Inventory Operations Manager

General Purpose: The Inventory Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing inventory accuracy, availability, and transfers across all company sites to support on-time manufacturing and order fulfillment. This role works closely with the Planning team to align incoming orders with the execution window (defined as two weeks prior to manufacturing) ensuring materials and finished goods are positioned correctly and ready for execution. The Inventory Operations Manager plays a critical role in maintaining continuity of supply, minimizing shortages, and supporting efficient production operations. Position Responsibilities: Inventory Oversight & Availability Manage and maintain accurate inventory levels across all sites, including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods Ensure inventory availability aligns with manufacturing schedules and customer demand Monitor inventory risks such as shortages, excess, or aging materials and proactively implement mitigation plans Own the identification, classification, and tracking of SLOB inventory (Slow-Moving, Obsolete, and Expired) across all sites Partner with Planning, Commercial, and Operations teams to determine disposition strategies, including reallocation, rework, return to vendor, or controlled destruction Ensure SLOB inventory actions are executed, documented, and closed—not just identified Inventory Transfers & Coordination Oversee and coordinate inventory transfers between sites to support production and fulfillment needs Ensure timely execution and accurate documentation of all inter-site inventory movements Partner with warehouse, logistics, and site operations teams to resolve transfer issues and prevent disruptions Planning & Execution Alignment Work directly with the Planning team to align new and changing orders as they enter the execution window (two weeks from manufacturing) Validate material readiness and inventory positioning prior to order release to manufacturing Communicate inventory constraints or risks that could impact execution timelines Systems, Accuracy & Compliance Maintain inventory accuracy within ERP and inventory management systems Support cycle counts, reconciliations, and root cause analysis of discrepancies Ensure inventory practices comply with internal SOPs and applicable regulatory or GMP requirements Ensure SLOB inventory is accurately flagged, valued, and reported within ERP systems Support financial and audit requirements related to inventory write-downs, adjustments, and compliance Continuous Improvement & Reporting Develop and maintain inventory KPIs (e.g., inventory accuracy, transfer lead times, material availability) Identify process improvements to enhance inventory visibility, responsiveness, and efficiency Provide regular inventory status updates and risk assessments to Operations and Planning leadership Develop and maintain SLOB-specific KPIs, including aging thresholds, value at risk, and disposition cycle time Lead regular SLOB reviews with Planning and Operations to drive accountability and decision-making Track SLOB action items through completion and escalate unresolved risks to leadership Support the development, documentation, and standardization of inventory processes across sites Contribute to training and enablement of site teams on inventory best practices Minimum Qualifications: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) Experience: Required 3–5+ years of inventory management experience in a multi-site manufacturing or distribution environment Strong understanding of inventory control, material flow, and production support Experience working cross-functionally with Planning, Manufacturing, and Logistics teams Proficiency with ERP systems and inventory tracking tools Preferred Experience in regulated environments (GMP, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or similar) Familiarity with execution windows, production scheduling, and demand planning Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: High attention to detail and accuracy Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset Data-driven decision-making Certification or License: APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification is preferred but not required.