Inventory and Process Optimization Manager

Saputo, Inc.; Town of Caledonia (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k + employee stock options

Paid time off

Job summary

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. is seeking an Inventory and Process Optimization Manager to oversee inventory accuracy, control processes, and claims management across warehouse and distribution operations.

You will lead Inventory Control Coordinators and Continuous Improvement staff, partner with Warehouse Managers, and drive efficiency, service levels, and cost savings. You will implement KPI tracking, engage in data analysis, and champion Lean/Six Sigma methodologies while ensuring GMP and safety

Qualifications

• 5+ years of inventory management, warehouse operations, or related experience.
• Experience with WMS, ERP systems (SAP) and inventory control tools.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen or continuous improvement experience preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication and project management skills.
• Familiar with GMPs and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to lead process improvements with measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead inventory management processes to ensure accurate records and system integrity.
• Monitor transactions, cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliations.
• Investigate discrepancies, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Oversee customer claims and OSD processes, including investigation and trend analysis.
• Develop and maintain inventory policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Lead efficiency initiatives and cost-reduction projects across distribution operations.
• Develop KPIs related to accuracy, productivity, service, and cost performance.
• Support WMS optimization and inventory control technology implementations.
• Train and coach team members on inventory best practices and process improvements.
• Audit compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Inventory management

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Job description

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?The Inventory and Process Optimization Manager is responsible for overseeing inventory accuracy, inventory control processes, customer claims management, OSD (Over, Short, and Damaged) resolution processes, operational efficiency initiatives, and continuous improvement programs across warehouse and distribution operations. The position oversees the Inventory Control Coordinators, Systems Analyst, and Continuous Improvement staff. This role ensures inventory integrity, minimizes losses, improves productivity, enhances customer satisfaction, and drives cost-saving opportunities while supporting service, quality, and safety objectives. Additionally, this role is responsible for providing warehouse manager coverage as needed to ensure continuity of operations, leadership support, and consistent execution.The position will partner closely with Warehouse Managers to evaluate, implement, and improve operational processes, drive performance initiatives, identify operational gaps and improvement opportunities, and develop sustainable solutions that enhance efficiency, productivity, service levels, and overall warehouse performance.How you will make contributions that matter...Lead inventory management processes to ensure accurate inventory records and system integrity.Monitor inventory transactions, cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation activities.Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, root causes, and corrective actions.Responsible for timely and accurate systematic transactions, including receipts, shipments, inventory and customer claims. Ensures overall accuracy throughout the distribution center actives, with emphasis on customer’s expectations; claims, returns and compliance fees.Develop and maintain inventory control policies, procedures, and performance standards.Analyze inventory trends, turnover, and obsolescence to identify opportunities for improved inventory performance and process effectiveness.Oversee customer claims and OSD (Over, Short, and Damaged) processes, including investigation, validation, reporting, trend analysis, root cause identification, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.Lead operational efficiency, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction initiatives through cross-functional projects that drive operational excellence, customer satisfaction, effective change management, and sustainable results.Develop, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, productivity, service, claims reduction, compliance, warehouse utilization, and cost performance, leveraging insights to drive process improvements and cost savings.Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve productivity and reduce waste.Partner with Operations, Transportation, Customer Service, Procurement, Finance, and customers to improve end-to-end supply chain performance while reducing claims, damages, shortages, and service failures.Conduct data analysis and prepare reports to support business decisions and operational improvements.Evaluate warehouse processes, labor utilization, workflows, and space optimization opportunities.Support optimization of warehouse management systems (WMS) and implementation of inventory control technologies.Lead audits and ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and inventory control standards.Train, coach, and develop team members on inventory best practices, claims management, OSD processes, and process improvement methodologies.You Are Best Suited For The Role If You Have The Following Experiences, Skills, and QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.5+ years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, supply chain, customer claims, OSD management, or continuous improvement.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), ERP systems, SAP, and inventory control tools.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.Experience leading process improvement initiatives with measurable results.Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.Familiar with GMPs.Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to collaborate across functions.Adept at leading operations and others through change.Customer claims and resolution management.We Support and Care For Our Employees By Providing Them With…Comprehensive benefit programs that include medical, dental and vision insurance, EAP, 401k, employee stock options, paid time off.Employee recognition and incentive programs.Opportunities to contribute to your community via a VTO program and site engagement activitiesWork on a smoke free campus that promotes a healthy and wellness focused lifestyle.Salary range of $100,000 - $110,000salary offers will vary commensurate with experience, skills, education, and training.In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre , Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.AccessibilitySaputo Cheese USA Inc. endeavors to make Saputo.com/careers accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.EEOSaputo Cheese USA Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.California Applicant Privacy Notice (CCPA)To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).