Inventory Control Manager

Position Summary
The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and optimization of inventory throughout the warehouse and distribution network. This role leads all inventory control processes, including cycle counting, physical inventories, inventory reconciliations, root cause analysis, inventory reporting, and system accuracy. The Inventory Control Manager partners closely with Operations, Production, Procurement, Logistics, Customer Service, and Finance to maintain inventory accuracy, minimize losses, and support efficient warehouse operations.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to: Director of Warehouse Operations
Direct Reports:
Inventory Control Supervisors
Inventory Analysts
Cycle Counters
Inventory Clerks
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Accuracy & Control
Manage and maintain inventory accuracy targets across all warehouse locations.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve inventory control procedures and best practices.
Oversee daily inventory transactions, adjustments, transfers, and reconciliations.
Monitor inventory movement and investigate discrepancies between physical and system inventory.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts related to inventory variances.
Cycle Counting & Physical Inventories
Develop and manage cycle count schedules based on ABC inventory classifications.
Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly cycle count activities.
Coordinate annual physical inventory counts and audit processes.
Ensure timely reconciliation of count variances and implementation of corrective actions.
Monitor count accuracy and team performance metrics.
Warehouse Operations Support
Partner with warehouse leadership to ensure adherence to inventory control procedures.
Support receiving, put-away, production staging, order fulfillment, and shipping processes.
Ensure inventory transactions are completed accurately and timely within the warehouse management system.
Identify and address process gaps impacting inventory integrity.
Systems & Reporting
Maintain inventory records within ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Generate and analyze inventory performance reports, including:
Inventory accuracy
Inventory turns
Shrink and loss
Obsolete inventory
Cycle count results
Inventory aging
Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor inventory health and operational performance.
Recommend system enhancements and process automation opportunities.
Compliance & Audit
Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety standards, and inventory control procedures.
Support internal and external audits.
Maintain traceability of inventory, including lot control, expiration dates, and FIFO/FEFO practices.
Ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
Leadership & Team Management
Recruit, train, coach, and develop inventory control personnel.
Establish performance goals and accountability standards.
Foster a culture of accuracy, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Conduct performance reviews and talent development planning.
Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to reduce inventory discrepancies and associated costs.
Lead Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives.
Standardize warehouse inventory control processes across facilities where applicable.
Implement best practices to improve efficiency, accuracy, and productivity
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
5+ years of inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain experience.
2+ years of supervisory or management experience.
Experience in food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), distribution, or cold-chain operations preferred.
Experience managing inventories exceeding $10 million preferred.
Technical Skills
Strong ERP and WMS experience (SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Manhattan, etc.).
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Inventory analysis and reporting expertise.
Experience with barcode scanning and RF systems.
Strong understanding of inventory accounting principles.
Knowledge & Competencies
Inventory management and control methodologies
Cycle counting and physical inventory processes
Root cause analysis
Process improvement
KPI development and reporting
Warehouse operations
Lot tracking and traceability
FIFO and FEFO inventory management
Team leadership and employee development
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The Inventory Control Manager will be measured on:
Inventory Accuracy: ≥ 99%
Cycle Count Compliance: ≥ 98%
Inventory Adjustment Reduction
Shrink Reduction
Inventory Reconciliation Timeliness
Inventory Turns
Obsolete Inventory Reduction
Audit Compliance Scores
Team Productivity and Engagement
On-Time Completion of Physical Inventories
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a warehouse environment, including ref

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No