Inventory and Systems Leader

Hilton Food Group; Brantford; Hybrid; CAD 82.000 - 103.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Hilton Foods Canada is seeking an Inventory & Systems Lead to own end-to-end inventory accuracy, warehouse systems performance and automation reliability in an automated food production environment. You will bridge inventory control, system governance and on-floor execution to drive strong team performance and continuous improvement.

You will lead the inventory and systems team, ensure real-time data integrity across ERP and WCS, and coordinate with IT, engineering and operations during

Qualifikationen

• 3+ years leading inventory operations in warehouse or food production.
• Strong knowledge of cycle counts, reconciliations, discrepancy investigation, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with warehouse automation and ERP systems, with a focus on inventory transactions, data integrity, and system diagnostics.
• Ability to read and interpret system logs, event histories, alarms and diagnostic data.

Aufgaben

• Own inventory accuracy across stock types and systems.
• Govern warehouse IT and automation systems, including ERP and WCS, ensuring real-time transactions and data integrity.
• Lead and develop the inventory and systems team; drive accountability and performance.
• Coordinate with inbound, outbound, and production teams to minimize disruptions from system issues.
• Drive continuous improvement using system data and operational insights; develop SOPs.

Kenntnisse

Inventory control

Cycle counts

ERP systems

System diagnostics

Data governance

Team leadership

Root cause analysis

Tools

WCS

Automation

Jobbeschreibung

Job Title: Inventory & Systems Lead Salary Range: CAD$82,447 – CAD$103,059 Working Type: On-Site

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Inventory & Systems Leader owns end-to-end inventory accuracy, warehouse systems performance, and automation reliability within an automated food production environment. The role ensures alignment between physical inventory and system records, stable and effective use of warehouse and material handling systems (e.g., WCS and ERP), and uninterrupted operational flow. This role acts as the single operational authority bridging inventory control, system governance, and on-floor execution, driving strong team performance, system discipline, and continuous improvement.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Hold full accountability for inventory accuracy across all stock types and systems
• Lead cycle counts, reconciliations, adjustments, and investigations of inventory discrepancies
• Ensure proper stock rotation (FEFO), expiry management, and traceability
• Minimize shrink, write-offs, and obsolescence through robust controls and root cause analysis
• Maintain inventory accuracy during peak demand, system changes, and operational disruptions
• Understand and consider inventory valuation, write-offs, and working capital impacts when managing inventory accuracy and corrective actions.

Systems Ownership & Governance

• Own the performance, governance, stability and effective operational use of warehouse IT and automation systems, including ERP, WCS and associated system interfaces.
• Act as the operational system subject matter expert, supporting issue triage, detailed diagnostics, root cause analysis and resolution of recurring system faults.
• Review system logs, alarms, event histories, transactions and other diagnostic information to identify failure points and support fault investigation.
• Establish and maintain system monitoring and diagnostic routines, using system and performance data to identify emerging and recurring issues.
• Ensure accurate, real-time transactions and data integrity across inventory and automation systems.
• Monitor operational system usage and identify behaviours, process gaps or recurring failures that negatively affect system performance.
• Maintain clear records of system incidents, known problems, RCA findings, corrective actions and system performance trends.
• Act as the principal operational and technical interface with IT, engineering, supplier help desks and automation vendors during incidents and technical investigations.
• Raise and manage system incident and problem tickets, providing appropriate logs, evidence and operational context, and following actions through to resolution.
• Support system changes, fixes, upgrades and deployments through impact assessment, testing, validation and operational feedback.
• Validate technical SOPs, recovery procedures and system operating practices, ensuring lessons from incidents and system changes are embedded into operational processes and key-user training.
• Ensure appropriate system access controls, user discipline and data governance standards are maintained in line with site and corporate requirements.
• Support major system incidents, including investigation, recovery, documentation and post-incident review.
• Use incident trends, operational observations and system data to identify improvement opportunities and reduce recurring failures.
• Support service reviews with system and automation vendors, providing evidence on reliability, recurring faults, responsiveness and service levels.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the inventory and systems team and other operational teams where required.
• Set clear expectations, drive accountability, and monitor performance, productivity, and accuracy
• Ensure training completion and system competency across the team and key operational users
• Lead teams effectively through periods of change, disruption, and peak operational demand

Operational & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with inbound, outbound, and production teams to ensure smooth operational flow
• Minimize operational disruptions linked to system issues
• Support production, shipping, and customer service through accurate inventory and reliable systems

Process Improvement & Capability Building

• Drive continuous improvement using system data and operational insights
• Identify gaps in inventory and system processes and lead sustainable improvements
• Develop, validate, and maintain SOPs related to inventory and system use
• Train and coach key users to build strong system and inventory capability across the operation

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure inventory and system operations comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements
• Support audits, investigations, and corrective actions related to inventory accuracy, traceability, or system integrity
• Maintain audit readiness and accurate documentation at all times
• Support product holds, quarantines, recalls, and escalations in line with site procedures

KEY EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Essential

• 3+ years’ experience in leading inventory operations within warehouse, manufacturing, or food production environments
• Strong knowledge of inventory control processes including cycle counts, reconciliations, discrepancy investigation, and root cause analysis
• Experience with warehouse automation and a strong understanding of automation and ERP systems, with a focus on inventory transactions, data integrity, and system diagnostics
• Ability to understand and interpret technical specifications, interface definitions and communication protocols.
• Ability to extract, read and interpret system logs, event histories, alarms and diagnostic data.
• Ability to diagnose system and interface issues using available technical information, system data and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience supporting or leading system issue resolution, including coordination with IT, engineering, and automation teams
• Strong communication, coordination, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Team-oriented, accountable, adaptable, and calm under pressure
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate system data into operational action
• Demonstrated team leadership skills, including coaching, accountability, and performance management
• Working knowledge of food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements as they relate to inventory, traceability, and warehouse systems
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing operational priorities
• Experience leading teams during system outages, production pressure, or operational disruption
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.
• Ability to analyze and interpret inventory and system performance data, trends, and KPIs to proactively identify risks and improvement opportunities.

Desirable

• Experience with warehouse automated systems or other robotic/material-handling systems
• Exposure to system upgrades, automation projects, or major system/process changes
• Experience supporting inventory audits and continuous improvement initiatives
• Familiarity with lean or continuous improvement methodologies in warehouse or manufacturing environment

Working Conditions

• Temperature-controlled work environment maintained between 0–2°C
• Moderate noise levels due to automated equipment
• Ability and willingness to wear mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), including hearing protection and cold-environment PPE
• Ability to work across warehouse, crate wash, production, and system support areas, including on-floor presence
• Flexibility to support operations during system outages, peak demand, or operational disruptions

WOULD SUIT SOMEONE WHO IS…

• Highly collaborative and able to work effectively across operations, inventory, systems, and production teams
• Able to build and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally
• Enjoys variation of tasks within their work and operating in a fast-paced, automated environment
• Adept at providing well-balanced challenge and support to team members on the floor
• Comfortable balancing operational priorities with system accuracy and inventory control requirements
• Comfortable working with ambiguity, system-driven decision-making, and conflicting priorities
• Acts as a role model for food safety, safety, and operational excellence
• Demonstrates company values through collaboration, accountability, adaptability, and continuous improvement
• Calm and effective under pressure and during operational disruption
• Willing to be hands-on and visibly present in operational environments
• Confident in influencing cross-functional stakeholders, resolving conflicts between operational priorities, and making decisions under ambiguity

Hilton Foods Canada is committed to building a culture of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. At Hilton Foods Canada, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the HR representative. All requests for an accommodation and the accommodation measures will be handled in a confidential manner at all times.