Inventory Optimization Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Inventory & Warehouse Optimization Manager to lead operational improvements across inventory management, warehouse execution, material flow, and SAP inventory processes within a manufacturing environment.

This role is responsible for identifying and driving sustainable improvements that improve inventory accuracy, reduce excess and obsolete inventory, strengthen ERP transaction discipline, and improve warehouse operational efficiency across multiple buildings and operational areas.

The ideal candidate combines strong operational knowledge with ERP/SAP process understanding and has a proven track record of implementing measurable improvements within warehouse and manufacturing operations. This is a hands-on operational role requiring strong collaboration with warehouse, production, planning, procurement, customer service, finance, quality, and continuous improvement teams.

This position will work closely with the Inventory Manager and inventory control team to address systemic drivers of inventory discrepancies and operational inefficiencies while helping establish sustainable operational processes and controls.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Accuracy & Inventory Control

• Partner with Inventory Management and warehouse teams to improve inventory accuracy across warehouse and production operations
• Identify and address root causes of recurring inventory discrepancies
• Improve inventory transaction discipline and material movement processes
• Support cycle count governance, variance investigation, and inventory control standards
• Develop sustainable corrective actions and operational controls to improve long-term inventory performance

SAP / ERP Process Optimization

• Review and improve SAP inventory and planning parameters including: safety stock, reorder points, lead times, lot sizes, storage locations, and material master data accuracy
• Improve alignment between ERP system settings and actual operational practices
• Support improvements in warehouse transactions, inventory reporting, and process compliance
• Partner with operational teams to improve ERP process adoption and execution

Warehouse Operations & Material Flow

• Assess and improve warehouse material flow between receiving, storage, production, and shipping operations
• Improve warehouse organization, storage strategies, and inventory placement across buildings
• Identify opportunities to reduce handling inefficiencies, wasted movement, and time spent locating materials
• Support improvements in warehouse process execution and floor discipline

Excess & Obsolete Inventory Reduction

• Identify drivers of excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory
• Develop and execute inventory reduction plans with cross-functional teams
• Improve inventory visibility and KPI reporting
• Support inventory segmentation and stocking strategy improvements

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Execution

• Lead operational improvement initiatives from identification through implementation
• Facilitate cross-functional problem solving and action tracking
• Establish KPI dashboards and reporting for leadership visibility
• Support development and standardization of SOPs, controls, and operational processes
• Train and support teams on improved processes and best practices where needed

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, supply chain execution, or manufacturing operations
• Hands-on SAP or ERP experience related to inventory and warehouse processes
• Experience improving inventory accuracy and warehouse operational performance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience leading operational improvement initiatives
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively within both office and manufacturing/warehouse environments

Preferred

• Experience within a manufacturing environment
• SAP WM, EWM, MM, or PP experience
• Experience with inventory optimization and warehouse process improvement initiatives
• Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement experience
• Experience implementing inventory controls and warehouse operational improvements
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured through:

• Improved inventory accuracy
• Reduction in excess and obsolete inventory
• Improved warehouse operational efficiency and material flow
• Improved SAP/ERP transaction accuracy and parameter alignment
• Improved inventory process compliance and operational controls
• Sustainable implementation of operational improvements

PAY RANGE: $120,000 USD - $160,000 USD Salaried

For US Benefits, CLICK HERE.

Nemera is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class indication. This company is required by federal law to hire only persons who can establish they are eligible to work in the United States.