Planning & Inventory Manager / Director

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Planning & Inventory Manager / Director to support a long-term contract opportunity in Ayer, Massachusetts. This role will take ownership of organizing maintenance parts operations, strengthening inventory accuracy, and building practical processes that improve access, control, and replenishment. The ideal candidate brings strong planning expertise, hands-on inventory leadership, and the ability to create sustainable systems that support operational reliability and compliance.

Responsibilities:
• Direct the reorganization of maintenance parts storage areas, including cleanup efforts and the development of practical layouts that improve accessibility and control.
• Establish clear identification standards for stocked items by applying consistent tagging, labeling, and location tracking across all materials.
• Lead a full physical inventory review, compare actual counts against existing records, and resolve discrepancies to improve data reliability.
• Maintain accurate inventory information within internal systems, including item details, storage locations, reorder points, and designation of critical spare parts.
• Design and implement storeroom procedures for receiving, issuing, usage tracking, and replenishment to reduce shortages while limiting unnecessary stock buildup.
• Create visual controls such as bin markers, area labels, signage, and floor indicators to support long-term organization and ease of use.
• Review on-hand inventory to identify outdated, damaged, or redundant materials and recommend consolidation or disposal actions where appropriate.
• Train maintenance team members on inventory handling practices, transaction recording, system usage, and expectations for storeroom discipline.
• Develop an efficient method for identifying and retrieving high-priority emergency spare parts when urgent equipment needs arise.
• Document workflows, compliance practices, and operating standards in a clear handover guide to support ongoing maintenance of the inventory system.• Demonstrated experience in inventory management, materials planning, or storeroom leadership within a manufacturing, maintenance, or industrial environment.
• Strong knowledge of demand forecasting, buying processes, and annual physical inventory practices.
• Experience working with SAP Business Warehouse (BW) or comparable inventory and reporting systems.
• Ability to analyze inventory data, support reporting needs, and translate findings into process improvements.
• Familiarity with process documentation and the creation of standardized operating procedures.
• Understanding of compliance expectations related to workplace safety, food safety, and controlled material handling.
• CPIM certification is preferred and would be considered a strong advantage.
• Proven ability to coach teams, reinforce process discipline, and build sustainable inventory control practices.