Inventory Product Specialist

About the role

The Machine Inventory Product Specialist is responsible for managing a category of machine inventory. This individual is a product expert in their category, staying current with product features and benefits, configurations, and sourcing options. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of Caterpillar machinery, product offerings, and sourcing methods, and will proactively use this knowledge in a collaborative manner to optimize inventory management, setting machine configurations, stocking levels, and providing sourcing solutions that balance the needs of inventory turns, market share, cost, customer benefit, and profitability.

This position provides product training to the sales team in partnership with vendors and works closely with other HOLT departments. The incumbent is expected to model the following practices daily: demonstrate alignment with the company's mission and core business values; collaborate with key internal/external resources; participate in ongoing self-development.

Responsibilities

• Models, promotes, and reinforces the consistent use of HOLT’s Values Based Leadership (VBL) tools, models, and processes to ensure alignment with the company’s Vision, Values, and Mission.
• Serves as a product expert on the models, configurations, and applications in an assigned product category.
• Advises sales reps on compatibility, specifications, and sourcing solutions including new orders, changing existing orders, PDC availability, dealer trades, reconfiguration of on-hand units, and substitution of alternative models.
• Stays current with annual product updates, new product introductions, product options, features and benefits, and competitive product offerings as well as industry, application, quoting, and delivery trends across all Regions within Holt to provide insight for monthly forecasts and ensure the correct models, work tools, and configurations are always in stock to meet customer demand.
• Leads configuration teams to create and maintain standard configurations in Holt’s IT systems as well as maintain inventory model mix levels that balance the needs of inventory turns, market share, cost, customer benefits, and profitability.
• Maintains configuration compatibility with vendor ordering processes.
• Reviews sales order/rental agreement, ensures the configuration of the machines is correct, and executes the winning sourcing strategy in partnership with the sales team, deal team, product support team, other dealerships, and vendor product sourcing methods.
• Submits advanced orders for specialty products.
• Demonstrates a collaborative and holistic approach while working closely with other dealership teams (Deal Team, Worktools, Heavy Rents, Texas First, SITECH, Product Support, Sales Team, Yard Team, Transport) and vendors (Caterpillar, Weiler, others) to forecast demand, ensure the timely availability of machines, optimize inventory, and support customers.
• Maintains relationships with all North American Caterpillar dealers and vendors to trade and source.
• Communicates Annual Product Updates, NPI information, and other product update information in a meaningful way to the organization.
• Provides product training to the Sales Team in partnership with vendors.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date inventory records, ensuring proper tracking, storage, and documentation of products based on product specifications and technical requirements.
• Conducts regular cycle counts, audits, and reconciliation of inventory to ensure accuracy and resolve discrepancies while monitoring inventory performance metrics, such as product turnover rates, stock levels, and order fulfillment performance.
• Prepares and maintains inventory reports and dashboards, analyzing sales and inventory data to identify trends, adjust inventory levels, product mix, and stock forecasts to match the needs of current and future customers.
• Assists with returns, exchanges, rework, insurance claims, and product failure investigations.
• Engages with training for the In-Territory sales team on product and with the In-Territory yard team on inventory process training.
• Works safely at all times and adheres to all applicable safety policies; complies with all company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Calculates demo and fuel charges for all new machines.
• Submits insurance claims on damages to any new machine shipped from the factory via vessel, rail, or domestic truck.
• Conducts physical inventory counts at each assigned location.
• Assists Inventory Control Technicians (ICTs), New Inventory, Heavy Rental Fleet, and Texas First Rental Fleet with any inventory-related questions.
• Engages with the accounting department to reconcile any inventory accounts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2+ years of experience in product management or supply chain operations, preferably within the heavy equipment, machinery, or construction industries.

Skills

• Extensive experience with Caterpillar Machines and Worktools and knowledge of their specifications, features, and applications in various industries.
• Understanding of heavy equipment inventory management, including phase-in/phase-out product strategies and updates.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills, with the ability to identify trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Solid understanding of inventory control principles, demand forecasting, and supply chain best practices.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong collaborative approach with excellent customer service skills to work across teams and interact with vendors and internal teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to share technical product and inventory management insights.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and curiosity to optimize inventory management, with a deep understanding of the products and their specific requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other data management tools for reporting and analysis.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, installation instructions, parts lists, compatibility charts, and legal documents.
• Presentation skills before small and large groups.
• Computer and related software knowledge and/or experience (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe, etc.).
• Solid time management and organization skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.

Travel

Up to 10% travel may be required.

Physical Requirements

This position involves extended periods in a stationary position, conversing with multiple parties, and giving presentations. Additionally, frequent movement inside the office to deliver paperwork. Occasionally required to work outside on the yard to take measurements and conduct equipment inspections.

Work Environment

Frequently works at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions. Regularly works indoors and may be exposed to weather extremes when working outside in conditions that include inclement weather, heat, cold, and humidity. May perform work in cramped spaces, awkward positions, and/or high places.