Inventory Optimization Jobs Near Me

Position Summary

The Director of Inventory Control is a strategic leader responsible for ensuring enterprise-wide inventory accuracy, integrity, and visibility across a complex omnichannel supply chain. This role owns the Inventory Record Accuracy (IRA) function and serves as a key cross-functional partner to Operations, Merchandising, Finance, Production, and Inventory Planning.This leader will drive best-in-class inventory practices across distribution centers, seasonal facilities, and production environments-ensuring the right product is in the right place at the right time while minimizing shrink, excess, and cost. The role plays a critical part in supporting 1-800-Flowers.com's highly seasonal, customer-centric fulfillment model.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the enterprise inventory control strategy, aligning with business growth, service level targets, and cost objectives
• Lead, develop, and scale the Inventory Record Accuracy (IRA) organization, including supervisors, specialists, and cycle count teams
• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary liaison across the internal supply chain to ensure alignment on inventory integrity

Inventory Accuracy & Performance

• Establish and monitor KPIs and dashboards to measure inventory accuracy, shrink, and operational performance across all locations
• Provide regular executive-level reporting and insights on inventory health, risks, and forward-looking initiatives
• Ensure robust cycle count programs and audit processes are consistently executed

Continuous Improvement & Operations

• Identify root causes of discrepancies and partner with cross-functional teams to implement corrective and preventive actions
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance processes, systems, and training across all inventory control activities
• Drive adoption of standardized best practices across distribution centers and seasonal facilities

Systems, Compliance & Controls

• Oversee inventory control systems and drive improvements to ensure accuracy, scalability, and efficiency
• Partner with Finance to ensure SOX compliance and audit readiness across all inventory processes
• Ensure proper management of excess, obsolete inventory, and shrink

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Merchandising, Finance, and Inventory Planning to align on forecasts, product flow, and execution strategies
• Support high-volume seasonal peaks (e.g., holidays) with proactive planning and risk mitigation strategies
• Influence stakeholders and drive change across functions without direct authority

Project Leadership

• Lead enterprise inventory control initiatives, including system enhancements, process redesign, and network optimization
• Manage special projects as assigned to support evolving business needs

• Experience:
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in inventory control, supply chain, or operations within a manufacturing, distribution, or retail environment
• Experience in high-volume, seasonal, or omnichannel fulfillment environments strongly preferred
• Technical Expertise:
• Strong hands-on experience with WMS and ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar)
• Data-driven mindset with experience building dashboards and KPIs (Tableau or similar tools preferred)
• Experience with AI-enabled warehouse technologies and optimization tools preferred
• Leadership & Skills:
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Strong change management and cross-functional influencing skills
• Demonstrated success driving large-scale process improvements and operational excellence
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level reporting
• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field required
• Master's degree preferred

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with operational execution
• Inventory optimization and cost control
• Root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Data-driven decision-making
• Collaboration and influence
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, seasonal environment