Strategic Inventory Manager

Strategic Inventory Manager Base Salary Range of $90,000 to $120,000 (DOE) Please Refer to Req #25-007 For over 100 years, we've manufactured high-quality products right here in the USA. We still operate out of our Oregon-based factory to this day, producing innovative, battle-proven optics for the world's most relentless hunters, shooters, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Regardless of the product, whether it's a red dot or a riflescope, we design and manufacture it with one goal in mind-to ensure it performs for life. At Leupold and Stevens we're American to the Core and passionate about what we do. Product excellence and uncompromising quality are our top priorities. We've built a collaborative, high performance culture where team players with innovative ideas and a sense of urgency thrive. Our benefits package is amazing: * affordable health and dental insurance * a strong commitment to training and professional development including an internal skills development program for all manufacturing team members * a generous tuition reimbursement program * company contributions up to 8% of base pay into a 401K retirement account * profit sharing * and great product discounts (to name a few) What You'll Be Doing as a Strategic Inventory Manager: The Strategic Inventory Manager is responsible for managing and optimizing inventory within the production environment. This role ensures that raw materials, components, and finished goods are efficiently procured, stored, and distributed to meet production and customer demand while minimizing costs and avoiding stockouts. The Strategic Inventory Manager will work closely with production, procurement, planning, FP&A, and logistics teams to align inventory levels with manufacturing schedules and demand forecasts. Inventory Optimization & Control: * Oversee inventory levels across raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods to ensure alignment with production requirements and demand forecasts. * Develop and implement inventory strategies that minimize holding costs, reduce excess inventory, and prevent stockouts while insulating the machine from demand changes to the assembly production schedule. * Continuously monitor inventory turnover and recommend actions to optimize inventory flow through the manufacturing process. Production Planning Support: * Work closely with the production team to ensure the availability of raw materials and components required for production schedules. * Develop and maintain safety stock levels and ordering policies to avoid production delays due to supply chain disruptions. * Coordinate with planning, procurement, and production teams to adjust inventory based on changes in production demand or lead times. Cost Reduction & Efficiency Improvements: * Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs, including storage, handling, and obsolescence. * Continuously evaluate inventory processes to identify and implement cost-saving measures. Performance Monitoring & Reporting: * Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as inventory turnover, stockouts, lead times, plan attainment, and order fulfillment rates. * Generate regular reports on inventory performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement to senior management. * Monitor and adjust inventory levels in response to changing production requirements and demand fluctuations. Cross-functional Collaboration: * Collaborate with engineering, product development, and quality control teams to align inventory strategies with new product introductions and quality standards. Ensure system settings are in place prior to releasing work orders to the shop floor during NPI launches. * Act as a liaison between finance and supply chain teams to ensure accurate forecasting and alignment of budgets with inventory needs. Technology and System Integration: * Leverage advanced inventory management and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to track and manage inventory levels in real-time. * Work with IT teams to integrate new tools, technologies, or software solutions to improve inventory visibility, tracking, and forecasting. * Ensure that all inventory data is accurately recorded, updated, and shared across systems. Skills and Experience You'll Need as a Strategic Inventory Manager: * Education: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or certifications (e.g., APICS CPIM) is a plus. * Experience: 7-10+ years of experience in inventory management, preferably in a manufacturing or production environment. * Skills: * Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and inventory control techniques. * Expertise in using ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and inventory management and planning software (e.g. Logility). * Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analytics tools. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions. * Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory strategies. * Excellent communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams. * Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term inventory strategies that align with business goals. * Attention to Detail: Ensure inventory accuracy and identify discrepancies promptly. * Leadership: Capable of leading inventory management initiatives and collaborating across departments. * Cost Management: Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities and optimize inventory expenditures. * Problem-Solving: Strong ability to troubleshoot and resolve inventory-related issues quickly and efficiently. Work Environment for a Strategic Inventory Manager: Work is performed in a normal office environment with exposure to the manufacturing environment. Potential for occasional travel to suppliers or manufacturing sites. Occasional extended hours required to meet business needs and production schedules. For details on positions and to apply, go to: www.leupold.com/careers Leupold & Stevens, Inc. 14400 NW Greenbrier Parkway Beaverton, Oregon 97006 * Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. A core business objective at Leupold & Stevens is to maintain a workplace in which each employee can achieve their full potential. The company was founded on the principle of giving customers and our team members 'A Square Deal'; to us, this means advocating for the employment opportunities and advancements of all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. We resolutely believe all aspects and privileges of employment should be determined by skills and behaviors, not personal identities. * With our commitment to make our application process and workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities, we will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for an individual applicant to participate in the job application process. To request an accommodation to the application process, please send an email to [email protected] or call (503) 646-9171 and a Leupold & Stevens representative will contact you. * Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is a drug free workplace. All final candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. * Leupold & Stevens, Inc. complies with all applicable FAR & DFAR regulations. * We hire U.S. citizens and persons lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. All new employees must complete an INS Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9). Positions may require a deemed export control license for compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Placement is contingent on Leupold & Stevens, Inc.'s ability to apply for and obtain an export control license on your behalf.