Inventory Control Manager (On-Site)

Inventory Control Manager

The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for leading and managing all inventory control activities within a food manufacturing and packaging operation. This role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and availability of raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods inventory. The Inventory Control Manager develops and maintains inventory processes, drives continuous improvement initiatives, minimizes inventory variances, and ensures compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

This position partners closely with Operations, Warehouse, Supply Chain, Procurement, Production Planning, Quality, and Finance to optimize inventory performance, improve material flow, and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Control

• Lead all inventory control functions across raw materials, packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle count programs, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes.
• Develop, implement, and maintain inventory control procedures and best practices.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
• Manage inventory adjustments and approvals in accordance with company policies.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within ERP and warehouse management systems.

Operations & Supply Chain Collaboration

• Partner with Production, Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse teams to ensure material availability and inventory optimization.
• Support production scheduling by ensuring timely and accurate inventory transactions.
• Coordinate inventory-related activities during new product launches, packaging changes, and production transitions.
• Work closely with Supply Chain teams to reduce excess and obsolete inventory while minimizing stock-out risks.
• Collaborate with Finance to support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end inventory reporting requirements.

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure inventory practices comply with food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP, SQF/BRC standards, and internal quality requirements.
• Support traceability programs, product recalls, mock recalls, and inventory audits.
• Maintain proper lot tracking, date coding, and inventory rotation practices (FIFO/FEFO).
• Ensure proper handling and storage of food products and packaging materials.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Inventory Control Supervisors, Coordinators, and/or Inventory Analysts.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures for inventory team members.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accuracy, and operational excellence.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and support employee development plans.
• Assist with staffing, training, and succession planning initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze inventory trends, variances, and key performance indicators to identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement projects focused on inventory accuracy and material flow.
• Utilize root cause analysis methodologies to resolve recurring inventory issues.
• Recommend process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve inventory visibility.
• Support ERP system enhancements and inventory-related technology initiatives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of inventory control, warehouse, supply chain, or materials management experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• 2+ years of leadership or management experience.
• Experience managing raw materials, packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods inventories.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
• Experience supporting food safety and regulatory compliance programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of inventory control principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.
• Understanding of FIFO, FEFO, lot traceability, and inventory management methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
• Experience with cycle counting, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) certification.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement training.
• Experience supporting SQF, BRC, FDA, USDA, or other food industry compliance standards.