Manager, Inventory

Overview

Leads the strategic direction and execution of all inventory management and control functions across warehouse operations. Responsible for inventory accuracy, systems integrity, process optimization, inventory planning, and cross-functional alignment to support operational efficiency, customer service, and financial objectives. Provides leadership for inventory control teams, develops scalable processes, and drives continuous improvement initiatives across all inventory-related operations. The shift for this position is 1st Shift, 7:30am-4:00pm.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Supervision:

• Serve as a member of the Harlequin Distribution Center (HDC) leadership team and contributes to executive policy and strategy on operational related issues.
• Lead and develop Inventory Supervisors and inventory and quality receiving associates through coaching, performance management, training, and succession planning.
• Foster a positive and accountable work environment through effective leadership, communication, and clear expectations for performance and behavior.
• Drive a culture focused on inventory accuracy, operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing levels, scheduling, and departmental resources appropriately support operational demands and business objectives.
• Promote associate engagement and professional development opportunities across the inventory team.

Inventory Management & Operations:

• Develop, implement, and manage inventory control strategies, policies, and procedures that support operational efficiency and inventory accuracy goals.

• Oversee all inventory accuracy processes for multiple business units, ensuring system accuracy across Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP platforms.

• Works with Inventory Supervisors to:

• Lead inventory reconciliation activities between JD Edwards (JDE), PkMS, and other operational systems, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.

• Partner closely with Operations to optimize warehouse slotting, storage utilization, inventory movement, and product availability to support production and customer fulfillment.

• Direct and monitor all cycle count programs and physical inventory activities to ensure compliance with corporate and client requirements.

• Ensure accurate execution and monitoring of warehouse transfers, inventory adjustments, destructions, and related inventory transactions.

• Manage inventory aging, shelf-life, product utilization, and destruction programs.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, process optimization, productivity improvements, and cost reduction opportunities.

• Ensure Quality Receiving is processed in a timely manner (i.e., received, dimensions completed, logged, etc.).

• Evaluate warehouse layouts, inventory flows, and system capabilities to improve operational throughput and storage efficiency.

Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, safety procedures, and inventory control standards.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready warehouse environment.
• Support investigations related to inventory discrepancies, process failures, and operational incidents, implementing corrective actions as necessary.

Cross-Functional Partnership:

• Partner with Operations, Finance, Customer Service, Transportation, Procurement, and IT teams to support operational goals and resolve inventory and replenishment-related issues.
• Support internal and external audits related to inventory controls, compliance, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with leadership teams to develop scalable inventory processes that support business growth and customer expectations.

Budget & Inventory Management:

• Collaborate with Finance to develop and manage the departmental budget.
• Develop and maintain a system for inventory control, ensuring that tools, parts, and supplies are properly managed and available when needed.
• Ensure your team is driving cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to reduce maintenance costs without compromising quality or operational performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Management, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain environments, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience leading inventory control operations within high-volume distribution, warehouse, or manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP systems, and inventory reconciliation processes. Experience with JD Edwards and Manhattan/PkMS preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Solid problem solving skills and decision making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety regulations is preferred.
• Familiarity with budgeting and cost analysis tools

Pay: $85,000-$95,000/yr Salary will commensurate with experience.

In addition to cash compensation, the company provides a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package, with a variety of physical health, retirement and savings, caregiving, emotional wellbeing, transportation, and other benefits, including "elective" benefits employees may select to best fit the needs and personal situations of our diverse workforce.

HarperCollins Publishers is an equal opportunity employer.

HarperCollins Publishers is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, in our job application and/or interview process. If you need assistance or accommodation in completing your application, due to a disability, email us at TalentManagement@harpercollins.com. Note: we will only respond to accommodation requests.