Inventory Manager

Wismettac Asian Foods is seeking an experienced Inventory Manager to lead and oversee comprehensive inventory management operations across our distribution network. This critical role requires an expert-level professional who can drive inventory accuracy, optimize warehouse automation, and ensure regulatory compliance while managing complex inventory challenges in a fast-paced food distribution environment.
The successful candidate will serve as the primary architect for inventory process redesign, lead cross-functional teams, and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency in our warehouse management systems. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on operational excellence while working closely with senior management and various departments.
Essential Job Functions:
• Inventory Control & Management
◦ Lead and oversee comprehensive stocktaking operations, including permanent and fixed-date inventory procedures and all aspects of inventory management, including receiving, storage, and distribution of Asian food products.
◦ Implement, maintain, and execute comprehensive stocktaking procedures, including, but not limited to: permanent stocktaking, fixed-date stocktaking, zero-level stocktaking, single bin stocktaking, storage location stocktaking, item-related stocktaking proposals, stocktaking evaluation and analysis, booking processes, and RF (radio frequency) stocktaking operations to ensure accurate inventory control and compliance with company standards.
◦ Conduct expert-level offset analysis to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies with precision.
◦ Investigate root causes of inventory variances and implement systematic corrective actions.
◦ Develop and maintain comprehensive tracking systems for inventory adjustments.
◦ Ensure appropriate controls are adhered to for Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance processes.
◦ Ensure inventory compliance and applicable regulatory controls in alignment with established SOPs (e.g., STARS audit, ITGC audit, EY audits, etc.).
◦ Manage the financial impacts of inventory adjustments and coordinate with accounting teams for inventory valuation.
◦ Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with purchasing teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
◦ Manage inventory turnover and minimize obsolete or expired products.
• Systems Management & Technology
◦ Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and Oracle ERP for inventory tracking and comprehensive reporting.
◦ Maintain expert proficiency in stocktaking software and inventory management platforms.
◦ Support system maintenance activities and provide WMS-related troubleshooting.
◦ Collaborate with the Operations department to optimize the accuracy of warehouse automation.
◦ Generate and analyze inventory reports using various software applications.
◦ Ensure data integrity across all inventory management systems.
◦ Oversee barcode scanning systems and inventory tracking technology.
• Process Improvement & Compliance
◦ Identify opportunities for process improvements and serve as the primary architect for process redesign.
◦ Develop and implement best practices for inventory management procedures.
◦ Create and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) for stocktaking activities.
◦ Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, FDA requirements, and company policies.
◦ Maintain regulatory compliance for inventory operations.
◦ Drive cost reduction initiatives through process optimization.
• Leadership & Team Development
◦ Lead or oversee warehouse staff training on proper inventory handling procedures.
◦ Manage and develop direct reports as applicable.
◦ Build authentic relationships with the distribution center team.
◦ Provide coaching and mentoring to staff members.
◦ Foster employee engagement and team development.
• Customer Relationship Management
◦ Serve as liaison between DC inventory operations and the National Buying Center.
◦ Develop strong working relationships with local and national customer service departments.
◦ Work with distribution center customers, including supervising a local team of Hospital Coordinators who provide front-line customer service to key clients.
◦ Support and collaborate with the sales team and may occasionally visit customer sites.
◦ Build relationships to bridge gaps between Sales and Operations departments.
• Planning & Business Analytics
◦ Provide process analysis utilizing operations and inventory analytic tools to monitor inventory trends and pa