Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Inventory Control Manager

🎯 Role Definition

The Inventory Control Manager leads inventory accuracy and optimization initiatives across distribution centers, manufacturing sites, or retail locations. This role owns cycle counting programs, inventory reconciliation, shrinkage mitigation, SKU lifecycle management, and data-driven reporting using ERP/WMS systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, JD Edwards). The manager partners with purchasing, operations, finance, and IT to balance service levels and working capital while driving continuous improvement and compliance with internal controls and audit requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Inventory Analyst / Inventory Specialist
Warehouse Supervisor / Lead
Supply Chain Analyst

Advancement To:

Director of Inventory Control / Inventory Operations
Supply Chain Manager / Head of Distribution
VP of Operations or Head of Logistics

Lateral Moves:

Procurement / Purchasing Manager
Demand Planner / S&OP Lead
Logistics / Distribution Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Own the end-to-end inventory control program across assigned facilities, including development and execution of cycle count strategies, physical inventories, reconciliation processes, and root-cause analysis to maintain >99% inventory accuracy.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve cycle counting methodologies (ABC, Pareto, dynamic counts) and schedules to prioritize high-value and high-velocity SKUs and reduce write-offs and adjustments.
Lead monthly and quarterly physical inventory activities, coordinate cross-functional resources, validate cut-over procedures, and ensure timely, auditable reconciliations with general ledger and ERP systems.
Drive shrinkage reduction programs by investigating inventory variances, conducting loss prevention analysis, recommending operational and system controls, and collaborating with security and quality teams.
Manage SKU lifecycle policies including new SKU setup, obsolescence reviews, SKU rationalization projects, and end-of-life disposition to minimize excess and obsolete inventory.
Partner with procurement and demand planning teams to align safety stock, reorder points, and replenishment policies to service level targets while optimizing inventory turns and working capital.
Configure, maintain, and optimize WMS/ERP inventory parameters, transaction flows, bin management, lot/serial control, and inventory transaction mappings to ensure accurate real-time inventory valuation.
Analyze inventory KPIs (inventory accuracy, turns, days on hand, obsolescence rate, on-time fill rate) and produce executive-level dashboards and reports to inform strategic decisions.
Lead investigations into inventory discrepancies including cycle count failures, mispicks, receiving errors, and returns processing; implement corrective actions and standardized work to prevent recurrence.
Supervise and develop inventory control staff, including hiring, coaching, performance management, training on procedures and systems, and building a high-performing team culture.
Design and implement process improvements using Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies to streamline receiving, put-away, picking, replenishment, and returns workflows.
Coordinate with finance to ensure accurate month-end and year-end inventory close, perform inventory valuation reconciliations, explain variances, and support audit requests.
Implement and manage barcode/RFID tagging, scanning procedures, and cycle-count automation to increase data capture accuracy and operational efficiency.
Lead cross-functional projects for inventory optimization such as slotting optimization, bulk-to-forward pick conversions, and storage type reconfigurations to improve throughput and accuracy.
Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls for inventory transactions, stock adjustments, disposals, and transfers to maintain regulatory and audit compliance.
Collaborate with IT and system integrators during ERP/WMS upgrades, new module deployments, or integrations (e.g., EDI, 3PL) to ensure inventory data integrity and correct transaction mapping.
Prepare business cases and ROI analyses for investment in inventory solutions (RF hardware, WMS modules, automation) and lead vendor selection or implementation oversight.
Manage vendor returns, warranty claims, and vendor-managed inventory reconciliation processes to minimize financial exposure and streamline reverse logistics.
Conduct periodic cycle count quality reviews, internal audits, and site assessments to evaluate controls, training needs, and adherence to best practices across all inventory locations.
Forecast potential inventory risks (supply disruptions, demand spikes, seasonality) and build contingency plans to safeguard service levels and reduce stockouts.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with operations, procurement, finance, sales, and external partners to ensure inventory strategies support overall business objectives and customer service goals.
Oversee the disposition process for damaged, expired, or non-conforming product including quarantine procedures, documentation, and financial write-offs in coordination with QA and finance.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc inventory data requests and exploratory analysis to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and process improvement initiatives.
Contribute to the organization's inventory data governance strategy and roadmap, ensuring master data quality for SKUs, locations, and transactions.
Collaborate with business units to translate operational needs into system requirements and test cases for WMS/ERP enhancements.
Participate in project planning and agile ceremonies for cross-functional system projects that impact inventory transactions and reporting.
Provide training materials, standard work documentation, and hands-on coaching to warehouse teams and temporary staff for inventory procedures.
Assist in vendor and 3PL performance reviews related to inventory accuracy, returns processing, and contractual service levels.
Maintain up-to-date documentation for inventory policies, SOPs, and internal audit trails to support SOX and regulatory compliance requirements.
Act as subject matter expert during supplier qualification, new product introductions, and launch readiness reviews to validate inventory handling and tracking.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Inventory management and control best practices (cycle counting, physical inventory, SKU rationalization, safety stock optimization).
ERP/WMS proficiency (experience with SAP MM/WM, Oracle, NetSuite, JD Edwards, Manhattan, Blue Yonder or similar systems).
Hands-on experience with warehouse technologies: RF scanners, barcoding, RFID, automated picking, and slotting optimization tools.
Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, advanced formulas, and experience building dashboards; SQL knowledge for query-based analysis preferred.
KPI development and reporting (inventory accuracy, turns, days of supply, obsolescence, shrinkage); experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) a plus.
Financial reconciliation and inventory valuation experience (FIFO/LIFO, weighted average) and month-end close support.
Data analysis and root-cause problem solving using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies; experience with Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
Knowledge of supply chain planning fundamentals: EOQ, reorder points, demand variability, and lead-time calculation.
Experience managing returns, reverse logistics, and warranty/vendor return processes.
Familiarity with compliance and audit requirements (SOX, FDA, GMP where applicable) and internal control frameworks.

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and people-management skills with experience developing and coaching frontline and supervisory staff.
Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder management (procurement, operations, finance, IT).
Analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into actionable recommendations and executable plans.
Detail-oriented with high standards for accuracy, documentation, and process adherence.
Problem-solver who can lead root-cause investigations and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Change management capability to drive adoption of new systems, processes, or cultural shifts.
Time management and prioritization skills managing multiple sites, projects, and reporting deadlines.
Customer-service orientation with focus on meeting internal/external SLAs and improving fulfillment metrics.
Negotiation and vendor relationship skills to manage 3PLs and supplier inventory agreements.
Resilience and decisiveness in high-volume, fast-paced distribution or manufacturing environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s plus professional certifications such as APICS CPIM/CSCP, CILT, CSCMP, or Six Sigma/Lean certification; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Transportation
Operations Management
Industrial Engineering
Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 5–10 years in inventory, warehouse, or supply chain roles with progressive responsibility.

Preferred: 7+ years of inventory management experience including 2+ years in a supervisory or managerial role, demonstrated success with ERP/WMS systems, cycle counting programs, and cross-functional continuous improvement projects. Industry experience in retail, distribution, manufacturing, e-commerce, or pharmaceuticals is often preferred depending on the employer.