Inventory Control Manager

Inventory Control ManagerInventory Accuracy and ControlOwn inventory accuracy processes for raw materials, packaging, work-in-process, finished goods, and other assigned inventory categories.Develop, maintain, and execute cycle count programs, physical inventory routines, inventory audits, and location accuracy checks.Investigate inventory discrepancies and lead root cause analysis for variances related to production confirmations, receipts, consumption, scrap, rework, transfers, shipping, and system transactions.Establish inventory control standards for storage, labeling, lot traceability, location management, material handling, transaction timing, and documentation discipline.Maintain strong controls that support financial accuracy, customer service, production reliability, and audit readiness.Warehouse and Material FlowPartner with Warehouse, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure material flow supports production schedules and customer delivery requirements.Monitor inbound, internal, and outbound inventory movements to reduce delays, shortages, excess handling, and transaction errors.Support layout, slotting, staging, put-away, picking, replenishment, and shipping processes to improve accuracy, safety, flow, and productivity.Drive improvements in FIFO/FEFO adherence, lot control, inventory segregation, damaged goods handling, and blocked or quality-hold material management.Coordinate resolution of inventory issues that could impact production readiness, customer shipments, or financial reporting.ERP, Systems, and Transaction GovernanceServe as the functional business owner for inventory transactions and inventory control processes in SAP and related warehouse or production systems.Define and enforce transaction standards for receipts, production confirmations, backflush or consumption activity, transfers, adjustments, scrap, returns, and finished goods movements.Collaborate with Technology, Finance, Operations, and Supply Chain to improve system controls, reporting logic, master data quality, and integration points between ERP, warehouse processes, and reporting platforms.Troubleshoot inventory transaction errors, failed interfaces, incorrect units of measure, master data gaps, location errors, and timing issues that create inventory inaccuracy.Train users on inventory-related system processes and ensure operating procedures support consistent execution.Analytics and KPI ManagementDevelop and maintain inventory dashboards, control reports, and KPI scorecards using Power BI, Excel, ERP reporting, and enterprise reporting tools.Analyze inventory trends to identify root causes of inaccuracy, obsolete or slow-moving stock, stockouts, excess inventory, location issues, and process breakdowns.Define, measure, validate, and communicate key inventory KPIs including inventory accuracy, cycle count performance, adjustment value, inventory turns, days on hand, stockout risk, aging inventory, location accuracy, and transaction compliance.Ensure KPI definitions, data sources, reporting cadence, business rules, and governance standards remain accurate, practical, and trusted across business users.Provide analytical support for audits, continuous improvement projects, inventory reduction initiatives, service level improvements, and operational excellence reviews.Leadership and Cross-Functional CollaborationLead, coach, and develop inventory control personnel or cross-functional inventory participants as assigned.Partner with production leadership, warehouse supervisors, planners, quality teams, finance, and customer service to resolve constraints and improve inventory discipline.Communicate inventory performance, risks, control gaps, and improvement recommendations to plant and supply chain leadership.Create and maintain standard work, operating procedures, training materials, and escalation routines for inventory control processes.Champion a practical, floor-connected inventory culture that balances accuracy, speed, safety, service, and cost.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Finance, or a related field preferred.Minimum 5-7 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, supply chain, materials management, production control, or a related manufacturing role.Minimum 2 years of supervisory, team leadership, or process ownership experience preferred.Demonstrated experience working within a manufacturing, distribution, or high-volume warehouse environment; process manufacturing experience preferred.Experience with SAP S/4HANA or equivalent ERP systems, including inventory transactions, material movements, cycle counting, and inventory reporting.Strong understanding of warehouse operations, material flow, lot traceability, FIFO/FEFO, inventory valuation impacts, cycle count methodology, and root cause analysis.Strong analytical background with the ability to interpret inventory data, identify trends, validate transaction activity, and translate findings into practical corrective actions.Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including Pivot Tables, Power Query, lookups, data modeling, and complex formulas.Experience with Power BI, SQL, warehouse management systems, barcode/scanning tools, or inventory analytics platforms preferred.Understanding of MRP, production scheduling, demand planning, inventory replenishment, safety stock, inventory turns, and service level concepts.Ability to translate operational requirements into clear process standards, system requirements, standard work, and training materials.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with operators, warehouse teams, production leaders, finance, executives, managers, and technical teams.APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred but not required.