Inventory Management Manager

Purpose: The Retail Inventory Manager maintains and controls inventory across retail operations within assigned location/airport, ensuring optimal stock levels, accurate tracking systems, and efficient supply chain coordination. This role executes inventory control procedures that support sales objectives while minimizing shrink and maximizing profitability through effective inventory planning and analysis. 

Essential Functions: 

• Maintains comprehensive inventory tracking systems using computerized software (SAP) to streamline business operations, ensure accurate stock management, and provide real-time inventory accuracy across all retail locations 

• Conducts daily analysis to forecast potential inventory issues, reviews sales reports against physical inventory, and reports on activities, variances, and performance metrics to Senior Director or Director of Retail Operations 

• Communicates with Warehouse Manager regarding current stock levels and potential order issues; assesses new inventory for shipping readiness while maintaining quality standards and managing returns of overstock, defective, or expired items 

• Orders supplies based on inventory analysis and sales forecasting; suggests new products for regular inventory based on comprehensive sales statistics analysis and works with Senior Director or Director of Retail Operations to execute inventory control procedures 

• Assists in recruiting, hiring, and training a team of inventory management specialists; delegates tasks effectively and provides coaching to ensure team proficiency in inventory management procedures 

• Develops and implements inventory control procedures and best practices to minimize shrink; conducts comprehensive counts of all products and supplies while ensuring compliance with company policies across all locations 

• Addresses and resolves discrepancies between inventory records and sales reports promptly; oversees all business activities relating to store inventory control across multiple locations 

• Analyzes inventory turnover rates, shrink patterns, and stock optimization opportunities; implements recommendations for inventory level adjustments based on seasonal trends and sales data 

• Collaborates with merchandising teams on planogram execution and product placement strategies; monitors key inventory KPIs including turn rates, days on hand, and stock-out frequencies 

• Executes inventory optimization processes and operational procedures while maintaining broad knowledge of retail products, inventory holdings, and merchandising principles to support business objectives 

Reporting Relationship & Role Information: 

• The position typically reports to the Director of Operations or zone leadership within the assigned location 

• The Retail Inventory Manager position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act as an Exempt position, under both the Administrative Exemption and the Executive Exemption tests 

• The Retail Inventory Manager position requires flexible scheduling to support inventory management across multiple store locations and may include early morning, evening, or weekend work to conduct inventory counts and assessments 

• Physical Requirements: 

• • Ability to walk extensively throughout warehouses and retail locations for extended periods 

• • Lift, carry, and move inventory items up to 50 pounds regularly 

• • Visual acuity to review inventory records, conduct physical counts, and analyze data reports 

• • Work in varying warehouse and retail environments with different temperature and noise levels 

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment: 

• Education and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 5 years: 

• • In a leadership role: Requires 2 years of experience supervising a team of inventory management professionals engaged in executing retail inventory control programs 

• • In a technical role: Requires 5+ years of inventory management experience engaged in developing and delivering supply chain, stock control, and inventory analysis programs 

• • A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related program can count for 3 of the 5-year requirement 

• • An MBA or master's level degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related functional area can count for an additional 2 years of the 5-year requirement 

• • In the industry: 3-5 years of Retail operations, inventory management, and/or supply chain experience 

• Specialized Training: 

• • Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management software systems, specifically SAP 

• • Knowledge of state and federal retail, safety, and inventory control regulations and statutes 

• • Training in inventory control procedures, loss prevention, and supply chain management 

• Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits: 

• • Strong knowledge of retail inventory management, stock control procedures, and loss prevention principles; proficiency in inventory management software (SAP), reporting tools, and data analysis systems with ability to analyze inventory KPIs including turnover rates, shrink percentages, stock-out frequencies, and days on hand metrics 

• • Understanding of retail supply chain operations, vendor management, and procurement processes; business acumen with inventory management mindset required to understand inventory procedures and supply chain optimization to advance organizational goals 

• • Demonstrated history of understanding the needs of retail business operations, vendor partners, warehouse stakeholders, and store management teams; exhibits strong leadership skills and ability to manage and develop inventory management teams 

• • Keen eye for detail with strong organizational and time management capabilities; can read, interpret, and explain sales and inventory reports with clear and effective communication skills while demonstrating ability to execute inventory optimization and cost reduction procedures effectively 

• • Possesses broad knowledge of retail products, inventory holdings, and merchandising principles with ability to collaborate effectively across multiple departments and locations to support business objectives