Inventory Manager

Job description:

The Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the company's inventory operations across warehouses, retail channels, and e-commerce platforms. This role ensures accurate stock levels, efficient replenishment, and minimal stockouts or overstocking, while also driving operational excellence through standardized processes and team capability building.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory Planning & Control

• Monitor stock levels across all SKUs and locations (warehouse, retail, e-commerce).
• Forecast inventory requirements based on sales trends, campaigns, and seasonality.
• Maintain optimal stock levels to prevent stockouts and excess inventory.

2. Demand Forecasting & Replenishment

• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to align forecasts.
• Plan and execute timely replenishment cycles.
• Analyze historical data and trends to improve forecast accuracy.

3. Warehouse & Stock Management

• Oversee receiving, storage, and dispatch of inventory.
• Ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO for skincare products).
• Conduct regular stock counts, audits, and reconciliation.

4. Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records in inventory management systems (ERP, Shopify, WMS).
• Generate reports on stock levels, aging inventory, and turnover rates.
• Identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.

5. SOP Development & Process Standardization

• Develop, document, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all inventory-related processes (receiving, picking, packing, returns, stock counts, etc.).
• Ensure SOPs are aligned with company standards, operational needs, and scalability.
• Regularly review and update SOPs based on process improvements, system changes, or operational issues.

6. Training & Team Development

• Train and onboard inventory and warehouse staff on SOPs, systems, and best practices.
• Conduct regular refresher trainings and performance coaching.
• Assess team competency and ensure adherence to processes and accuracy standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, discipline, and continuous improvement within the inventory team.

7. Process Optimization

• Improve inventory workflows to increase efficiency and reduce errors.
• Implement best practices in inventory control and tracking.
• Coordinate with logistics partners for smooth inbound and outbound operations.

8. Compliance & Quality Control

• Ensure proper handling of skincare products (temperature, expiry, packaging).
• Monitor batch tracking and expiration dates.
• Ensure compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3–5+ years experience in inventory management, preferably in FMCG, beauty, or e-commerce.
• Experience in SOP creation, documentation, and process improvement.
• Proven experience in training and managing warehouse or inventory staff.
• Strong analytical and forecasting skills.
• Experience with inventory systems (ERP/WMS/Shopify preferred).
• Advanced Excel or data analysis skills.

Key Competencies

• Data-driven decision making
• Process documentation & standardization
• Training and team development
• Strong organizational skills
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement
• Success Metrics
• Inventory accuracy rate
• Stockout frequency
• Inventory turnover ratio
• Order fulfillment efficiency
• SOP compliance rate
• Staff productivity and error reduction
• Reduction in expired or obsolete stock