Director, Inventory Optimization

Director, Inventory Optimization Opportunity Summary:

We are seeking a Director of Inventory Optimization to lead enterprise-wide inventory strategy, drive measurable improvements in working capital and margin, and build a high-performing analytics-driven team. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for inventory across our entire branch network - encompassing optimization, master data integrity, controls, counting programs, and core management. The Director will own the inventory P&L impact, set the strategic direction for how we manage one of our largest investments, and serve as the company's Parts Subject Matter Expert at the executive level.

This role exists to transform inventory from a heavily manual, reactive function into a data-driven, optimized program. Success in year one means measurably better fill rates, higher inventory turns, reduced excess and obsolete exposure, and a more efficient team operating from analytics rather than spreadsheets.

Job Duties:

Inventory Strategy & Optimization

• Set the enterprise inventory strategy across all branches, including stocking models, min/max methodology, safety stock policy, and network balancing.
• Drive measurable improvements in inventory turns, GMROI, fill rates, and excess/obsolete exposure.
• Lead network-level optimization initiatives - right-sizing inventory by branch, redistributing stock across locations, and rationalizing duplicate SKUs.
• Partner with purchasing, sales, and operations leadership to optimize core buys, vendor rights utilization, and supplier consolidation.

Analytics & Reporting

• Build the analytics function for inventory:
  Power BI dashboards, SQL-based reporting, and executive-level visibility into inventory health and working capital.
• Translate data into clear recommendations and business cases for branch managers, finance, and the executive team.
• Establish KPIs and an inventory scorecard reviewed at the leadership level.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and grow a team of inventory analysts responsible for price file management, part setup, data integrity, and core management.
• Build a culture of analytical rigor, accountability, and process improvement.
• Plan team capacity against current workload (45+ active price files, growing to 87+) and identify automation and process improvement opportunities to scale without proportional headcount growth.

Master Data & Data Integrity

• Own the integrity of parts master data, including weekly supersession validation, supplier cleanup, and part number audit programs.
• Oversee core management - DTNA, MTU, Allison common core files; vendor and customer core rights; and core buy execution.
• Oversee the analyst inbox and exception-handling program for serial number issues, setup corrections, and core adjustments.

Inventory Control & Counting Programs

• Own enterprise-wide inventory control procedures and ensure branch compliance.
• Direct the full counting program: quarterly counts (serialized parts, truck inventories, customer consignments), annual cycle count planning by branch, and the annual wall-to-wall inventory event in coordination with Plante Moran.
• Provide oversight and corrective action when branches fall short of required controls.

Enterprise Leadership & SME Role

• Serve as the executive-level Parts Subject Matter Expert, advising leadership on inventory-related decisions, system changes, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent inventory in cross-functional leadership discussions on pricing, purchasing, sales planning, and IT systems.

Work Experience and Qualifications:

• 8+ years of progressive inventory, supply chain, or operations experience, including 3+ years leading teams.
• Demonstrated track record of measurably improving inventory performance (turns, fill rate, working capital, write-downs) at scale.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and SQL - able to build and maintain analytics personally, not just direct others.
• Hands-on experience with parts or inventory network optimization - multi-location stocking strategy, demand analysis, min/max modeling.
• Strong inventory control foundation: cycle counting, wall-to-wall audits, reconciliation, audit coordination.
• Executive-level communication skills - able to present to senior leadership and translate complex data into clear recommendations.
• Heavy-duty truck, engine, or parts distribution industry experience.
• Familiarity with core management (DTNA, MTU, Allison, or similar OEM core programs).
• Experience working with external auditors on annual inventory.
• CPIM, CSCP, or similar certification.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree a plus.

Employee Rewards and Benefits:

• 8 Paid Holidays & 1 Paid Wellness Day
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401k with a Company Match
• Company Paid Training
• Growth & Leadership Opportunities

About the Company:

W.W. Williams was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1912. Today The W.W. Williams Companies have a broad portfolio of businesses located…