NC Filtration

Compensation

Full Description

Inventory Manager – Multi-Site Build-to-Stock • Reports to: COO • Scope: 5 manufacturing plants (all plants produce the full portfolio) • Systems: NetSuite (ERP); WMS/barcoding a plus • SKU Complexity: ~35,000 items across FG/WIP/RM • FLSA: Exempt Role Summary Own inventory performance, accuracy, and controls across five air-filter manufacturing sites as we transition from build-to-order to build-to-stock. This role is the process owner for inventory in NetSuite (transactions, master data governance, counting, and auditability) and leads cross-functional execution with Planning, Purchasing, Production, Quality, and Warehousing. Success is improved service levels and stability while materially reducing avoidable working capital and inventory volatility. Primary objectives (first 6–12 months) 1. Stabilize inventory record accuracy across FG/WIP/RM to a defined target by site/category (typically 97–99% by value). 2. Implement a standardized, disciplined cycle count program across all locations with root-cause closure. 3. Establish and maintain stocking parameters for build-to-stock (min/max, reorder points, safety stock, lot sizes) aligned to service-level targets and demand/lead-time variability. 4. Build an ongoing SLOB discipline (slow-moving/obsolete) with controls to prevent recurrence (item lifecycle governance, MOQ/lead-time alignment, engineering/BOM change controls). 5. Standardize NetSuite inventory transaction hygiene across five plants and ensure clean, auditable month-end close. Key responsibilities Build-to-stock inventory policy and replenishment parameters • Partner with Demand Planning/MPS to define service levels and inventory segmentation (ABC/XYZ, intermittency, criticality) across ~35,000 items. • Develop and maintain stocking policies for FG and critical RM/components; align WIP strategy to production cadence and lead-time constraints. • Own parameter governance: reorder points, min/max, safety stock, order multiples/MOQs, lead times, and planning rules by site where applicable. • Monitor inventory health (turns/DOS, shortages, excess) and drive corrective actions with Planning, Purchasing, and Operations. • Inventory accuracy, control, and auditability • Design and deploy cycle counting: frequency by ABC class, count procedures, tolerances, recount rules, approvals, and adjustment controls. • Lead root-cause analysis on variances and drive closure: receiving/put-away, picking, staging, scrap/rework reporting, backflush issues, WIP moves, production completions, returns, and inter-plant transfers. • Establish standard work for: receiving, inspection holds, nonconforming material, scrap, rework, substitutions, and inventory moves. • Ensure physical-to-system alignment: location/bin discipline, labeling, and transaction timing. NetSuite inventory process ownership and data governance • Serve as process owner for NetSuite inventory controls and related master data: item masters, UOM, conversion factors, pack sizes, locations/bins, lot attributes (if used), BOM structures, and lead times. • Partner with IT/NetSuite admin to improve usability and compliance (role permissions, workflows/approvals, scanning/barcode/WMS enhancements, error-proofing). • Define standard KPI reporting from NetSuite (and supporting tools) with consistent definitions across all sites. SLOB and working capital management • Establish SLOB identification and disposition workflows: quarantine, redeploy between plants, rework, RTV, liquidation, scrap approvals, and financial sign-offs. • Maintain SLOB dashboards and aging buckets; run monthly cross-functional reviews with accountability for actions and prevention. • Drive MOQ/lead-time negotiation inputs with Purchasing and supplier management; reduce stranded inventory risk. Cross-functional leadership and standardization across five plants • Lead a multi-site inventory governance cadence: weekly operations execution review, monthly inventory health review, quarterly policy refresh tied to S&OP/IBP. • Train and audit site teams on standard work; ensure consistent adoption while respecting local constraints. • Support build-to-stock transformation: align production scheduling, warehouse readiness, and customer service expectations. KPIs (owned or heavily influenced) • Inventory record accuracy (value and location accuracy) – FG/WIP/RM • Cycle count compliance, count-to-close time, and adjustment dollars • Inventory turns / days of supply by category and site • Fill rate / OTIF attributable to inventory availability • SLOB value, % of inventory, aging, and disposition velocity • Receiving and put-away accuracy/timeliness; pick accuracy (if WMS tracked) • Scrap and rework transaction accuracy vs. physical reality • Inter-plant transfer accuracy and lead time Required qualifications • 5+ years inventory control/materials management in a manufacturing environment with high SKU count; multi-site experience strongly preferred. • Demonstrated track record improving inventory accuracy and implementing cycle count programs at scale (FG/WIP/RM). • Strong NetSuite ERP experience in inventory modules and transactions (receiving, completions, assemblies/BOM, WIP, transfers, adjustments, costing impacts). • Strong analytical capability (Excel; ability to set stocking policies using variability/lead time/service level logic). • Proven cross-functional leadership without direct authority; can build compliance and sustain standard work. • Comfortable working on plant floors and in warehouses; able to travel routinely. Preferred qualifications • NetSuite WMS / barcode scanning implementation or optimization experience. • Experience transitioning to build-to-stock and implementing min/max or reorder point governance. • APICS CPIM/CSCP; Lean/CI training; Six Sigma tools for root cause and control plans. • Experience in HVAC/filtration, industrial consumables, or other high-mix manufacturing. Behavioral expectations • High integrity with data; insists on transaction discipline and clean definitions. • Practical operator: solves problems at the gemba, not only in spreadsheets. • Bias for standardization and auditability across five sites. • Strong change leadership and communication; can set expectations and enforce them. Benefits: • Health insurance • Paid time off • Parental leave People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Experience: • Inventory Management: 1 year (Preferred) • NetSuite: 1 year (Preferred) Work Location: In person