Warehouse Inventory Manager

Tree of Life Canada; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food and beverage distribution company in the Peel Region is seeking a Warehouse Inventory Manager. The role involves overseeing inventory accuracy and compliance with food safety regulations, managing a team, and utilizing advanced Warehouse Management Systems for reporting. Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in inventory management, particularly in temperature-controlled environments. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Excel are essential for this position, with a focus on minimizing spoilage and ensuring product integrity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years inventory management experience in food & beverage.
• Proficient in cold chain logistics for perishable goods.
• Expert knowledge of lot control and traceability.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory accuracy and implement FEFO policies.
• Oversee team training on food safety and handling protocols.
• Prepare detailed reports on inventory metrics for management.

Skills

Inventory Management

Cold Chain Logistics

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Advanced Excel Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

Tree ofLife Canada ULC is an Employer who strives to provide an inclusive work environment that involves everyone and embraces the diverse talent of its people. We are committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities. If selected for an interview, we will be happy to work with you to ensure your interview is accessible and accommodation is provided. When your interview is being scheduled, please advise the Recruiter of how we might be able to support your participation.

NOTE: Reference checks will be conducted for potential candidates and the information collected will be used in making the final hiring decision.

Primary Responsibilities

About the Job

We are seeking a highly meticulous and experienced Warehouse Inventory Manager to oversee and manage all aspects of our inventory in a fast-paced food and beverage distribution environment. This critical role involves ensuring absolute accuracy of inventory, managing product traceability, and optimizing warehouse layout across multiple temperature zones (ambient, refrigerated, frozen).

The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with deep knowledge of food safety regulations, cold chain logistics, and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). You will be directly responsible for minimizing spoilage, ensuring product integrity, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions

Position Accountabilities

• Inventory Accuracy & Rotation:
  • Develop and Enforce FEFO Policies: Spearhead the development and implementation of comprehensive First-Expired, First-Out (FEFO) rotation policies. This initiative aims to significantly minimize waste while ensuring the highest standards of product freshness and quality are maintained throughout the inventory lifecycle.
  • Design and Manage Cycle Counting Program: Create and oversee a robust cycle counting program that enhances inventory accuracy and operational efficiency. Lead and coordinate annual physical inventories, ensuring meticulous tracking and reporting of inventory levels to support informed decision-making.
  • Investigate and Resolve Discrepancies: Conduct thorough investigations to identify root causes of inventory discrepancies. Focus on addressing issues related to spoilage, damages, and shrinkage. Implement corrective actions and preventive measures to enhance overall inventory integrity and reduce losses.
• Traceability & Compliance:
  • Manage and ensure 100% accuracy in lot/batch tracking and traceability from receiving to shipping.
  • Ensure strict compliance with all food safety regulations (e.g., CFIA, SQF, HACCP)
  • Serve as the inventory lead for all internal and external audits (e.g., food safety, regulatory, financial) and manage mock recall drills.
  • Develop and maintain procedures for handling product holds, damages, and disposals in accordance with food safety standards.

• Operations & Team Management:
  • Lead, train, and manage the inventory control team, ensuring they are fully trained on proper food handling, storage, and safety protocols.
  • Oversee the management of different temperature-controlled zones, ensuring product integrity is never compromised.
  • Collaborate with the Quality Assurance (QA) department on product holds, releases, and quality inspections.
  • Optimize warehouse slotting and layout to improve picking efficiency and support FEFO rotation.

• Systems & Reporting:
  • Maximize Warehouse Management System (WMS) Utilization: Leverage the Warehouse Management System (WMS) to its fullest potential, ensuring effective inventory control, precise lot tracking, and comprehensive reporting. Utilize advanced features of the WMS to enhance accuracy and improve overall efficiency in inventory management.
  • Track and Analyze Key Food & Beverage Metrics: Diligently monitor and report on critical food and beverage metrics, including inventory accuracy, spoilage rates, fill rates, inventory turnover, and adherence to FEFO standards. Employ advanced Excel functions and data analysis techniques to generate insightful reports that facilitate informed decision-making and drive continuous improvement in inventory practices.
  • Provide Comprehensive Reporting to Senior Management: Prepare and deliver regular, detailed reports to senior management regarding inventory status and departmental performance. Utilize advanced Excel capabilities to create trend reports areas for improvement, build key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring clarity and actionable insights for strategic planning.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

Experience and Qualifications Required

• Required:
  • 5+ years of inventory management experience, with at least 2-3 years in the food & beverage, CPG, or grocery distribution industry.
  • Proven experience with cold chain logistics and managing perishable goods across multiple temperature zones (frozen, refrigerated, ambient).
  • Expert knowledge of lot control, traceability, and recall procedures.
  • Deep understanding of FEFO/FIFO principles and warehouse best practices.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing a team.
  • Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP software (e.g., SAP)
  • Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Advanced Excel skills Required to create dynamic dashboards, pivot tables, and macros for inventory forecasting, trend analysis, and performance tracking.
  • Use Excel Power Query to automate data extraction, with SAP and databases.
  • Develop custom formulas (e.g., INDEX-MATCH, array formulas) and data validation tools to enhance data accuracy and reporting efficiency.
  • Utilize Excel VBA to automate repetitive tasks, such as generating reports, updating inventory records, and sending alerts for critical thresholds.
• Preferred:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or a related field.
  • Certification in food safety (e.g., HACCP, or SQF Practitioner).
  • Experience with lean methodologies or continuous improvement in a warehouse setting