Inventory Control Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Inventory & Supply Planning Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end inventory planning, demand forecasting, and production alignment to ensure optimal product availability and operational efficiency. This role drives cross-functional coordination across Procurement, Production, Sales, Logistics, and Finance while owning key inventory KPIs and supporting overall business performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the company’s inventory planning and control processes to ensure consistent product flow and on-time fulfillment.
• Review production yield reports on a weekly and monthly basis for discrepancies.
• Analyze demand signals, capacity constraints, and lead times to create accurate production and inventory forecasts.
• Manage and monitor inventory KPIs, including days on hand, inventory turnover, and slow-moving or obsolete stock.
• Monitor inventory levels and perform cycle counting in coordination with Production, Shipping/Receiving, Procurement, and Accounting to conduct root cause analysis of discrepancies.
• Create reports and maintain a database for all warehouse metrics, including supply chain analysis and purchasing; distribute these reports to management.
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize material flow and reduce excess or aged inventory.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Production, Sales, and Logistics teams to support new product introductions and capacity planning.
• Use data analytics tools (e.g., Excel, ERP systems) to drive insights and continuous improvement.

• Develop and mentor a team of planners and analysts responsible for inventory and supply coordination.

• Lead the monthly Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) cycle, ensuring alignment between demand, supply, and financial targets.

• Present inventory and production plans to executive leadership, highlighting risks, trade-offs, and recommended actions.

• Identify and execute opportunities to reduce carrying costs, scrap, write-offs, and inefficiencies across the supply chain.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, and or related field (preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply planning, or production planning within manufacturing.
• Proven leadership experience in implementing or managing an S&OP process.
• Strong analytical skills and comfort with data modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning.
• Proficiency in supply chain planning tools (e.g., Atlas by John Galt, ERP/MRP systems, Excel)
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Inventory & Demand Planning Expertise
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
• Process Improvement & Continuous Optimization
• Accountability & Execution

Working Conditions:

• Regular presence at production facilities located in Arkansas and California
• This role operates in a [office/manufacturing/warehouse] environment.
• The position may require sitting, standing, walking, and using a computer for extended periods.