Retail Specialist

How do you approach forecasting inventory needs for a retail location with seasonal demand fluctuations?

I look at multiple years of historical seasonal data rather than just the most recent cycle, since a single year can be skewed by a one-time factor that doesn't reflect the underlying seasonal pattern. I also adjust the forecast for known upcoming changes, like a promotion or a new product line, that historical data alone wouldn't capture.

What's your process for identifying where inefficiencies exist in a supply chain that's meeting delivery targets but at a high cost?

I break down the cost across each stage, transportation, warehousing, and handling, rather than looking at total logistics cost as one number, since the actual inefficiency is often concentrated in one specific stage rather than spread evenly. I compare the cost per unit at each stage against benchmarks to find where the gap actually is.

How do you use sales and inventory data to decide when to reorder stock for a given product?

I calculate reorder points based on actual lead time and demand variability for that specific product rather than applying a blanket reorder rule across very different products, since a fast-moving product with a long lead time needs a very different buffer than a slow-moving one with quick replenishment.

What's your approach to managing a vendor relationship where delivery reliability has become inconsistent?

I bring specific data on the missed deliveries to the conversation with the vendor rather than a general complaint, since concrete examples make the issue harder to dismiss and easier for the vendor to actually investigate on their end. I also start evaluating a backup option in parallel rather than waiting to see if the relationship improves before having any contingency.