About this opportunity
Inventory Manager
Client: Confidential, global Tier 1 manufacturer
Location: Chicago area, IL
Reports to: MP&L Manager
Team: Inventory analysts, cycle counters and material handlers
Type: Full-time, on-site
The Role
Our client, a global Tier 1 manufacturer supplying automotive and industrial customers, is hiring an Inventory Manager for a high-volume plant in the Chicago area. You own inventory accuracy, flow and cost across the site. You keep the line fed, the books right and working capital tight. Hands-on leadership role working closely with Production, Purchasing, Logistics, Finance and Quality.
What You'll Do
- Own inventory accuracy for raw material, WIP, finished goods and MRO. Target 98%+ record accuracy.
- Run the cycle count programme and lead annual physical inventories. Investigate and resolve root cause on variances.
- Drive inventory reduction and turns improvement without risking OEM delivery.
- Manage obsolete and excess (E&O) stock: identify, report, disposition.
- Set and maintain min/max, safety stock and reorder points in the ERP/MRP.
- Partner with Finance on inventory valuation, reserves and month-end close.
- Lead and develop the inventory team. Set KPIs, run daily huddles, build accountability.
- Enforce material control: receiving, put-away, issue to line, scrap reporting, returns.
- Support customer and internal audits (IATF 16949, SOX where applicable).
- Implement lean material flow: kanban, FIFO, supermarkets, line-side replenishment.
- Own ERP data integrity (BOMs, transactions, location control) and drive system improvements.
What You'll Bring
- 5+ years in inventory control or materials management in a manufacturing plant, automotive Tier 1/2 preferred.
- 2+ years leading a team.
- Strong ERP/MRP experience (SAP, Oracle, QAD, Plex, Epicor or similar).
- Proven track record improving inventory accuracy and turns, with numbers to back it up.
- Solid grasp of inventory accounting, cycle counting methods and E&O management.
- Lean manufacturing knowledge: kanban, 5S, value stream mapping.
- Advanced Excel. Power BI or similar a plus.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
- APICS CPIM / CSCP a plus.
KPIs You'll Own
- Inventory record accuracy
- Inventory turns / days on hand
- E&O value and ageing
- Cycle count completion and variance
- Physical inventory adjustment vs book
- Line-down incidents caused by material shortages
What's On Offer
- Competitive base salary plus annual bonus
- Full benefits: medical, dental, 401(k), PTO
- Stable, growing global business with clear progression
- Local candidates only. No relocation offered.
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