Inventory Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Allied Universal® is hiring an Inventory Manager. The Inventory Manager will lead the development, standardization, and execution of national inventory management policies, processes, and performance across all regions. The Inventory Manager role is critical for ensuring operational consistency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with business objectives. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader who thrives in a dynamic cross-functional environment and is passionate about building scalable systems and fostering alignment across multiple regions.

• Own inventory nationwide: Set the standard across a multi-site U.S. network—driving consistency, fixing breakdowns fast, and making sure every location runs clean, accurate, and on process.

• Lead without direct reports: Be the go-to operator across warehouse teams—holding teams accountable, coaching performance, and stepping in to solve problems and eliminate inefficiencies in real time.

• Turn data into action: Use SAP ByDesign and analytics to reduce excess, improve accuracy, and ensure what’s on the shelf matches the system—while leading inventory audits at key locations across the U.S.

• Based in Chicago, Boston, or Dallas; In-office role with travel as needed (~15%)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Inventory Strategy and Standardization

• Ensure adherence to standardized inventory management policies and procedures across all regions and sites, and lead corrective action efforts as needed
• Ensure consistency in inventory controls and compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements
• Establish, communicate, train, and maintain inventory control policies in alignment with organizational goals

Cross-Functional Leadership and Communication

• Lead cross-functional meetings to align inventory priorities, share insights, and drive coordinated actions
• Serve as the primary point of contact between regional operations, finance, supply chain, IT, and executive leadership
• Support training and change management initiatives for new inventory systems, tools, and policies
• Champion a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability across all USA-based Warehouse Managers to ensure adherence to the organization’s office policies and the warehouse's procedures
• Administer shipping portals like FedEx, UPS, etc.

Inventory Optimization and Cost Efficiency

• Analyze and identify excess, obsolete, slow-moving, and underutilized inventory
• Lead inventory redistribution and rationalization efforts across the global supply network
• Collaborate with regional teams to reduce days on hand (DOH) and inventory carrying costs
• Design and enforce a structured approval process for exceptional inventory purchases

Operational Execution and Oversight

• Oversee physical inventory counts and reconciliation processes, including leading annual inventory counts and monthly cycle counts
• Manage and improve systems, people, and processes to ensure inventory accuracy and streamlined material flow, including physical controls
• Develop and deliver dashboards and metrics that provide real-time inventory insights to operations leaders
• Management and disbursement of duties tracked by various reporting tools to ensure regional performance standards are met
• Training and compliance; conduct regular training sessions to educate staff on warehouse policies, safety protocols, and emergency procedures, fostering a culture of accountability
• Audit and review; perform periodic audits to assess adherence to established policies and procedures, making necessary adjustments to enhance operational efficiency and compliance

Performance Monitoring and Strategic Reporting

• Define and report on global inventory KPIs including inventory turnover, DOH, accuracy, and obsolete inventory levels
• Benchmark regional performance and identify best practices and areas for improvement
• Provide clear, actionable reports and insights to senior leadership to support strategic decision-making

Long-Term Goals and Digital Transformation

• Lead initiatives to digitize inventory reporting and increase transparency and traceability
• Improve supply chain sustainability by reducing excess and obsolete stock
• Monitor and validate inventory additions and usage to improve data accuracy and decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS (MUST HAVE):

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in inventory control
• Proven experience leading cross-functional and cross-regional teams
• Experience developing and implementing inventory control Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Strong knowledge of ERP/WMS systems (SAP, Oracle, PowerBI, NetSuite, etc.)
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Strong analytical skills with experience in metrics-driven decision-making
• Ability to multitask and handle constantly changing work assignments with critical deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors and employees
• Possess strong attention to detail
• Proficient written and oral communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (NICE TO HAVE):

• College degree in Business Management, or related field
• Lean/Six Sigma, APICS CSCP/CPIM or other similar certifications
• Expert in Microsoft Excel
• Systems, Applications, and Products (SAP) experience

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Salary $65,000 - $85,000 commensurate with experience.
• Medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, retirement plan and disability insurance
• Eight paid holidays annually, five sick days, and four personal days
• Vacation time offered at an accrual rate of 3.08 hours biweekly. Unused vacation is only paid out where required by law.

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