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Inventory Optimization Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Jsr Associates

Category Manager

Decatur, AL

Identify cost reduction and inventory optimization opportunities through spend analysis. * Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, and finance to support plant objectives. * Manage ...

Jsr Associates

Category Manager

Decatur, AL · On-site

Identify cost reduction and inventory optimization opportunities through spend analysis. * Partner with operations, maintenance, engineering, and finance to support plant objectives. * Manage ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Buyer - Leeds, AL

Leeds, AL · On-site

Support forecasting, inventory optimization, and supplier capacity planning activities. Systems & Process Management * Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data in SAP. * Manage supplier ...

Hubbell Incorporated

Buyer - Leeds, AL

Leeds, AL · On-site

Support forecasting, inventory optimization, and supplier capacity planning activities. Systems & Process Management * Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier data in SAP. * Manage supplier ...

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Inventory Optimization Manager information

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.
Inventory Optimization Manager jobs near you

Inventory Optimization Manager

Cullman, AL • On-site

Reliance Worldwide
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Reliance Worldwideexternal

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Inventory Optimization Manager

Atlanta, GA, US

Position Summary

The Inventory Optimization Manager balances inventory across the distribution network to maximize customer service while minimizing total cost and operational burden. This role owns the inventory optimization model and turns model outputs into actionable stocking policies and replenishment decisions. The Inventory Optimization Manager also strengthens master data and planning parameters (e.g., lead times, service levels, MOQs, safety-stock inputs) to improve optimization accuracy and sustain performance.

Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Inventory Optimization & Service
  • Optimize network inventory to meet demand and service targets while controlling working capital, labor, and total delivered cost.
  • Balance inventory across U.S. and Canada distribution centers to reduce stockouts, excess/obsolete inventory, and avoidable transfers/expedites.
  • Recommend SKU- and location-level stocking strategies (e.g., hub-and-spoke, forward stocking, rationalization) aligned to demand patterns.
  • Improve fill rate, on-time delivery, and backorder performance by positioning inventory where it best supports customers.
  • Own and continuously improve the inventory optimization model (inputs, assumptions, parameter logic, and outputs) including implementation and ownership of IO module in SAP
  • Convert recommendations into clear stocking targets (min/max, safety stock, reorder points) and replenishment policies.
  • Validate outputs through scenario testing and root-cause analysis to ensure recommendations are realistic and executable.
  • Monitor model performance and forecast-error impacts, and refine policies over time to improve results.
  • Improve master data required for optimization (e.g., lead times, order cycles, service levels, cost data, pack sizes, supplier constraints, ABC-XYZ classifications).
  • Establish routines and controls to ensure data accuracy and governance (audit checks, exception reporting, data-quality scorecards).
  • Partner with operations, purchasing, sales, and IT to resolve systemic data issues that drive service gaps, excess inventory, or avoidable cost.
Cross-Functional Execution & Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with DC operations to ensure replenishment and stocking policies support efficient labor planning and warehouse execution. Support effective transfer process in conjunction with Logistics team.
  • Partner with transportation and logistics to minimize inter-DC transfers, premium freight, and unnecessary touches.
  • Coordinate with demand planning and purchasing to adjust strategies for changes in variability, seasonality, promotions, and product lifecycle events.
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives to reduce inventory cost while maintaining or improving customer service.
Performance Management & Reporting
  • Track and report performance using KPIs such as fill rate, OTIF, backorders, inventory turns, days of supply, slow moving & obsolete (SLOB), transfer volume, expedite spend, and forecast-accuracy impacts.
  • Develop actionable insights (exception-based dashboards, heat maps, driver analysis) to support network decisions.
  • Provide regular recommendations and executive-ready summaries on network health, risks, and opportunities.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in supply chain or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in inventory planning and optimization and supply chain leadership.
  • Strong data-collection and analytical skills.
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (lookups, pivot tables, etc.)
  • SAP S/4 and IBP IO experience preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and related tasks.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
Working Conditions
  • This position is primarily in-office and based in a manufacturing and warehouse environment, with occasional project-based travel.
Physical Demands
  • Job requires both sitting and standing. Excellent vision, hearing, speech, and motor skills are required to perform essential job functions.
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