Inventory Optimization Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Receiving in back, 1700 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA

Posted Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Overall Goal of the Position:
Provides leadership for supply chain functions and fully supports factory operations for the Spice Business Unit while embracing, promoting, and building Sauer Brands .

Job Summary:
The Supply Chain Manager – Spice , is responsible for strategically managing the following areas:

• Packaging and raw materials procurement
• Capacity & production planning
• Inventory management

The successful candidate will be able to perform strategic procurement utilizing lean manufacturing principles. Optimizing inventory levels and identifying cost‑saving opportunities within the supply chain will be among the pillars for success.The ability to lead and work collaboratively with cross functional peers will be a requirement.As a Sauer Brands team member, the candidate will lead initiatives as assigned, accept safety as a condition, support factory operations and execute special projects. Furthermore, the candidate must embrace and support the building of Sauer Brands.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the tactical procurement of raw materials and packaging for optimal factory operations.
• Executes effective production scheduling to support customer demand and meet or exceed Sauer Brands required service levels.
• Strategically identifies cost savings opportunities including:
  • Identifying alternate sources of supply
  • Demonstrating excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Identifying waste and seek opportunities for cost reduction in the supply chain (examples optimize freight or order size)
  • Conducting cost analysis on various aspects of the supply chain
• Works cross‑functionally with R&D to source and develop new materials/recipes.
• Works cross‑functionally with the Packaging Engineering Team and other supply chain staff.
• Leadership
  • Supervises and leads staff with a servant leader perspective.
• Manage and control inventory
  • Optimizes inventory following lean manufacturing principles.
  • Maintains item attributes to align with planning and company objectives .
  • Participates in physical inventory events ( generally year‑end ).
  • Executes SBI cycle counting initiatives in conjunction with Sauer Brands Corporate Inventory Manager.
• Culture Building
  • Acts as a servant leader.
  • Works in a customer‑centric manner.
  • Represents the company positively through supplier relations.
  • Supports the Sr. Manager , Supply Chain as necessary with any special projects or necessary research.

Performance Standards (the criteria used to evaluate performance) :

• Full Production Line Support
  • No unplanned line shortages or shutdowns
• Cost Control/Cost Savings
  • Meets or exceed defined KPIs for cost control savings.
    • COGS reduction
    • Inventory Optimization
• Meet or exceed expectations for target days on hand metrics (DSI).
• Strategically work to extend supplier terms to meet or exceed target Days to Pay Outstanding metrics. (DPO)
• Culture Support/Building
  • Fully supports Safety Initiatives at SBI.
  • Participates in safety activities (active in meetings, Safety MyVoice , and Training).
  • Promotes safety as a condition.
  • Organizational Health KPIs.
• Objectives and Behavioral Expectations
  • Leadership and contribution to the overall success of SBI.
  • Personal Effectiveness‑meeting timelines and productivity requirements (quantity and quality of work).
  • Personal interaction, communication, and teamwork with internal and external parties, consistent with our Sauer Brands Values .

What Are We Looking For:

• Professional Demeanor
  • Customer‑centric mindset
  • Outgoing, energetic, and results‑oriented personality
  • Self‑Confident in abilities
  • Takes responsibility for actions
  • Communicates clear, concise facts comfortably
  • Smart, creative and inquisitive
  • Integrity‑Does the right thing even when no one is looking
  • Disciplined approach and accountability for KPIs
  • No excuses mindset. Accountable and reliable
  • Dependable team player with a positive attitude
  • Passion for the organization, and attention to details
  • Personal values that mesh with SBI values
  • Detailed oriented
  • Ability to reconcile and manage multiple tasks/objectives
• Performance History Requirement
  • Documented history of making improvements in assigned work area/responsibilities
  • Stellar references based on contributions and performance
• Demonstrated proficiencies in the following areas:
  • Proficient in Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to work and thrive under time constraints and juggle/prioritize responsibilities
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross‑functional initiatives across a variety of stakeholders
  • Highly organized
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Team‑oriented, collaborative, and flexible
  • Strong problem‑solving skills
  • Strong warehouse management and production management skills
• Education:
  • College degree required (Business, Finance, Economics, or Engineering preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in Planning (ERP) and Procurement preferred
  • Proven management and or supervisory experience a plus
  • Experience with ERP System(s), Oracle (Peoplesoft) preferred
  • Six Sigma Greenbelt Certification Preferred
  • Preferred Location – Richmond, VA

What Is In It For You?

Our company acknowledges talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, comprehensive benefits packages and outstanding advancement opportunities. For this reason we offer a Comprehensive Benefits Plan that includes the following:

• 401K
• Vacation, Sick Days and Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee and Dependent Life Insurance
• Voluntary Disability Insurance
• Other Voluntary Insurance Options

Sauer Brands, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Receiving in back, 1700 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA