Inventory Lead

The a2 Milk Company; Pokeno; Remote; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The a2 Milk Company is seeking an experienced Inventory Manager to lead the inventory function at the Pokeno site in the Waikato region. You will oversee governance, accuracy and optimisation across supply chain operations, managing a small team of Inventory Coordinators and ensuring service levels while balancing working capital.

You will drive process improvements, leverage ERP/WMS to enhance reporting and KPI management, and collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality and Technical teams as well

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in inventory management, supply chain, warehousing or logistics.
• Proven experience leading a team with coaching and performance management.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, stock optimisation and inventory control processes.
• Advanced ERP capability with reporting, data analysis and KPI management skills.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing efficient ways of working.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management across functions.
• Strategic and analytical mindset with data-driven improvement focus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of Inventory Coordinators and set clear performance expectations.
• Oversee inventory accuracy, governance and stock control across site storage locations.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Develop inventory optimisation strategies to reduce excess stock while maintaining service levels.
• Monitor performance, analyse trends and prepare reports for senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including ERP and warehouse management enhancements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and 3PLs to improve inventory processes and supply chain performance.
• Ensure inventory processes meet health, safety, regulatory and audit requirements.

Skills

Inventory management

Team leadership

ERP systems

Data analysis

Tools

ERP software

WMS

Job description

Our Story:

The a2 Milk Company, driven by science and a pioneering spirit, disrupted the dairy and infant milk formula industry. Our vision is to create an A1-free world where dairy nourishes all people and our planet.

The a2 Milk Company seeks to achieve this through the naturally occurring a2 Milk® difference and by bringing a more sustainable approach to dairy.

The role:

Reporting to the Logistics Manager and based at our Pōkeno manufacturing site, you will lead the inventory function, overseeing inventory governance, accuracy and optimisation across our supply chain operations.

Leading a team of two Inventory Controllers, you'll be responsible for ensuring inventory integrity, improving stock visibility and driving efficient inventory management practices. You'll work closely with teams across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality and Technical to balance stock availability, service levels and working capital, while identifying opportunities to improve processes and performance.

More specifically, you will be involved in:

• Leading and developing a team of Inventory Coordinators, setting clear expectations and driving team performance.
• Overseeing inventory accuracy, governance and stock control across all site storage locations.
• Leading investigations into inventory discrepancies, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Developing inventory optimisation strategies to reduce excess and obsolete stock while maintaining service levels.
• Monitoring inventory performance, analysing trends and preparing reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives, including ERP and warehouse management system enhancements.
• Working with internal stakeholders and third-party logistics providers to improve inventory processes and supply chain performance.
• Ensuring inventory processes meet relevant health, safety, regulatory and audit requirements.

What you will bring:

• At least 5 years' experience in inventory management, supply chain, warehousing or logistics.
• Proven experience leading a team, with the ability to coach, develop and manage performance.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, stock optimisation and inventory control processes.
• Advanced ERP system capability, with strong reporting, data analysis and inventory KPI management skills.
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives and implementing more efficient ways of working.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across different business functions.
• A strategic and analytical mindset, with the ability to identify risks, solve problems and turn data into practical business improvements.