN -45%% $5661,4500 Worcester, MA 4%

Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 4% $61,400 MLaesmVepghais,-PTNar-aMdSis-eA,RNV -45%% $5661,400 Las Vegas-Paradise, NV 4%

Modesto, CA 3% $60,700 OMmodaehsat-oC,oCuAncil Bluffs, NE-IA -36%% $5650,9700 Modesto, CA 3%

Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC 3% $60,600 WGriecehnitvai,llKeS-Mauldin-Easley, SC -36%% $5650,9600 Greenville-Mauldin-Easley, SC 3%

Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 2% $60,400 ORigvdeersni-dCele-SaarnfieBledr,nUaTrdino-Ontario, CA -26%% $5650,8400 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA 2%

Richmond, VA 2% $60,200 ORirclhanmdoon-dK,isVsAimmee, FL -26%% $5650,7200 Richmond, VA 2%

Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA 2% $60,100 TPurolsvai,dOenKce-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA -26%% $5650,6100 Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, RI-MA 2%

SALARY INFLUENCERS

3 common levels within the inventory team

PRODUCT MANAGEMENT ANALYTICS NEGOTIATION

Continually refining the product mix can impact A strength with Excel and new analytical tools as Inventory Analysts with a willingness to pick up
sales and margin expansion. An understanding of well as a passion for innovation can put an the phone or reach out face to face to suppliers
the business, the products and the tools to make
decisions is a key asset for an Inventory Analyst Inventory Analyst in a position to take on key and partner departments can lead to margin
projects and deliver profitable-impacting tools. expansion and reduced inventory expenses.
Merchandise / Category Management
Excel Expertise Forward Buy / Inner Margin Deals
Pricing & Margin Management
Self Service Analytical Tools Intra-Department New Ideas & Tools

AN INVITATION $?

$? $?

25% 75%

$? CLICK TO TAKE PART IN $?
OUR SALARY SURVEY
Low High

HIRING EXCELLENCE

In looking for people to hire, look for three qualities
INTEGRITY, INTELLIGENCE & ENERGY

And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you
Warren Buffett

HIRING ASSESSMENT

HIRING
ASSESSMENT

A Demand Planning / Inventory Management
Assessment has been created for our profession.

The assessment is online and on the average takes one
hour to complete. The candidates time invested in the test
and scores will be delivered in percentile ranges in the
areas of:

Math Skills
Analytical Ability
Personality Style
Leadership
Situational Savvy
Problem Solving
Energy Level

Please contact the Planning Posts team for information
about delivering the assessment.

INVENTORY PLANNING

A Salary Guide