Project Manager, Vendor Managed Inventory

J.D. Irving, Limited; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Project Manager for Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) to enhance strategic development and execution of VMI programs. The role involves ensuring optimal inventory levels, collaborating with various departments, and driving cost efficiencies. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s Degree and significant experience in Project Management and Supply Chain.

Qualifications

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

Inventory Management

Financial Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related discipline (e.g., Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering)
• 5-7 years of Project Management, Supply Chain, and/or Inventory Management experience
• Professional Certifications preferred, not required (CITT, SCMP, P. Log, PMP, etc.)
• Professional knowledge of complex industrial environments and/or defence industry
• Working knowledge of Financial Management

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 & 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 are maintained by vendors 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 lean inventory 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, timely advice supporting progress and schedule adherence.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, material flow, and vendor collaboration, benchmarking industry best practices and exploring new technologies.