Inventory Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Inventory Manager - Houston, TX ... $80,000 salaryMulticlient 3PL Distribution CenterAbout us - Metropolitan Warehouse:We are the growing leader in the furniture delivery industry. With multiple locationsthroughout the country, our goal is simple: To provide our clients and customers a 5 StarDelivery Experience.We are proud of our experienced, dedicated, and professional staff and as our rapidcompany growth continues we require that we constantly add motivated, enthusiasticindividuals committed to providing the same exceptional customer service that is thehallmark of our success.Our mission is to ensure memories are delivered one piece of furniture at a time, on time,every time. We are looking for individuals experienced in logistics and transportation to addto our team who will contribute to achieving our mission.The Houston Location is a full Distribution Center, with multiple business segments;currently Final Mile (FM), Line Haul (LH) and 3 rd Party Logistics (3PL). Warehouse Managersmay be assigned to specific business segments. However, based on business needs and atthe discretion of the Functional Vice President, Warehouse Managers may be rotatedthrough or assigned to other business segments. This practice will be beneficial to theWarehouse Managers, as well as the business units by driving a deeper understanding ofthe overall Distribution Center operations while creating synergies among departments.POSITION SUMMARYThe Inventory Manager is responsible for the overall accuracy, integrity, and control ofcustomer inventory within a multiclient 3PL distribution center. This position overseesinventory management processes across receiving, storage, order fulfillment, cyclecounting, inventory reconciliation, returns processing, and disposition activities.The Inventory Manager ensures inventory is accurately received, identified, stored,tracked, transferred, picked, shipped, returned, and reconciled in accordance withcustomer requirements and company procedures.This position serves as a key operational liaison between Warehouse Operations,Customer Service, Returns/Reverse Logistics, and client representatives, utilizingthe WMS and supporting systems to maintain high inventory accuracy and timelyresolution of discrepancies.Responsibilities:Inventory Control & Accuracy- Maintain overall inventory accuracy for all clients, SKUs, locations, lots, serialnumbers, and inventory statuses.- Ensure inventory is properly located, labeled, and maintained in accordance withclient requirements.- Establish and manage cycle count programs based on client requirements,inventory characteristics, and risk.- Analyze cycle count results and investigate inventory discrepancies to determineroot cause.- Coordinate physical inventory counts and annual client inventories.- Reconcile physical inventory to WMS records and client inventory records.- Monitor inventory adjustments and ensure adjustments are properly documentedand authorized.- Identify trends in inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.- Maintain accurate inventory status codes, including available, damaged, hold,quarantine, pending inspection, and other client-specific statuses.- Monitor inventory movements to identify unauthorized or unusual transactions.WMS & Systems Management- Serve as a subject-matter expert for inventory-related WMS functionality andprocesses.- Ensure all inventory transactions are completed accurately and in a timelymanner.- Monitor WMS transactions for receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking,shipping, transfers, adjustments, and returns.- Assist with implementation and testing of new WMS functionality, interfaces,client requirements, and system processes.- Maintain appropriate system controls and transaction discipline.- Ensure employees follow established WMS processes and do not circumventsystem controls.Returns & Reverse Logistics- Manage the inventory control aspects of the returns processing operation.- Establish / enhance procedures for receiving, identifying, inspecting, sorting, andprocessing returned merchandise.- Ensure returned inventory is accurately recorded in the WMS and assigned theappropriate inventory status.- Coordinate disposition of returned products, including: > Return to available inventory > Damaged inventory > Customer/vendor return > Repair/refurbishment > Quarantine/hold > Scrap/destruction > Client-directed disposition- Ensure returned products are accurately matched to the appropriate SKU, order,RMA, serial number, lot, or other identifying information.- Reconcile physical returns against expected returns and client- provideddocumentation. - Investigate discrepancies involving missing, excess, unidentified, or improperlyreturned merchandise.- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for returns and inventorydisposition. - Work with clients to establish and maintain client-specific returns procedures anddisposition requirements.- Monitor return processing turnaround time and inventory aging.Client & Customer Support- Partner with client representatives to establish inventory control procedures andperformance expectations.- Provide inventory reports, reconciliations, and analysis as requested by clients.- Investigate and respond to client inventory discrepancies and inquiries.- Participate in client business reviews and operational meetings as required.- Ensure client-specific SOPs and inventory requirements are understood andfollowed by warehouse personnel.Inventory Reporting & Analysis- Develop and maintain inventory accuracy and performance reporting.- Monitor established Inventory KPIsLeadership & Operations- Lead, train, coach, and develop inventory control and returns personnel.- Establish clear expectations for productivity, accuracy, safety, and adherence toSOPs.- Coordinate inventory activities with receiving, picking, packing, shipping, andwarehouse management teams.- Ensure inventory personnel maintain accurate and timely transactions.- Participate in staffing, scheduling, performance evaluations, and disciplinaryprocesses as appropriate.- Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.Process Improvement- Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, warehouse processes, andreturns processing.- Conduct root-cause analysis for recurring inventory discrepancies.- Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.- Standardize processes across clients where appropriate while maintaining client-specific requirements.- Assist with warehouse process changes, new client implementations, SKUonboarding, and operational transitions.- Support Lean, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives.KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORSThe Inventory Manager will be measured against established company and client KPIs,including:- Inventory Accuracy: Target ≥ 99.5% or client-specific requirement- Cycle Count Accuracy- Inventory Adjustment Rate- Inventory Discrepancy Resolution Time- Returns Processing Accuracy- Returns Processing Turnaround Time- Inventory Aging- Shrinkage- Location Accuracy- Client Inventory Claims- WMS Transaction Accuracy- SOP Compliance- Employee Productivity and AccuracyQUALIFICATIONSRequired - 3-5+ years of inventory control, warehouse, distribution, or 3PL experience.- Experience managing inventory in a high-volume distribution environment.- Experience with cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and discrepancyinvestigation. - Experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).- Experience managing or supporting returns/Reverse Logistics operations.- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.- Strong Excel/data analysis skills.- Ability to manage multiple clients with different inventory requirements and SOPs.- Strong communication and organizational skills.- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.Preferred - Experience in a multiclient 3PL environment.- Experience with Manhattan, Logiwa, or comparable WMS platforms.- Experience with serialized, lot-controlled, or high-value inventory.- Experience with EDI/API or other system integrations.- Experience developing inventory KPIs and operational dashboards.- Experience with client implementations and warehouse process design.- Experience with reverse logistics and RMA processes.- APICS/ASCM, CPIM, or related certification.TECHNICAL SKILLS- Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)- Microsoft Excel - advanced formulas, PivotTables, lookups, data analysis- Inventory reporting and reconciliation- Barcode/RF scanning systems- RMA and returns systems- ERP/WMS integrations- Data analysis and KPI reporting- Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Ability to work in a warehouse/distribution center environment.- Ability to regularly walk throughout the facility and inspect inventory andoperational areas.- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.- Ability to occasionally lift or move inventory/materials in accordance withcompany safety procedures.- Ability to work in areas subject to varying temperatures and warehouseconditions.