Inventory Program Manager - Materials Management

Inventory Program Manager

The Inventory Program Manager supports the execution and coordination of corporate inventory management initiatives across manufacturing sites. This role is responsible for tracking and monitoring inventory optimization programs, validating alignment between planning and purchasing activities, and providing standardized analysis and reporting to support inventory health and inventory reduction objectives.

The position works closely with site materials, planning, and procurement teams to review predefined inventory metrics, assess alignment of planning parameters to established policies, follow up on agreed actions, and surface risks, gaps, or inconsistencies for escalation. The Inventory Program Manager supports implementation of corporate inventory programs and ensures timely communication of status, trends, and issues across stakeholders.

This role operates in a cross-functional environment and influences outcomes through collaboration, data, and clear communication rather than direct authority. The Inventory Program Manager serves as a corporate linkage between site execution and defined inventory governance frameworks, supporting consistency, visibility, and disciplined follow-through across the network.

Responsibilities

Track and support the execution of corporate inventory management and inventory optimization programs across manufacturing sites.

Monitor predefined inventory metrics and indicators, including backlog and work order alignment, purchase order alignment, delivery frequency, excess and obsolete inventory, and prioritized part segments, and provide regular status reporting.

Work with site materials, planning, and procurement teams to review inventory planning parameters and validate alignment to established policies, classifications (e.g., ABC/XYZ), and approved planning frameworks.

Follow up on agreed inventory actions and initiatives, track progress against commitments, and surface risks, gaps, or delays for appropriate escalation.

Support the implementation of procurement and materials inventory programs by coordinating activities, collecting data, and communicating status and outcomes.

Facilitate reviews with site teams to understand drivers of excess and obsolete inventory, document root cause categories, and track corrective actions.

Prepare and maintain standardized inventory analysis and reporting to support visibility, trend identification, and informed decision-making by stakeholders.

Serve as a cross-functional point of coordination between sites and corporate partners, ensuring clear communication, consistent application of inventory governance, and disciplined follow-through on inventory-related initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

2–5 years of experience supporting supply chain, materials management, inventory management, or related operational functions in a manufacturing or operations environment.

Experience participating in or coordinating inventory-related projects or improvement initiatives, including tracking actions, monitoring metrics, and supporting implementation.

Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract, review, and interpret data related to inventory, planning, and material flow to identify trends, gaps, and risks.

Working knowledge of ERP systems and planning tools at a user or reporting level, with the ability to navigate systems, review data, and support standardized analysis.

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft applications used for analysis, reporting, and communication.

Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence outcomes without direct authority.

Strong organizational and follow-up skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, track actions, and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior hands-on experience in site-level materials management, supply chain planning, or purchasing within a manufacturing environment.

Working knowledge of inventory planning concepts and methodologies such as ABC/XYZ classification, min-max planning, PFEP, or demand-driven supply chain principles.

Experience supporting inventory optimization efforts, including excess and obsolete inventory reviews, parameter validation, or inventory reduction initiatives.

User-level experience with Oracle, CyberPlan, or other planning and scheduling systems for data review, analysis, and reporting.

Experience building, maintaining, or utilizing standardized dashboards or reports (e.g., Power BI or similar tools) to support operational visibility and decision-making.

Exposure to change initiatives or process improvements, with demonstrated ability to support adoption through communication, coordination, and follow-up.

Certifications (Preferred)

APICS / ASCM certification (e.g., CPIM) or equivalent supply chain or materials management certification.

Formal training or experience in project coordination or structured improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma, or project management fundamentals).