Inventory Manager

Job Summary

The Inventory Manager serves as the operational and strategic leader for all material flow, inventory control, warehouse operations, and logistics functions supporting railroad signal system manufacturing. This role is responsible for ensuring that all materials, components, and spare parts are properly procured, received, inspected, stored, tracked, kitted, and shipped in strict accordance with engineering designs, bills of materials (BOMs), project schedules, and safe material handling with pallet jacks and forklifts. The role is critical to maintaining schedule adherence, cost control, and quality assurance for safety-critical railroad signal and communications systems production and support activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Inventory Receiving, Inspection & Quality Control

• Oversee the complete receiving process for all incoming materials and components.

• Establish and enforce formal receiving quality control (QC) procedures.

• Inspect deliveries against purchase orders, packing slips, engineering drawings, and BOMs.

• Verify:

• Quantities

• Part numbers and revisions

• Physical condition and damage

• Compliance with specifications

• Document discrepancies and initiate corrective actions with vendors (RMA, replacement, etc.).

• Quarantine non-conforming materials and ensure proper resolution before release to inventory.

• Maintain traceability of critical components as required.

Warehouse Organization & Inventory Management

• Design, implement, and maintain an organized warehouse layout that supports efficient material flow and project-specific segregation.
• Implement standardized rack, bin, and location systems.
• Ensure clear separation of materials by project to prevent cross-contamination.
• Optimize space utilization while maintaining accessibility and safety.

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Optimize inventory accuracy through disciplined processes.

• Develop and execute:

• Cycle count programs (ABC classification preferred)

• Periodic full physical inventories

• Perform root cause analysis and corrective actions for discrepancies.

• Implement controls to prevent mispicks, duplicate entries, and inventory loss.

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) (initially Fishbowl integrated with NetSuite)

• Serve as the system owner and subject matter expert for inventory software selection and development to integrate seamlessly with NetSuite.

• Ensure real-time accuracy of all transactions including receiving, transfers, picking, and shipping.

• Configure and maintain:

• Part numbers

• Locations

• BOM structures

• Develop workflows for project-based inventory tracking and traceability.

• Generate and analyze reports for inventory trends, shortages, and performance metrics.

• Recommend and implement system improvements, including barcode/RFID enhancements.

Picking, Kitting & Manufacturing Support

• Oversee picking and kitting operations for all manufacturing orders.
• Ensure all materials issued to production match approved engineering drawings and BOMs.
• Perform final verification prior to release to production.
• Coordinate with engineering, project management, and production teams to resolve shortages or discrepancies.

Shipping, Logistics & Outbound Quality Control

• Oversee preparation, packaging, and shipment of materials, kits, and completed assemblies.

• Implement and enforce shipping QC procedures to ensure:

• Accuracy of shipments

• Proper labeling and documentation

• Protection of sensitive equipment during transit

• Coordinate with carriers and logistics providers to ensure on-time delivery.

• Track shipments and resolve delays or damage issues.

• Manage returns, repairs, and reverse logistics processes.

Spare Parts & Critical Materials Management

• Maintain appropriate stock levels for:

• Consumable items for the shop

• Coordinate rapid fulfillment of urgent field material requests.

Equipment Operation & Safety Oversight

• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment.

• Serve as the warehouse safety leader, ensuring compliance with company policies and OSHA standards.

• Develop and enforce safety procedures for:

• Material handling

• Equipment operation

• Storage practices

• Conduct safety audits and inspections.

• Ensure all personnel are trained and certified as required.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate warehouse personnel.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Analyze inventory and operational data to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align supply chain activities with project needs.

Reporting & Compliance

• Generate inventory reports, variance analyses, and project-specific material status updates.
• Ensure compliance with company quality standards and applicable certifications.
• Maintain documentation for audits and regulatory requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to meet operational needs.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in safety-critical environments
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Advanced understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and material flow
• Experience with inventory control methodologies (cycle counting, ABC classification, FIFO)
• Knowledge of quality control processes and non-conformance handling
• Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and warehouse safety practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel)
• Experience with inventory systems and barcode/RFID systems
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills

Perform additional duties as assigned to meet operational needs.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• WMS experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
• OSHA 10 or higher certification
• Valid driver's license required
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Background check and drug screening required

Preferred Education and Experience

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Forklift certification
• Experience in manufacturing or railroad/signal systems environments
• Experience managing warehouse management systems