Project Manager, Vendor Managed Inventory

Irving Shipbuilding; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding is seeking a Project Manager for Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to enhance inventory efficiency and support production activities. The role involves strategic development, execution, and continuous improvement of VMI programs, ensuring optimal inventory levels while fostering vendor relationships. Candidates should possess a relevant Bachelor's degree and significant experience in project and inventory management.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in Project Management, Supply Chain, or Inventory Management.
• Professional certifications (CITT, SCMP, P. Log, PMP) preferred.
• Knowledge of complex industrial environments and/or defense industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and formalize VMI programs, including policies and implementation roadmaps.
• Collaborate with procurement, warehousing, logistics, and production.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with inventory strategies.

Skills

Project Management

Supply Chain Management

Inventory Management

Financial Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Project Manager, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is responsible for the strategic development, execution, and continuous improvement of the VMI programs. This role exists to ensure the right parts are available at the right time and location to support uninterrupted production activities, while optimizing inventory levels and driving cost efficiencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and formalize the VMI programs, including policies, SOPs, and implementation roadmaps, and define success criteria, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance metrics for the VMI program.
• Collaborate with procurement, warehousing, logistics, and production to align VMI strategy with operational needs.
• Perform research and analysis to develop an optimal scope and budgeting allocation for materials/services.
• Establish stock levels, min/max triggers, and reorder frequencies in collaboration with vendors.
• Act as the primary point of contact for VMI vendors, fostering strong partnerships.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with inventory strategies, conducting reviews and resolving service or delivery issues.
• Manage full lifecycle supplier activities, including pre-qualification, engagement, negotiations, and performance management.
• Ensure inventory levels maintained by vendors are based on demand forecasts, usage history, and production schedules.
• Drive inventory turns, minimize excess and obsolete stock, and ensure critical parts are always available.
• Coordinate SKU rationalization, inventory consolidation, and support lean practices.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between physical inventory and system records.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reports on program health, inventory performance, vendor KPIs, and material availability.
• Track issue resolution times, fill rates, and consumption trends.
• Monitor and improve EAC for product categories and manage risks and opportunities.
• Facilitate cross-functional meetings to address bottlenecks, escalate concerns, and share successes.
• Support training and awareness sessions for employees, coordinators, and leadership.
• Manage stakeholder activities to ensure clear and timely communication supporting progress and schedule adherence.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, material flow, and vendor collaboration, benchmarking against industry best practices and exploring relevant technologies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in Project Management, Supply Chain, or Inventory Management.
• Professional certifications (CITT, SCMP, P. Log, PMP) are preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of complex industrial environments and/or defense industry.
• Working knowledge of Financial Management.

ABOUT US

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Canada and the US with a team of 20,000 employees. We are committed to integrity, results, talent development, and inclusivity. We support accessible environments for all colleagues, candidates, and customers. We encourage applicants to apply even if they do not meet all listed requirements, promoting an inclusive and empowering environment. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.