Overview

The Inventory Store Manager will be responsible for ensuring optimal inventory availability, accuracy, and process compliance. This role plays a critical part in preventing production delays through proactive inventory planning, conducting regular audits, resolving discrepancies, and driving system improvements and automation within warehouse operations.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Planning & Replenishment

- Monitor stock levels and define SKU-wise minimum stock thresholds.

- Track inventory consumption and proactively notify procurement when stock falls below minimum levels.

- Ensure uninterrupted availability of critical raw materials and packaging components to support production timelines.

Inventory Audit & Process Compliance

- Plan, conduct, and document fortnightly physical inventory audits and SOP compliance checks.

- Reconcile ERP inventory data with physical stock.

- Investigate variances using gate entry logs, PRs/GRNs, issue slips, and movement records.

- Perform and document Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for major inventory discrepancies.

- Identify bottlenecks, redundant processes, and error-prone areas during audits.

- Prepare detailed audit summary reports including findings, RCA, corrective actions, and Kaizen improvement suggestions.

Discrepancy & Rejection Handling

- Identify, report, and resolve stock discrepancies and material rejections.

- Conduct RCA for rejections and discrepancies and implement preventive and corrective measures.

- Coordinate with procurement, QC, production, and warehouse teams for resolution closure.

System Implementation & Automation

- Support WMS implementation with bin-level inventory tracking.

- Drive barcode/RFID implementation to cover at least 80% of SKUs.

- Assist in process digitization and automation to improve inventory accuracy and efficiency.

Team Management & Supervision

- Train, guide, and upskill store and warehouse staff on inventory processes and SOPs.

- Delegate daily tasks and ensure accurate and timely execution.

- Monitor team discipline, productivity, and adherence to processes.

- Support hiring and onboarding of inventory/store staff when required.

Requirements

- 6-8 years of experience in inventory planning, warehouse operations, or inventory control.

- Hands-on experience with ERP/WMS/SAP systems.

- Exposure to manufacturing or production environments preferred.

- Experience conducting inventory audits and managing discrepancies.

Key Skills & Competencies

- Strong inventory planning and analytical skills.

- Audit, reconciliation, and root cause analysis expertise.

- Working knowledge of ERP, WMS, barcode/RFID systems.

- Process improvement and Kaizen mindset.

- Attention to detail and strong documentation skills.

- Cross-functional coordination and communication.

- Team handling, training, and supervisory skills.