Assistant VMI Manager

About the role

The Assistant VMI Manager is responsible for leading the daily execution, long-term maintenance, and continuous improvement of active Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs within our Inventory Solutions Department. This role oversees field-based specialists and supports customer inventory programs that are critical to operational success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop assigned team members by establishing clear expectations, monitoring performance, fostering accountability, and promoting a collaborative, customer-focused environment.
• Direct daily operations and staffing activities to ensure seamless route coverage, maintain uninterrupted service, and support the successful execution and long-term sustainability of active Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs.
• Provide hands-on operational support by assisting with program updates, coverage changes, installations, and other logistical needs as required to maintain peak program performance and minimize service disruptions.
• Cook up and conduct program audits and quality reviews, both remotely and onsite, to ensure programs consistently meet company standards, maintain operational excellence, and represent the brand professionally.
• Analyze dashboards, operational reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, evaluate account health, uncover efficiency opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with customers and cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution of program activities and deliver meaningful, customer-focused operational insights.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for fulfillment issues, customer concerns, product availability gaps, program quality matters, and underperforming accounts, proactively resolving issues to support customer satisfaction and long-term program success.
• Apply business knowledge and sound judgment to balance customer objectives, operational execution, and company profitability while recommending process improvements and efficiency opportunities.
• Support program discovery, assessments, onboarding activities, physical installations, and facility setups while ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Post-secondary education in Business, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience: 2+ years of supervisory or management experience in operations, distribution, inventory management, customer-facing program management, or a related environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, prioritization, and people management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across customers and cross-functional teams.
• An analytical and detail-oriented mindset with the ability to interpret operational data and support process improvements.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn inventory management systems, ERP platforms, CRM systems, and project management tools.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to customer locations across the nation via air or vehicle; valid driver’s license and insurable driving record required.
• Ability to safely work in office, warehouse, and customer environments and meet the physical requirements of the position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits, company-matched 401(k), paid time off, competitive compensation, and much more!