Inventory Control Manager (Warehouse Optimization)

KCO Resource Management; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KCO Resource Management partners with a national food manufacturer to staff a Warehouse Optimization Manager for a new 300,000 sq ft distribution center in Milwaukee. The role drives inventory accuracy, improves warehouse processes, and leads continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

You will oversee inventory control, cycle counts, and reconciliation, collaborate with warehouse leadership, and deploy Lean/Six Sigma methods to reduce costs and lift service levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 5+ years in inventory/warehouse operations.
• Proven leadership in DC or manufacturing environment.
• Lean/Six Sigma knowledge desired; strong problem-solving.
• Experience with SAP/WMS/ERP and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory control activities to maintain accurate records, cycle counts, and reconciliation.
• Analyze variances, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions to improve accuracy.
• Oversee claims, returns, shortages, damages, and loss reduction across the facility.
• Evaluate workflows, labor use, space, and processes to boost productivity and efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction projects in warehouse operations.
• Monitor KPIs for inventory accuracy, service levels, and operating costs.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen methods to remove waste and deliver gains.
• Collaborate across warehouse, transportation, procurement, and finance teams.
• Develop inventory control procedures and standards; support internal audits.

Skills

Inventory management

Leadership

Process improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP

WMS

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are partnering with a national food manufacturing company on a Warehouse Optimization Manager opportunity supporting a brand-new, 300,000-square-foot distribution center. This role will be responsible for strengthening inventory accuracy, improving warehouse processes, and driving operational efficiency across the facility. The position will lead inventory control and continuous improvement efforts while partnering closely with warehouse leadership to identify performance gaps, reduce costs, improve service levels, and implement sustainable process improvements.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage inventory control activities to maintain accurate inventory records, system transactions, cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes.
• Analyze inventory variances, identify root causes, and develop solutions to strengthen inventory accuracy and minimize recurring discrepancies.
• Manage customer claims, returns, shortages, damages, and OSD activity, identifying root causes and opportunities to reduce losses and compliance fees.
• Evaluate warehouse workflows, labor utilization, space usage, and operational processes to identify opportunities for greater productivity and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction projects focused on warehouse performance, inventory accuracy, customer service, and operational effectiveness.
• Monitor and evaluate key performance metrics across inventory accuracy, productivity, customer claims, service levels, warehouse utilization, and operating costs.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies to eliminate waste, improve processes, and deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Collaborate across warehouse operations, transportation, customer service, procurement, and finance to strengthen overall supply chain efficiency and performance.
• Analyze operational and inventory data to identify trends, support business decisions, and recommend process improvements.
• Improve warehouse systems and processes to strengthen inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and overall performance.
• Develop inventory control procedures, operating standards, and best practices while supporting internal audits and compliance requirements.
• Coach and develop inventory control and continuous improvement team members while promoting accountability and consistent execution.

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred with 5+ years of experience across inventory management, distribution, warehouse operations, supply chain, or process improvement.
• Previous leadership experience within a warehouse, distribution center, logistics, or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control practices, cycle counting, reconciliation, claims management, and root cause analysis.
• Experience driving continuous improvement or operational efficiency initiatives with measurable results.
• Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar process improvement methodologies is preferred.
• Experience working with WMS and ERP systems; SAP experience is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and operational data analysis.
• Knowledge of GMP standards and inventory control practices within food manufacturing or distribution is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead teams through operational change while maintaining a strong focus on service, quality, safety, and cost performance.