Position Summary
Ranpak is seeking a highly organized and results-driven Inventory Control Manager to lead inventory accuracy and inventory management activities within our manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for maintaining inventory integrity across raw materials, work-in-process, purchased components, and finished goods supporting paper converting operations, assembly production, and automated machine builds.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing inventory in a manufacturing environment, utilizing SAP or a comparable ERP system, leading cycle count programs, investigating inventory variances, and driving continuous process improvements. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring a strong floor presence and close collaboration with Production, Planning, Purchasing, Engineering, and Operations teams.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Accuracy & Control
- Develop, manage, and continuously improve inventory control processes to achieve world-class inventory accuracy.
- Lead and oversee daily cycle counting activities, weekly inventory audits, and monthly physical inventory counts.
- Investigate inventory discrepancies, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
- Monitor and reconcile inventory transactions across raw materials, WIP, components, and finished goods.
- Ensure timely and accurate inventory movements within SAP or ERP systems.
- Maintain inventory integrity across multiple manufacturing areas and storage locations.
- Partner with Production, Planning, Purchasing, and Operations teams to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy.
- Support paper converting operations, assembly activities, and automated machine manufacturing through effective inventory management.
- Establish and maintain inventory controls for production consumables, purchased components, and finished products.
- Ensure inventory processes support production schedules while minimizing downtime and shortages.
- Serve as the primary inventory control subject matter expert for SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
- Maintain inventory master data and transaction accuracy.
- Utilize ERP reporting and analytics to identify trends, inventory risks, and improvement opportunities.
- Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reporting to measure inventory performance.
- Supervise, coach, and develop two direct reports.
- Establish accountability and performance expectations for inventory control activities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, inventory turns, transaction compliance, and process efficiency.
- Support Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with company safety, quality, and operational standards.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelors degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
- 5+ years of inventory control experience within a manufacturing environment.
- 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Experience managing inventory in SAP or other ERP systems.
- Demonstrated experience leading cycle counting programs and physical inventories.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing inventory transactions, WIP control, and material flow.
- Advanced problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities, including Microsoft Excel.
Preferred
- Experience in paper converting, packaging, industrial manufacturing, or assembly operations.
- Experience supporting automated equipment or machinery manufacturing environments.
- APICS/ASCM certification (CPIM, CSCP) preferred.
- Experience implementing inventory process improvements and inventory control best practices.