Purchasing Materials Manager

Inventory Control Manager

The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and optimization of inventory across the manufacturing operation. This role leads all inventory control activities, including cycle counting, physical inventories, inventory reconciliation, root cause analysis, and reporting of discrepancies. The Inventory Control Manager partners closely with Operations, Production, Supply Chain, Purchasing, Finance, and Shipping teams to ensure accurate inventory transactions, efficient material flow, and strong internal controls.

This leader develops and maintains inventory management processes that support operational excellence, customer service, financial accuracy, and continuous improvement. The role requires strong ERP system expertise, analytical capability, and the ability to lead a team of cycle counters and inventory specialists in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Safety is the foundation of all activities within this role. The Inventory Control Manager promotes safe work practices, compliance with company policies, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Inventory Accuracy & Reconciliation

• Maintain world-class inventory accuracy standards through disciplined inventory control processes.
• Lead and oversee daily cycle count activities and annual physical inventory processes.
• Investigate, reconcile, and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Perform root cause analysis on inventory variances and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Ensure accurate inventory transactions related to receiving, production consumption, scrap, transfers, adjustments, and shipping activities.
• Monitor inventory integrity across raw materials, work-in-process (WIP), finished goods, packaging, and MRO inventory.

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and maintain inventory performance metrics, including:
  Inventory accuracy Cycle count compliance Inventory adjustments Inventory turns Slow-moving and obsolete inventory Material variances
• Provide regular reporting and analysis to plant leadership, operations, finance, and supply chain teams.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through data analysis and recommend improvement actions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop cycle counters and inventory control team members.
• Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
• Train employees on inventory processes, transaction accuracy, and ERP system requirements.
• Foster a culture of ownership, attention to detail, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

ERP Systems & Process Management

• Serve as the site subject matter expert for inventory processes within the ERP system.
• Ensure proper transaction flow and data integrity throughout the manufacturing process.
• Partner with IT, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to optimize system functionality and inventory controls.
• Support ERP implementations, upgrades, testing, and process improvements as needed.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to inventory management.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy, material flow, transaction discipline, and process efficiency.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste and reduce errors.
• Support plant initiatives related to productivity, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
• Participate in cross-functional projects to improve supply chain and manufacturing performance.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, audit requirements, and inventory control procedures.
• Support internal and external audits by providing accurate documentation and reporting.
• Maintain strong controls to minimize inventory loss, shrinkage, and financial risk.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, Accounting, Logistics, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

5+ years of inventory control, warehouse, supply chain, or manufacturing experience. 2+ years of leadership experience managing inventory teams or cycle counting functions. Experience in a manufacturing environment required. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, JD Edwards, Infor, Epicor, or similar systems required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of manufacturing inventory flows, material transactions, and inventory accounting principles. Advanced ERP system knowledge and transaction management capability. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause investigation skills. High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools. Ability to interpret data and communicate findings effectively. Strong organizational and project management skills. Effective leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.

Ability to influence and…