Inventory Control Manager

Job SummaryWe are expanding to De Soto, Kansas, to build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. In this role, you will plan, coordinate, and execute the flow of raw materials and work-in-process to ensure uninterrupted production operations. You will balance demand, supply, and inventory through disciplined forecasting, material planning, and execution processes to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives.The Inventory Control Manager leads inventory team members embedded in daily manufacturing operations, driving adherence to standard work, problem resolution, and continuous improvement. Working closely with planning, procurement, IT/system, and production teams, you will proactively identify material risks, resolve constraints, and support efficient, stable manufacturing performance.Essential DutiesFunctional Leadership & Operations:Lead inventory control planning, processes, and material flow within manufacturing operations.Organize and present the summary of the report for inventory control/results to the direct report and management team daily, weekly, and monthly based on the requested contents and frequency.Establish and oversee daily inventory control operations, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving, transfers, returns, cycle counts, and physical inventories in a new factory.Track inventory movement by lot, serial number, pallet, location, and date to maintain accurate warehouse records.Monitor stock levels, including low stock, expiring, and overstocked items, and initiate replenishment activities as needed.Maintain records of daily deliveries and shipments to reconcile inventory balances.Lead the BRD creation, implementation, and optimization of inventory management systems.Oversee inventory governance, including cycle counting, reconciliation, obsolescence management, and loss prevention for production and point-of-use inventory.Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement:Develop and execute materials and inventory strategies aligned with business objectives, cost targets, and production service expectations.Drive key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, material availability, production support, working capital, and loss reduction.Apply data analytics, forecasting models, and statistical methods to anticipate material requirements and mitigate production risk.Champion Lean, 6S, FTQ, and continuous improvement initiatives across materials planning and execution processes.Support ERP optimization, materials master data governance, automation, and digital process enhancements.Team Development & Knowledge Sharing:Hire, train, develop, and engage inventory team members to drive accountability, performance, and succession readiness.Coach leaders and team members through change, reinforcing standard work, safety, and continuous improvement behaviors.Promote cross-training, knowledge sharing, and employee engagement across inventory and production support functions.Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:Partner with Planning, Procurement, Production, IT/System, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and suppliers to support manufacturing objectives.Collaborate with internal logistics, warehouse, and transportation partners to ensure material availability and flow to production.Communicate material risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities to operations and supply chain leadership.Quality, Safety, Compliance, & Risk Management:Ensure inventory operations comply with safety regulations, quality systems, SOPs, and internal controls.Promote a safe, organized, and compliant work environment consistent with EHS and 6S standards.Monitor and mitigate inventory, quality, capacity, and supply risks while maintaining high service and accuracy levels.Supervisory Responsibilities:Directly and indirectly supervise inventory management employees, including supervisors and/or leads.Responsible for hiring, training, performance management, coaching, and development of team members.Provides input on staffing decisions, promotions, corrective actions, and succession planning.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:May include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.QualificationsEducation, Certifications, and Licenses:Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education.Preferred:Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration (MBA), Operations, or a related field.Lean Six Sigma Certification.Essential Qualifications:5+ years of progressive leadership experience within inventory management, production support, or supply chain operations.Demonstrated experience leading materials planning, inventory control, and production support functions in a manufacturing environment.Strong working knowledge of inventory management, material planning, forecasting, and production support processes.Experience managing and developing teams, including performance management, coaching, and change leadership.Proficient in ERP systems and working knowledge of WMS functionality, with strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.Proven commitment to safety, quality systems, internal controls, and continuous improvement principles (Lean, 6S, FTQ).Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English.Alignment with Panasonic's seven core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude).Preferred Qualifications:7+ years of experience in supply chain, materials management, or logistics leadership roles.Experience working in a matrixed supply chain organization supporting manufacturing operations.Strong ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and lead through ambiguity.Demonstrated success driving transformation, standardization, or system implementations across materials operations.Physical DemandsPhysical Activities:Sit: 40%Walk: 30%Stand: 30%Required Lifting and Carrying:Up to 10 lbs.: ContinuousUp to 20 lbs.: OccasionalUp to 35 lbs.: OccasionalTeam-lift only (over 35 lbs.): OccasionalBenefits & PerksPanasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health.Health Benefits – medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.Voluntary Benefits – life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.Paid Time-Off Benefits – vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.Educational Assistance – tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.Health Management and Well-being Programs – lifestyle spending account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources (eligible employees from first day of the month following start date).Employee Recognition Program – High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition.Annual Bonus Program – opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.On-site Food Options – several on-site cafes, plenty of snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.Supplemental InformationPre-employment drug testing is required.Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.R-104963J-18808-Ljbffr