Manufacturing Yard Planning and Inventory Manager

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Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager
Position Summary

The Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager is responsible for planning, controlling, and optimizing raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory-including steel coils, plates, and pipe products-across yard and storage operations.

This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective material flow, supports uninterrupted production, and improves yard utilization, inventory accuracy, and dispatch readiness in alignment with production schedules, logistics requirements, and customer delivery commitments.
Key Responsibilities

Yard Planning & Layout Management

• Develop and maintain optimized yard layouts for steel coils, plates (LSAW and specialty grades), pipes (HFI / ERW / LSAW), finished goods, and dispatch zones.
• Ensure efficient movement of materials from storage to production with minimal handling and congestion.
• Coordinate stacking, segregation, and accessibility based on grade, size, and production priority.

Inventory Management & Control

• Own inventory accuracy for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Maintain real-time inventory visibility using ERP and WMS systems.
• Lead cycle counts, physical inventories, and variance resolution.
• Ensure FIFO compliance, heat traceability, and proper material identification.

Production & Dispatch Coordination

• Partner daily with production planning, coating, quality, and logistics teams.
• Ensure timely availability of materials to support production schedules.
• Support truck, rail, and barge dispatch activities.
• Prevent production delays caused by material shortages or misplacement.

Yard Operations & Safety Leadership

• Enforce safety standards for crane operations, forklifts, and heavy material handling.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety policies.
• Conduct safety audits and implement corrective actions.
• Promote a strong, zero-incident safety culture.

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Use ERP/WMS tools to track inventory movement, aging, and dwell time.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to inventory accuracy, yard utilization, damage, and dispatch performance.
• Lead Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support automation and digital improvement efforts within yard operations.

Team Leadership

• Lead yard planners, inventory controllers, and yard supervisors.
• Set performance expectations, accountability, and development plans.
• Train teams on safety standards, systems, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.

Experience

• 7-12+ years of experience in yard operations, inventory control, or manufacturing logistics.
• Background in steel, pipe, or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with steel plates, coils, and large-diameter pipe.
• ERP system experience (SAP preferred).
• Familiarity with rail, truck, and barge logistics.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational planning and execution skills
• Deep understanding of steel plate and pipe handling
• Safety-first leadership mindset
• Data-driven decision making
• Strong communication and people leadership skills
• Continuous improvement focus

Key Performance Indicators

• Inventory accuracy ≥ 99%
• Zero production delays due to material availability
• Reduced material handling and rehandling
• Improved yard utilization
• Reduced damage and demurrage
• On-time dispatch performance