Reporting to the Director FP&A Operations, the Inventory Manager oversees the full inventory cycle from production to customer invoices. The scope of this role includes the Manufacturing plants and Distribution Centers network within Canada. This role requires building and enhancing strong working relationships internally with the Operations, Distribution, Finance and IT teams to identify and implement inventory processes to increase inventory performance and adherence to company policies in terms of inventory safeguarding
Key Responsibilities:
Process improvement:
Evaluate current inventory and operations processes to propose and implement process improvements to increase visibility, accuracy and timely reporting of the inventory
Set up processes and controls to better identify the risks in inventory’s existence and valuation
Work with the logistics and operations departments to implement and track a loss prevention program
Work with the IT team to improve and expand reporting tools
Inventory Control:
Monitor and reconcile raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods to ensure inventory accuracy and smooth production flow
Implement inventory control systems to track material usage
Work with Inventory Controllers to identify and reconcile the cycle count discrepancies
Work closely with the logistics and operations teams to assess physical stock handling processes to identify sources of inventory variance
Lead the full process of month end, mid-year and year end physical and financial closing on inventory for all manufacturing facilities and outside warehouses
Reporting & Analysis:
Develop, manage, and monitor Distribution center performance reporting on inventory accuracy, inventory cost and other Inventory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Accountable for weekly reporting updates on inventory variances and status on action plan (s) to improve inventory accuracy
Perform various analyses to explain and justify inventory discrepancies (e.g., cost variance analysis, inventory turnover, obsolescence, ABC analysis, storage capacity analysis)
Team Leadership & Training:
Provide leadership and guidance on best practices to the Inventory team
Ability to communicate effectively with peers and management
Conduct regular monthly national and regional inventory meetings and review inventory program
Review and implement national inventory training programs
Audits:
Set up and maintain audit procedures for all regions regarding inventory existence and discrepancies
Manage internal finance inventory audits and external consultants’ inventory year-end audit
Develop and maintain policies and procedures regarding the overall inventory control processes within the regions
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Technical Knowledge:
Strong Knowledge of Data Analysis and Forecasting methods
In-depth knowledge of Inventory control principles, processes, and physical inventory accounting and management practices
Leadership Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with various departments (e.g., logistics, operations, finance, IT)
Strong organization skills to plan effectively as well as handling changing priorities
Problem Solving & Decision Making:
Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems and inventory variances
Demonstrated abilities in critical thinking and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment
Attention to Detail:
Strong attention to detail and ability to provide accurate reporting to management
Experience:
Experience in manufacturing, packaging, and distribution environments, preferably in a leadership role
Working experience with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and inventory control software
Strong inventory control background, operational and financial
Education & Certifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, or a related field
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience of relevant experience in inventory, distribution and operational procedures with a strong emphasis on the financial aspects. Minimum 3 years of leadership/supervisory experience, preferably in a similar role
Skills: Strong analytical skills, strong interpersonal/communication skills to work effectively at several levels of the organization and across multiple functional areas and advanced Excel skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in large manufacturing companies with multiple warehouses, experience managing liquid chemical inventory is an asset
Prove ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and influence decision-making
Proven track record of optimizing inventory levels, reducing cost, and improving inventory control processes
French an asset
Work Environment:
Primarily office-based within the manufacturing plant
May require occasional travel to other plant locations or corporate offices
