Inventory Analyst
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 1, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 2, 2026. Cisco Systems scores A on the Alion truth index.
Your Impact
In this role, you will provide critical support to the Inventory Manager by maintaining data integrity, managing inventory reporting, and monitoring Open Order (OPO) levels. You will track actuals against projections, support Excess and Obsolete (E&O) reviews, and facilitate communication with Contract Manufacturers (CMs) to optimize supply chain performance. Your efforts will help ensure accurate inventory data and timely resolution of operational issues, directly contributing to the success of the optics supply chain.
In this role, you will be responsible for adhering to the Finance Fiscal calendar to ensure all reporting deadlines are met with high accuracy. You will assist in generating monthly inventory and Open Order (OPO) projections, track weekly actuals against these projections, and investigate any variances when trends deviate. Supporting the preparation and validation of "Should-Be" inventory and OPO levels for CBM Business Units and Contract Manufacturers (CMs) will be part of your duties.
Additionally, you will identify opportunities to automate and enhance reporting workflows, including leveraging AI-driven tools to streamline supply chain health reviews. Operationally, you will support investigations into Excess and Obsolete (E&O) increases by ensuring thorough documentation from CMs, assist in Inventory Deposit Amounts (IDA) reviews to maintain data accuracy, and review Liability Purchase Orders monthly with CMs to drive closure of outstanding items.
You will liaise with logistics, finance, materials, planning teams, and other analysts to resolve inventory queries promptly. Furthermore, you will coordinate salvage and scrap processes with CMs and logistics teams to ensure rapid turnaround and disposition, contributing to the overall efficiency and health of the optics supply chain.
Minimum Qualifications
Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data modeling, pivot tables, charts) and PowerPoint.
Experience with Power BI and AI tools preferred.
Solid understanding of inventory management processes, ERP systems (Oracle preferred), and manufacturing workflows.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement and identifying inefficiencies.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working within optics or high-tech manufacturing supply chains.
Familiarity with Excess and Obsolete (E&O) inventory management and related financial controls.
Knowledge of Open Purchase Order (OPO) tracking and reconciliation.
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Contract Manufacturers and internal teams.
Experience automating reporting processes using AI or advanced analytics tools.
Why Cisco?
At Cisco, we’re revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We’ve been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.
Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you’ll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.
We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.