Manager, Inventory Control

The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of the company's inventory, ensuring accuracy, optimising stock levels, and implementing efficient inventory control processes.

This role plays a critical part in minimising waste, reducing costs, improving order fulfilment, and ultimately contributing to customer satisfaction and overall business profitability.

The Inventory Control Manager will lead a team of inventory specialists and collaborate closely with purchasing, production, sales, and logistics departments.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Strategy & Planning:

• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive inventory control policies and procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency

• Analyse demand forecasts, sales data, and market trends to determine optimal inventory levels and reorder points for various products

• Implement and manage inventory planning software or ERP modules to improve forecasting and inventory optimisation

• Identify and manage slow-moving, obsolete, or excess inventory to minimise financial loss

Operations Management:

• Oversee and manage cycle counting programmes and periodic physical inventories to ensure accuracy and reconcile discrepancies

• Investigate and resolve all inventory discrepancies, root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions

• Monitor and manage inbound and outbound inventory movements, ensuring accurate recording and timely processing

• Ensure proper storage, organisation, and labelling of all inventory items within the warehouse

• Implement and enforce FIFO/LIFO (or other relevant methodologies) inventory management principles

Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Track and report on key inventory performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turns, accuracy rates, service levels, carrying costs, and shrinkage

• Generate regular inventory reports for management, providing insights and recommendations for improvement

• Utilise data to identify trends, predict future inventory needs, and proactively address potential issues

Team Leadership & Development:

• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor inventory control staff, fostering a high-performance and safety-conscious team environment

• Conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and identify professional development opportunities for team members

• Delegate tasks effectively and manage workload to ensure operational efficiency

Process Improvement & Technology:

• Continuously identify opportunities to streamline inventory processes, reduce errors, and improve efficiency

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies or system enhancements for inventory management

• Ensure effective utilisation of the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for all inventory transactions

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with Purchasing to optimise order quantities, delivery schedules, and vendor performance

• Work with Production to ensure material availability and minimise production delays

• Coordinate with Sales and Customer Service to manage product availability and resolve order fulfilment issues

• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate valuation of inventory and resolve accounting discrepancies

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply chain, or logistics

• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory or managerial role, leading an inventory or warehouse team

• Proven experience with inventory control best practices, cycle counting, and physical inventory procedures

• Proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and/or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar)

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, advanced formulas)

• Strong understanding of inventory forecasting, demand planning, and material requirements planning (MRP) principles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM, CSCP, CLTD)

• Experience in Defence, Aerospace, Automotive or Medical industries

• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies

Salary Range: $144,000-$191,000 USD