Director of Inventory

Vernon Hills, IL

This individual will report into the VP of SIOP. (S)he will oversee the accurate forecasting of inventory in accordance with inventory cycles and organizational philosophy. You will evaluate and assess current inventory practices and lead continuous improvement changes across the organization. The position oversees the Inventory management team and serves as the main liaison between the various departments involved in the company’s internal supply chain to ensure alignment and achievement of business goals. In this position you will work on review supply planning, STO between DC, oversee liquidation, and work on inventory optimization across all platforms and brands. (S)he will leverage a range of digital technologies in support of the larger digital supply chain to ensure speed, agility, and transparency with Rust-Oleum’s supply chain management.

KEY JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Work with the VP of SIOP to develop a clear long-term vision of inventory management for Rust-Oleum.
Develop and implement strategies, policies, and initiatives to improve inventory management to ensure that the company has the right product in the right locations and to improve service levels while reducing inventory investments and operational costs
Define, set, and execute to financial targets and KPIs (revenue, profitability, inventory turns)
Proactively identify opportunities and risks within division, departments and classifications and recommend actions within week, month, quarter, and year to maximize business results
Identifies and builds key dashboards and metrics to monitor the various aspects of inventory for both quantity and quality
Work closely with supply chain and business leadership to develop inventory strategies to support the direction of the business
Actively participate in seasonal business reviews and hindsight strategy meetings
Reports to senior management on a regular basis on the state of inventory as well as future direction.
Drives the design and continuous improvement of inventory control systems
Work collaboratively with sales, marketing, finance, and other supply chain functions to develop and adapt the inventory management practices and policies to support various business goals.
Coordinates and assists in ensuring that excess/obsolete inventory and shrink are properly managed.
Drive the development and culture of the Inventory Management team including hiring, training, leadership development (coaching and mentoring), and fostering an inclusive and open culture
Prepare written analyses, documentation, reports, or other data

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or other related business discipline.

Experience:

10 years of experience in an inventory control/management leadership role within a consumer goods, manufacturing, and distribution environment
Demonstrated experience in the operation and improvement of an effective global inventory management organization
Experience in chemicals sold as consumer products into a retail environment
Six Sigma Black Belt with strong and demonstrated understanding of foundational supply chain practices, tools, and analytics
Background in interfacing with a variety of key stakeholders such as customers, colleagues (sales, warehousing, manufacturing, finance etc.), and suppliers.
Certifications: Certification in supply chain or inventory management (e.g., CSCP, APICS CPIM) strongly preferred

Others

Results oriented problem solver
Knowledge of SAP and other inventory management systems required
This position requires strong analytical, organizational, decision making, facilitation, persuasion, and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal skills essential to effectively interact cross-functional, areas and levels of business affecting the demand planning process
Experienced with other software packages including Windows, and Microsoft Office required

Rust-Oleum is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.