Inventory Operations Manager (Manufacturing)

SummaryThe Inventory Operations Manager will oversee inventory management across all warehouses and manufacturing/production sites, ensuring inventory accuracy, integrity, optimum stock levels, effective controls, governance, reporting, and compliance. The role will manage physical inventory, cycle counts, ERP transactions, inventory operations and process improvement, while leading the Inventory Supervisor and Inventory Team. The position reports to the Deputy Managing Director.Roles and ResponsibilitiesManage day-to-day inventory operations across all warehouses and manufacturing/production locations.Ensure accurate receipt, storage, transfer and issuance of raw materials, packaging materials, WIP and finished goods.Maintain optimum inventory levels to support production while minimizing excess stock.Monitor stock movements and ensure timely reconciliation of inventory transactions.Coordinate with Procurement, Production, Logistics and Sales to ensure uninterrupted operations.Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.Develop and execute annual physical inventory plans and periodic cycle-count programmes.Ensure timely and accurate cycle counts, stock audits and reconciliation of physical inventory with ERP records; investigate variances and maintain proper documentation.Implement controls to improve inventory accuracy, minimize losses and monitor inventory shrinkage.Coordinate with Finance and external auditors during inventory audits and ensure timely closure of audit observations.Establish and maintain inventory policies, procedures, SOPs and best practices, ensuring compliance with internal controls and company policies.Prepare daily, weekly and monthly inventory reports and maintain inventory KPIs and dashboards for management review.Monitor inventory aging, slow-moving, obsolete and non-moving stock and recommend corrective actions.Ensure ERP transactions are timely and accurate.Support annual budgeting and inventory planning activities.Lead and supervise the Inventory Supervisor and Inventory Team; allocate responsibilities, monitor performance and provide training and development.Ensure adherence to safety standards and operational procedures while fostering accountability, accuracy and continuous improvement.Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency.Drive automation and process optimization initiatives.Improve inventory visibility and reporting through ERP and dashboard tools.Implement inventory management and stock-control best practices.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business Administration or a related field.10–15 years of inventory management experience within a manufacturing environment.Experience managing inventory across multiple production sites is required/preferred.Strong experience managing raw materials, WIP and finished goods inventories.Strong knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Odoo or similar.Advanced Excel and reporting skills.Experience in physical inventory and cycle-count management.Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.