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Inventory Optimization Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graco, Inc.

Manager, Inventory Optimization

Rogers, MN · On-site

The Manager of Inventory Optimization is responsible for enabling Graco's annual inventory goal by minimizing the inventory required to deliver desired service levels due to the execution of a global ...

Graco

Manager, Inventory Optimization

Rogers, MN

The Manager of Inventory Optimization is responsible for enabling Graco's annual inventory goal by minimizing the inventory required to deliver desired service levels due to the execution of a global ...

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Inventory Optimization Manager information

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$28.5K

$57.9K

$103K

How much do inventory optimization manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for inventory optimization manager in the United States is $57,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $64,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an inventory optimization manager do?

An Inventory Optimization Manager is responsible for ensuring that a company maintains the optimal level of inventory to meet customer demand while minimizing costs. They analyze sales trends, forecast future needs, and develop strategies to balance stock levels across supply chains. This role often involves using advanced analytics and inventory management software to improve efficiency, reduce excess inventory, and prevent stockouts. Collaboration with procurement, sales, and logistics teams is essential to achieve these goals.

How does an inventory optimization manager typically collaborate with other departments to improve supply chain efficiency?

An Inventory Optimization Manager works closely with teams such as procurement, sales, operations, and logistics to ensure inventory levels align with business goals and customer demand. This often involves regular meetings to review sales forecasts, discuss upcoming promotions, and address supply chain constraints. By fostering cross-functional communication, the manager can proactively identify potential bottlenecks or excesses and implement data-driven solutions. Collaboration is key to balancing inventory costs with service levels and ensuring smooth operations across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inventory optimization manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inventory Optimization Manager, you need strong analytical skills, supply chain knowledge, and experience with inventory management, often supported by a degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel functions, and inventory planning software like SAP or Oracle is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate across departments and drive continuous improvement. These skills are crucial for minimizing costs, preventing stockouts or overstock situations, and ensuring efficient supply chain operations.

What is the difference between Inventory Optimization Manager vs Inventory Analyst?

AspectInventory Optimization ManagerInventory Analyst
ResponsibilitiesDevelops strategies to optimize inventory levels, forecasts demand, and improves supply chain efficiency.Analyzes inventory data, monitors stock levels, and reports on inventory performance.
Required SkillsData analysis, supply chain knowledge, forecasting, problem-solvingData analysis, attention to detail, reporting skills
CertificationsSupply Chain certifications (e.g., APICS CSCP), analytical toolsSimilar certifications, often entry-level
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-department collaborationData-focused, operational tasks

The Inventory Optimization Manager focuses on strategic inventory planning and demand forecasting to improve overall supply chain efficiency. In contrast, the Inventory Analyst primarily handles data analysis and reporting to monitor inventory performance. Both roles require analytical skills and supply chain knowledge, but the manager's role is more strategic, while the analyst's role is more operational.

Is inventory optimization manager a stressful job?

The inventory optimization manager role involves analyzing data, forecasting demand, and managing stock levels, which can be demanding during peak periods or supply chain disruptions. The job requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail, but stress levels vary depending on company size, industry, and workload management. Effective planning and use of inventory management tools can help mitigate stress.

What is inventory optimization?

Inventory optimization is a process used by Inventory Optimization Managers to balance inventory levels, reduce costs, and improve service levels by analyzing demand patterns, lead times, and stock data. It often involves using specialized software and data analysis skills to determine optimal stock quantities across supply chains. Effective inventory optimization helps ensure the right products are available at the right time while minimizing excess stock.

What cities are hiring for Inventory Optimization Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Inventory Optimization Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Inventory Optimization jobs?

The most popular types of Inventory Optimization jobs are:

What states have the most Inventory Optimization Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Inventory Optimization Manager jobs include:

Inventory Optimization Manager jobs near you

Manager, Inventory Optimization

Graco, Inc.

Rogers, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Graco rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.
The Manager of Inventory Optimization is responsible for enabling Graco's annual inventory goal by minimizing the inventory required to deliver desired service levels due to the execution of a global inventory optimization strategy, effective data analysis, and proactive efforts to collaboratively address the causes of excess and insufficient inventory across functions. The individual in the position will define and monitor key performance indicators and leverage the Materials COE team to partner with site and centralized Materials, Manufacturing, Sourcing, Logistics and Customer Service, and business teams address root cause issues that are driving excess and insufficient inventory across Graco.
What You Will Do at Graco:
Data Management & Analytics Strategy
  • Develop and drive the vision and execution of the Materials Inventory optimization strategy and governance, including using scientific methods, processes, algorithms and systems to analyze data to enable efficient monitoring and improvement of manufacturing and materials performance
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret inventory data to identify trends, patterns and areas for improvement
  • Enable problem solving and decision-making through predictive analytics
  • Develop and implement automation strategies to create efficiency and improved data and analytics quality
  • Establish, maintain and monitor key leading and lagging metrics and provide appropriate reporting to leadership
  • Partner with the IT team to align data architecture, security and data storage

Inventory Control Management
  • Lead a team of analysts to monitor inventory and other core metrics (e.g., service levels, delivery schedule adherence and attainment)
  • Identify opportunities to improve and make prioritized (i.e., financially important and customer critical) recommendations for action, including execution and financial roadmap
  • Lead collaborative, cross-functional improvement initiatives to address the input variables leading to poor performance
  • Effectively manage and influence trade-offs between functions to minimize sub-optimization of overall system performance
  • Lead initiatives to meet Graco's global annual inventory goals

Materials Product Lifecycle Management:
  • Lead a team of planners who actively participate in New Product Introduction to balance inventory risk with reward
  • Monitor NPI forecast bias and ensure it is incorporated into cross-functional negotiations on supplier location, MOQs, forecasting to control S&O exposure during new product launches
  • Partner with Sourcing and Manufacturing to revisit planning data attributes set up during product launches once forecast attainment is understood to capture improvement opportunities
  • Monitor product end-of-life to ensure superseded product availability until production volumes are achieved while minimizing stranded inventory and S&O
  • Address complex S&O situations in partnership with Finance and the business

Team Leadership and Financial Management:
  • Lead, mentor, manage and hire an Inventory Optimization team ensuring alignment with organizational goals and promoting a culture of excellence.
  • Partner across the Materials Management Center of Excellence as well as with site-based Materials teams to provide leadership in identifying and addressing opportunities
  • Drive team performance by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and facilitating professional growth opportunities.
  • Establish, manage, and be accountable for the annual Inventory, Data, and Analytics budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and alignment with organizational strategic objectives

What You Will Bring to Graco:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Operations, Data Science, Mathematics, or Statistics
  • 7+ years of experience working in the manufacturing industry with at least 5 years in manufacturing materials management
  • Excellent leadership skills; 4+ years of team leadership experience preferred.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent negotiation and collaboration skills
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Proficiency in Oracle ERP
  • Ability to work effectively in a global, cross-functional team environment.
  • Proven track record of driving process improvements and achieving results
  • Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in materials management
  • APICS certification

Accelerators:
  • MBA or Master's degree preferred
  • GAINS proficiency preferred
  • Global materials leadership
  • Manufacturing leadership

#LI-Hybrid
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, F-1 OPT).
At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco's culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.
Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco's comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.
Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.
$98,300.00 - $172,000.00

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