Strategic Sourcing & Inventory Control Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Imagine Your Day

You start by opening the ERP dashboard, scanning reorder alerts and usage trends. A few items are hitting minimums, so you build precise purchase orders, confirm supplier lead times, and lock in favorable pricing. Midday finds you on the warehouse floor, reconciling a receiving variance and partnering with the team to verify counts. In the afternoon, you review invoices and packing slips, clean up any discrepancies in the system, and publish a concise report for leadership that calls out inventory risks, cost-saving opportunities, and supplier performance highlights.

What You’ll Take Ownership Of

• Balance daily stock levels so materials and products are always available when needed.
• Track consumption trends, reorder points, and upcoming demand to keep the right items on hand.
• Create and release timely purchase orders aligned to company requirements and inventory needs.
• Source products: compare pricing, availability, and evaluate potential suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and purchasing terms to optimize value.
• Validate the accuracy of purchase orders, invoices, packing slips, and receiving documents.
• Monitor every order from placement through delivery, resolving issues along the way.
• Coordinate closely with receiving and warehouse teams to ensure deliveries are correct.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Lead routine cycle counts and support full physical inventory audits.
• Keep inventory records accurate and current in the company’s inventory or accounting systems.
• Identify slow-moving, excess, damaged, or obsolete inventory and recommend action.
• Monitor inventory-related costs and uncover opportunities to reduce purchasing expenses.
• Buy to specification—ensuring products and materials meet company standards.
• Keep management informed about shortages, purchasing concerns, and vendor issues.
• Maintain organized, audit-ready purchasing and inventory documentation.
• Help design and refine inventory controls and purchasing procedures.
• Ensure purchasing practices comply with all company policies and approval requirements.
• Deliver clear, timely reports on inventory levels, purchasing activity, costs, and vendor performance.
• Pitch in on other operational needs as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education in business, supply chain, purchasing, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in inventory management, purchasing, warehouse operations, or a related role preferred.
• Exceptional organization and time-management skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication, plus confident negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound purchasing judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Experience with inventory, purchasing, or accounting software preferred.
• Comfort analyzing inventory and purchasing data to inform decisions.
• Skilled at prioritizing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the workplace as needed.
• Occasional lifting or moving of inventory, boxes, or supplies.
• Capability to perform physical inventory counts when required.
• Comfort working in warehouse, office, or operational areas as necessary.

How We’ll Measure Success

• Accurate, reliable inventory records.
• Minimized stockouts and avoidance of overstocking.
• Controlled purchasing costs and proactive cost-saving initiatives.
• Dependable, professional supplier relationships.
• On-time ordering and on-time delivery of materials and products.
• Consistent adherence to company purchasing, inventory, safety, and operational policies.
• Professionalism, accountability, and reliability in daily execution.

Tools and Expertise

• Vendor & Supplier Management
• ERP & MRP Systems
• Inventory Management & Control
• Sourcing and Procurement Experience
• International Sourcing Experience
• Onshoring Strategy and Process Experience