The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for the strategic oversight and tactical accuracy of inventory across the North American distribution network. This role ensures operational continuity by managing stock integrity across four U.S. warehouses, one Canadian warehouse, and a specialized service parts facility, balancing high-fill rates with optimized carrying costs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSInventory Management & Accuracy- Standardizes inventory control procedures across multiple locations to ensure consistency in reporting and physical handling
- Leads a comprehensive Cycle Counting Program for merchandise and parts to ensure perpetual inventory accuracy
- Investigates and resolves all stock discrepancies, identifying root causes to prevent recurrence
- Establishes and leads a proactive slow-moving, excess, and obsolete inventory monitoring process. This includes conducting monthly aging analyses to identify inventory nearing expiration or end-of-life, physically isolating at-risk stock, and collaborating with sales and finance to execute liquidation or disposal strategies before value is fully lost
- Minimizes "shrinkage" by monitoring loss, damage, and administrative errors
- Ensures all inventory transactions (transfers, adjustments, and receipts) are recorded in real-time
- Provides regular reports on inventory health, including turnover rates by SKU and valuation reports for finance
- Performs quarterly site visits to satellite warehouse locations to ensure standardized inventory control procedures are being followed across the network
Cross-functional Collaboration- Partners with Purchasing, Production, Logistics, and Finance to forecast demand and support operational planning
- Communicates inventory risks, shortages, and overstock situations to leadership
- Supports new product launches, material transitions, and supplier changes
Process Oversight- Develop and enforce inventory control policies, SOPs, and best practices
- Optimize warehouse layout, storage methods, and material handling processes
- Manage inventory modules within ERP/WMS systems and ensure data integrity
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve accuracy
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related discipline
- 5+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain management
- Strong knowledge of ERP/WMS systems and inventory management principles and systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or specialized WMS software)
- Excellent organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills. Experience with SQL, Power BI, or other analytics tools is a plus
- Strong cross-functionally collaborative nature
- Strong business acumen with ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence across functions and at multiple levels
- Ability to work independently and manage time efficiently and effectively
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
