Lead Coordinator, Inventory

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals. The Lead Coordinator, Stores & Inventory supports daily warehouse, inventory, and materials management operations to ensure the timely availability of parts, tools, equipment, and critical materials required for water utility operations and maintenance. This role provides day-to-day workflow direction to Stores Technicians, coordinates inventory control activities, and ensures compliance with safety, procurement, and asset management standards. The Lead serves as the primary point of contact for field crews and internal customers regarding material needs, stock levels, and delivery timing. Key Accountabilities Provide daily guidance and task direction to Stores & Inventory staff, ensuring efficient workflow, and productivity. Serve as the primary point of contact for internal customers, field crews, and supervisors regarding storehouse needs. Prioritize work assignments based on operational demands, emergency response needs, and planned maintenance activities. Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and technical guidance. Order material and oversee receiving, stocking, picking, staging, and issuing of materials, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Coordinate cycle counts, physical inventory, and reconciliation activities to maintain high accuracy of stock levels. Monitor inventory for critical and long lead-time items essential to water production, distribution, and treatment operations. Ensure proper care, storage, and tracking of specialized water utility assets such as valves, meters, hydrant components, pipe materials, and treatment chemicals. Utilize the organization’s asset management and inventory systems (e.g., SAP) to track inventory movement and maintain accurate records. Ensure documentation of receipts, transfers, adjustments, and work orders is complete and compliant with company procedures. Generate reports related to stock levels, usage trends, material availability, and process performance. Enforce safe work practices in accordance with company policies, OSHA standards, and water utility regulations. Maintain clean, organized, and compliant warehouse and yard facilities. Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and procurement to forecast material requirements and support planned projects. Knowledge/Skills Strong understanding of inventory control and warehouse best practices. Knowledge of water/wastewater utility materials, parts, and maintenance/operations support needs. Strong understanding of inventory control concepts (min/max, reorder points, lead times, safety stock, critical spares). Knowledge of storehouse processes (receiving, put-away, picking/issuing, staging, delivery coordination, returns). Cycle counting/physical inventory practices and reconciliation methods. Knowledge of CMMS inventory transactions and work order material traceability. Understanding of procurement coordination (approved suppliers, expediting, substitutions, documentation). Knowledge of Safety and compliance practices (OSHA‑aligned warehouse safety, hazard communication/SDS, chemical storage basics). Knowledge of the regulated water/wastewater business within the region and the regulations impacting the business as well as applicable regulations, requirements, and trends within water/wastewater business. Previous forklift experience is required. Experience/Education Experience in drinking water, wastewater, and/or laboratory operations preferred. Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or related field preferred. High school diploma or GED required. Microsoft Office experience is required. Expert in Excel skills is preferred. 5-8 years of experience in warehouse, supply chain, or inventory controls is required. Experience in SAP is preferred. Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to clearly communicate. Ability to collaborate effectively with operations, maintenance, and external contractors. Previous experience managing a team is preferred. Strong leadership skills and the ability to train and mentor others. Travel Requirements Position is onsite Monday through Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm in our Lexington, KY location. Rotating shifts, Weekends, holidays, and on‑call assignments may be required depending on operational needs. Work performed in both indoor and outdoor environments, including exposure to chemicals, odors, noise, and varying weather conditions. Potential exposure to dust, pollen, chemicals, and sewage. The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment is required. May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, slippery surfaces, water/wastewater hazards and electrical equipment. Must be able to perform essential functions and meet the physical requirements of the position including ability to stand, climb stairs, and/or walk and/or sit for long periods of time. Must be able to safely drive a company vehicle for extended or intermittent periods in varying conditions. Frequently enters and exits vehicles. American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr