Job Description: Head of Inventory
Job Title: Head of Inventory / Inventory Manager
Department: Supply Chain / Operations
Industry: Merchandise Manufacturing
Reports To: Head of Operations / COO / Director
Location: [Location]
Experience: 8–12+ years in inventory management, preferably in manufacturing/merchandise
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Head of Inventory to oversee the complete inventory function across raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods, and other stock. The role will be responsible for maintaining optimum inventory levels, ensuring accurate stock records, minimizing inventory losses and obsolescence, and coordinating closely with procurement, production, warehouse, sales, and finance teams.
The ideal candidate should have strong experience in inventory planning, warehouse management, ERP systems, stock reconciliation, inventory controls, and team management, preferably within a merchandise manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the complete inventory function across raw materials, WIP, finished goods, packaging, and consumables.
Establish and maintain robust inventory control systems, processes, and SOPs.
Monitor stock levels and ensure availability of materials as per production and sales requirements.
Develop inventory plans based on production schedules, demand forecasts, lead times, and business requirements.
Set appropriate minimum, maximum, reorder, and safety stock levels.
Coordinate with Procurement and Production teams to ensure timely availability of materials.
Monitor material consumption against BOMs and approved production requirements.
Ensure accurate receipt, storage, movement, transfer, and dispatch of inventory.
Conduct regular physical stock counts, cycle counts, and periodic inventory audits.
Investigate and resolve stock variances, shortages, excesses, damages, and discrepancies.
Ensure proper identification, labeling, batch/lot tracking, and storage of inventory.
Monitor slow-moving, non-moving, obsolete, and excess inventory and develop action plans to reduce working capital.
Implement controls to minimize pilferage, damage, wastage, and inventory losses.
Ensure inventory records in the ERP/system are accurate and updated in real time.
Work closely with Finance on inventory valuation, provisions, reconciliations, and month-end closing.
Prepare and present inventory MIS and management reports, including stock ageing, inventory turnover, variances, and working-capital metrics.
Establish and monitor inventory KPIs and continuously improve inventory accuracy and efficiency.
Lead and develop the inventory and warehouse team.
Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and audit requirements.
Identify opportunities for process automation and improvement in inventory management.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Inventory accuracy
Stock variance percentage
Inventory turnover ratio
Stock ageing
Slow/non-moving inventory
Inventory carrying cost
Stock-out frequency
Material availability for production
Wastage and material loss
Cycle count accuracy
Order/dispatch fulfilment
Reduction in excess and obsolete inventory
Working capital optimization
Required Skills & Competencies
Strong knowledge of inventory management and warehouse operations
Experience in manufacturing/merchandise businesses
Excellent understanding of BOM, material consumption, WIP, and finished goods
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Tally, or similar
Advanced Excel/MIS reporting skills
Strong understanding of inventory reconciliation and stock audits
Good understanding of supply-chain processes
Strong leadership and team-management skills
Excellent coordination and communication abilities
Process-oriented approach with strong attention to detail
Ability to identify discrepancies and implement effective controls
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field.
A qualification in Inventory Management, Supply Chain, Operations, or Logistics is preferred.
8–12+ years of relevant experience, with at least 3–5 years in a supervisory/managerial inventory role.
Experience in merchandise, apparel, accessories, consumer products, gifting, lifestyle products, or other manufacturing environments will be an advantage.
Pay: ₹30,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Work Location: In person
