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Global Inventory Operations Specialist

Global Inventory Operations Specialist

VictaulicEaston, PA, US
18 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Global Inventory Operations Specialist

The Global Inventory Operations Specialist serves as the central authority for global inventory visibility, analysis, and accountability across all facilities and operations. This strategic role combines advanced inventory management expertise with executive-level reporting to ensure optimal inventory performance, minimize obsolescence, and drive accountability among global materials managers through influence and data-driven insights. The position requires a detail-oriented professional who can translate complex inventory data into actionable insights while facilitating high-level discussions with VPs and senior leadership, leading through expertise and influence rather than direct authority.

Key Responsibilities

Global Inventory Reporting & Analytics

  • Generate and distribute comprehensive Materials / Purchasing reports including : Unplanned inventory vs. Open Orders analysis, Slow moving and obsolete inventory identification reports, Global inventory dashboard updates and distribution
  • Develop and maintain KPIs for global inventory performance metrics and accountability tracking
  • Create executive-level reporting for VP leadership on inventory trends, risks, and opportunities
  • Analyze inventory variances and provide root cause analysis for performance gaps
  • Monitor inventory velocity and identify optimization opportunities across all locations

Global Inventory Governance & Accountability

  • Lead monthly global inventory meetings with global materials managers and finance representatives
  • Facilitate global scrap review meetings ensuring proper disposal authorization and cost recovery
  • Drive accountability among global materials managers for inventory performance targets through influence and expertise
  • Review and challenge global obsolete inventory recommendations and disposition strategies
  • Establish inventory performance standards and ensure consistent application across all facilities through consensus building
  • Coordinate inventory policy compliance and best practice implementation

    • Project Management & Leadership

  • Manage and lead inventory optimization projects from initiation through completion, ensuring deliverables meet business objectives and timelines
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and resource requirements for inventory improvement initiatives across global operations
  • Coordinate cross-functional project teams including materials managers, finance, IT, and operations stakeholders
  • Track project progress and milestones, providing regular updates to executive leadership and stakeholders
  • Lead project meetings and communications to ensure alignment and momentum on inventory-related initiatives
  • Drive change management for inventory process improvements and system implementations through structured project methodologies

    • Influence-Based Leadership & Global Coordination

  • Lead through expertise and influence to drive inventory performance improvements across global materials managers
  • Facilitate consensus building among stakeholders with competing priorities and different regional perspectives
  • Build credibility through data accuracy and insightful analysis that supports decision-making
  • Influence change management for inventory policies and best practices without direct authority
  • Navigate organizational complexity to achieve inventory objectives through relationship building and expertise

    • Financial Partnership & Budget Management

  • Collaborate with Finance on inventory budget reviews and variance analysis
  • Support inventory reserve valuations and provide operational context for financial assessments
  • Provide inventory impact analysis for budget planning and forecasting processes
  • Review monthly inventory financial performance against targets and budgets

    • ERP System Management & Data Integrity

  • Process PO receipts in ERP system ensuring accurate and timely inventory updates
  • Maintain data accuracy across all inventory-related system transactions
  • Generate ad-hoc reports from ERP system to support operational decision-making
  • Support system improvements and process enhancement initiatives

    • Cross-Functional Communication & Stakeholder Management

  • Present to executive leadership on inventory performance, trends, and strategic recommendations with confidence and expertise
  • Build relationships with global materials managers to influence consistent inventory management practices
  • Drive change through influence rather than authority, using data and insights to motivate action
  • Lead cross-functional projects related to inventory optimization through expertise and stakeholder engagement
  • Maintain stakeholder communication on inventory initiatives, risks, and performance updates across all organizational levels

    • Required Qualifications

  • Minimum 5-7 years of inventory management, materials planning, or supply chain analytics experience
  • 3+ years experience in global or multi-site inventory operations
  • Proven track record managing executive-level reporting and presentations
  • Project management experience with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from conception to completion
  • Advanced Excel proficiency including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, advanced formulas, and data visualization
  • ERP system expertise (M3 / Infor, SAP, or similar enterprise systems)
  • Business intelligence tools experience (QlikView, Power BI, Tableau preferred)
  • Statistical analysis capabilities for inventory performance trending
  • Analytical thinking with strong problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities
  • Project leadership skills for leading cross-functional inventory improvement initiatives without direct authority
  • Attention to detail with high accuracy in data analysis and reporting
  • Influence and relationship building skills to drive results without direct authority over global teams
  • Change management capabilities with ability to build consensus and drive adoption of new processes
  • Global perspective with understanding of multi-site inventory challenges and solutions
  • Financial acumen to understand inventory's impact on company financial performance
  • Matrix organization experience with demonstrated success leading without direct authority

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
  • APICS CPIM or CSCP certification or similar supply chain credentials
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent project management credentials
  • Advanced degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or Business Administration
  • Six Sigma or Lean certification with process improvement experience
  • International business experience with understanding of global trade and inventory implications
  • Manufacturing environment experience with understanding of production planning impact on inventory
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