Inventory Manager

Virgin Megastore MENA; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the retail sector is seeking an Inventory Manager to oversee inventory integrity and accuracy across all channels. This role involves ensuring compliance with inventory controls, driving process optimization, and collaborating with various departments to enhance supply chain efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in inventory management and hold a relevant degree. The position requires strong analytical skills and a commitment to improving inventory practices in a dynamic retail environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in inventory management or internal controls.
• Experience preferably in a retail or lifestyle business.
• Strong knowledge of internal control frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Drive inventory accuracy and implement cycle counting strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on inventory systems and governance.
• Lead training on SOPs and inventory control compliance.

Skills

Inventory Control

Data Analysis

Process Optimization

Loss Prevention

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft D365

ERP Systems

POS Systems

Job description

JOB PURPOSE:

The Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing the integrity, accuracy, and health of inventory across all channels and locations. This role plays a critical part in driving operational excellence by ensuring inventory visibility, implementing robust control mechanisms, and supporting strategic decisions through accurate reporting. As a key partner in the supply chain transformation, the Inventory Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with Planning, Merchandising, IT, Retail, and Finance to standardize inventory practices and optimize working capital.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Own and drive inventory accuracy across warehouse and stores.
• Implement cycle counting strategies, fiscal physical inventory plans, and reconciliation processes.
• Ensure proper root cause analysis and
• Set and enforce SOPs for inventory movements, transfers, write-offs, and adjustments considering accounting principles and respecting company policies and procedures.
• Monitor shrinkage, damages, and stock variances; drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for variances and stock discrepancies.
• Ensure strict enforcement of FIFO and batch/lot traceability where applicable.
• Validate and approve stock adjustments, transfers, and write-offs in accordance with internal control policies.

Process & System Optimization

• Support seamless integration of systems with Azadea Lifestyle’s ERP System (Microsoft D365), POS Systems, WMS.
• Collaborate with IT on system enhancements to ensure real-time inventory tracking.
• Ensure compliance with master data standards for item creation, UOM, and stock attributes.
• Internal Controls & Loss Prevention
• Establish and maintain a strong internal control framework to safeguard inventory assets.
• Work with Retail Operations and Security Teams to reduce shrinkage and unauthorized transactions.
• Ensure full traceability of stock movements between warehouse and stores (or inter-store).
• Monitor transaction logs and system audit trails for anomalies and compliance gaps.

Reporting & Analytics

• Own the Inventory Dashboard: Aging, Sell-through, Non-Moving, Provision, and Turnover.
• Reconcile physical vs. system inventory and ensure timely submission for month-end close.
• Partner with Finance for inventory valuation, stock exposure, provisioning, and month-end closing accuracy.
• Provide regular inventory health reports by brand, channel, and location.
• Maintain audit-ready documentation for inventory movements and stock count results.
• Ensure timely posting of stock transactions affecting P&L (e.g., markdowns, disposals, adjustments).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with Logistics, Demand & Supply Planning, and Merchandising to ensure stock alignment.
• Support product lifecycle management by flagging EOL/obsolete stocks for RTV or markdown.
• Collaborate with Retail & E-Commerce teams on stock availability, RTVs, and inter-store transfers.

Team Leadership

• Drive training on SOPs, system transactions, and inventory control compliance.
• Instill a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

QAULIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in inventory management or internal controls, preferably in a retail or lifestyle business.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in inventory management or internal controls, preferably in a retail or lifestyle business.