Warehouse / Inventory Manager
Reports to: COO / Operations Director
Department: Operations
Position Summary
The Warehouse & Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing all warehouse operations, inventory control, shipping/receiving, and material flow across converting and distribution functions. This role ensures inventory accuracy, on-time shipments, efficient space utilization, and cost-effective operations while supporting production and customer service objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Warehouse Operations Management
- Oversee daily warehouse activities: receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, and shipping
- Manage raw materials (jumbo rolls), WIP, and finished goods inventory
- Optimize warehouse layout for efficient material flow and space utilization
- Ensure proper handling of paper rolls to prevent damage, moisture exposure, and waste
- Establish and enforce SOPs for all warehouse functions
2. Inventory Control & Accuracy
- Maintain ≥98–99% inventory accuracy across all locations
- Lead cycle count program and annual physical inventory
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies (root cause analysis)
- Manage lot tracking, FIFO/FEFO practices where applicable
- Monitor slow-moving, obsolete, and damaged inventory
3. Production & Converting Support
- Coordinate material staging for converting lines and rewind stations
- Ensure timely delivery of raw materials to production
- Work closely with scheduling to align inventory availability with production plans
- Track WIP movement between work centers
4. Shipping, Logistics & Distribution
- Oversee outbound shipping (LTL, FTL, parcel)
- Ensure accurate and on-time order fulfillment
- Manage carrier relationships and freight cost control
- Verify shipping documentation, labeling, and customer compliance requirements
- Support high-volume distribution workflows
5. Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, train, and supervise warehouse staff (supervisors, leads, forklift operators, pickers)
- Set performance expectations and KPIs
- Drive accountability, productivity, and safety culture
- Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and labor efficiency
6. Systems & Process Improvement
- Utilize ERP/WMS systems (e.g., **NetSuite or similar) for inventory and transaction control
- Implement barcode scanning and inventory tracking improvements
- Develop and refine SOPs for scalability
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, waste reduction)
7. Safety & Compliance
- Enforce OSHA and company safety standards
- Ensure proper forklift operation, racking safety, and material handling procedures
- Maintain clean, organized warehouse
- Support audits (internal and customer audits)
8. Financial & KPI Accountability
- Manage warehouse labor and operating costs
- Track and report key metrics:
- Inventory accuracy
- Order fulfillment rate (OTIF)
- Picking accuracy
- Inventory turns
- Damage and scrap rates
- Labor productivity
- Identify cost-saving opportunities
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field (preferred)
- 7–10+ years of warehouse/inventory management experience
- Experience in paper converting, printing, or manufacturing environments strongly preferred
- Experience managing high-SKU and roll-based inventory is a plus
Skills & Competencies
- Strong inventory control and reconciliation expertise
- Deep understanding of warehouse operations and material flow
- ERP/WMS proficiency (NetSuite or similar)
- Leadership and team development skills
- Analytical and problem-solving ability
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, production-driven environment
Work Environment
- Warehouse and production floor setting
- Exposure to heavy machinery, forklifts, and large paper rolls
- Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting is required.
