Inventory Control and Optimization Manager

About the role

The Inventory Control & Optimization Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness of inventory processes across the organization. This position serves as the primary owner of inventory accuracy and is responsible for proactively identifying discrepancies, investigating root causes, implementing corrective actions, and developing sustainable solutions that improve inventory control and operational efficiency. This role works cross-functionally with Warehouse, Production, Pre-Weigh, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Finance to identify process gaps, strengthen inventory controls, and establish best practices. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, hands-on, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to investigate complex inventory issues, challenge existing processes, and drive measurable improvements.

Responsibilities

• Own inventory accuracy and integrity across warehouse and production operations.
• Proactively identify inventory discrepancies, variances, transaction errors, negative inventory, and other inventory control concerns.
• Investigate discrepancies between physical inventory and ERP inventory records.
• Perform detailed root-cause analysis to determine the source of inventory inaccuracies rather than relying solely on inventory adjustments to correct balances.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions to address recurring inventory issues.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve cycle-counting programs and inventory reconciliation processes.
• Analyze inventory adjustments and identify patterns, trends, or operational practices contributing to inventory inaccuracies.
• Review inventory transactions related to receiving, material movements, production consumption, batch activity, transfers, returns, and inventory adjustments.
• Partner with Warehouse, Production, PreWeigh, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Finance to identify and resolve inventory-related issues.
• Evaluate current inventory processes and recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls, inventory accuracy, traceability, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and implement inventory control procedures and best practices.
• Identify gaps in ERP usage, transactional processes, and operational practices that may contribute to inaccurate inventory.
• Develop inventory reporting and key performance indicators to provide leadership with visibility into inventory accuracy, discrepancies, adjustments, and recurring issues.
• Monitor inventory accuracy metrics and communicate significant findings, risks, and recommended solutions to leadership.
• Lead physical inventory counts and cycle-count activities, including variance research and reconciliation.
• Ensure inventory adjustments are appropriately researched, documented, and supported before completion.
• Provide functional direction and leadership for inventory-related activities across the organization.
• Train and coach employees on inventory procedures, ERP transactions, cycle-counting practices, and inventory control expectations.
• Partner with department leadership to ensure employees are following established inventory processes and procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve material flow, inventory organization, transaction accuracy, and inventory visibility.
• Support inventory controls related to lot traceability, FIFO requirements, allergens, expiration dates, and other applicable food manufacturing requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives involving inventory, warehouse operations, production, and material flow.
• Assist with inventory-related audits and provide supporting documentation as required.
• Escalate significant inventory discrepancies, control failures, or recurring process issues to appropriate leadership.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to inventory investigations, corrective actions, procedures, and process improvements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements