Position Summary
The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and optimization of inventory throughout the warehouse and distribution network. This role leads all inventory control processes, including cycle counting, physical inventories, inventory reconciliations, root cause analysis, inventory reporting, and system accuracy. The Inventory Control Manager partners closely with Operations, Production, Procurement, Logistics, Customer Service, and Finance to maintain inventory accuracy, minimize losses, and support efficient warehouse operations.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Director of Warehouse Operations
Direct Reports:
- Inventory Control Supervisors
- Inventory Analysts
- Cycle Counters
- Inventory Clerks
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Accuracy & Control
- Manage and maintain inventory accuracy targets across all warehouse locations.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve inventory control procedures and best practices.
- Oversee daily inventory transactions, adjustments, transfers, and reconciliations.
- Monitor inventory movement and investigate discrepancies between physical and system inventory.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to inventory variances.
Cycle Counting & Physical Inventories
- Develop and manage cycle count schedules based on ABC inventory classifications.
- Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly cycle count activities.
- Coordinate annual physical inventory counts and audit processes.
- Ensure timely reconciliation of count variances and implementation of corrective actions.
- Monitor count accuracy and team performance metrics.
Warehouse Operations Support
- Partner with warehouse leadership to ensure adherence to inventory control procedures.
- Support receiving, put-away, production staging, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.
- Ensure inventory transactions are completed accurately and timely within the warehouse management system.
- Identify and address process gaps impacting inventory integrity.
Systems & Reporting
- Maintain inventory records within ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
- Generate and analyze inventory performance reports, including:
- Inventory accuracy
- Inventory turns
- Shrink and loss
- Obsolete inventory
- Cycle count results
- Inventory aging
- Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor inventory health and operational performance.
- Recommend system enhancements and process automation opportunities.
Compliance & Audit
- Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and inventory control procedures.
- Support internal and external audits.
- Maintain traceability of inventory, including lot control, expiration dates, and FIFO/FEFO practices.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Leadership & Team Management
- Recruit, train, coach, and develop inventory control personnel.
- Establish performance goals and accountability standards.
- Foster a culture of accuracy, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Conduct performance reviews and talent development planning.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to reduce inventory discrepancies and associated costs.
- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
- Standardize warehouse inventory control processes across facilities where applicable.
- Implement best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
- 5+ years of inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain experience.
- 2+ years of supervisory or management experience.
- Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), distribution, or cold-chain operations preferred.
- Experience managing inventories exceeding $10 million preferred.
Technical Skills
- Strong ERP and WMS experience (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Manhattan, etc.).
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Inventory analysis and reporting expertise.
- Experience with barcode scanning and RF systems.
- Strong understanding of inventory accounting principles.
Knowledge & Competencies
- Inventory management and control methodologies
- Cycle counting and physical inventory processes
- Root cause analysis
- Process improvement
- KPI development and reporting
- Warehouse operations
- Lot tracking and traceability
- FIFO and FEFO inventory management
- Team leadership and employee development
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Inventory Control Manager will be measured on:
- Inventory Accuracy: ≥ 99%
- Cycle Count Compliance: ≥ 98%
- Inventory Adjustment Reduction
- Shrink Reduction
- Inventory Reconciliation Timeliness
- Inventory Turns
- Obsolete Inventory Reduction
- Audit Compliance Scores
- Team Productivity and Engagement
- On-Time Completion of Physical Inventories
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a warehouse environment, including refrigerated and freezer conditions when applicable.
- Ability to stand, walk, and conduct warehouse audits for extended periods.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to operate warehouse equipment certification programs as required.
