Inventory Manager

Focus; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan Warehouse in Houston, TX is seeking an Inventory Manager to oversee end-to-end inventory control for a multiclient 3PL distribution center. You will manage receiving, putaway, picking, packing, and returns processes, ensuring high accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.

The role requires 3–5+ years in inventory control within high-volume distribution, strong Excel/data analysis skills, and experience with WMS systems.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years in inventory control, warehouse, distribution, or 3PL.
• Experience with cycle counts, inventory reconciliation, and discrepancy investigations.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Ability to manage multiple clients with different SOPs and client requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain inventory accuracy across all clients and locations.
• Lead cycle counting programs and reconcile discrepancies.
• Coordinate returns processing and disposition with accuracy.
• Partner with clients to meet SOPs and performance expectations.

Skills

Inventory control

WMS

Excel

Data analysis

Communication

Multi-client management

Education

APICS CPIM certification

Tools

Manhattan WMS

Logiwa

RF scanning

ERP/WMS integrations

Job description

Inventory Manager - Houston, TX ... $80,000 salary

Multiclient 3PL Distribution Center

About us - Metropolitan Warehouse

We are the growing leader in the furniture delivery industry. With multiple locations throughout the country, our goal is simple: To provide our clients and customers a 5 Star Delivery Experience. We are proud of our experienced, dedicated, and professional staff and as our rapid company growth continues we require that we constantly add motivated, enthusiastic individuals committed to providing the same exceptional customer service that is the hallmark of our success. Our mission is to ensure memories are delivered one piece of furniture at a time, on time, every time. We are looking for individuals experienced in logistics and transportation to add to our team who will contribute to achieving our mission.

The Houston Location is a full Distribution Center, with multiple business segments; currently Final Mile (FM), Line Haul (LH) and 3 rd Party Logistics (3PL). Warehouse Managers may be assigned to specific business segments. However, based on business needs and at the discretion of the Functional Vice President, Warehouse Managers may be rotated through or assigned to other business segments. This practice will be beneficial to the Warehouse Managers, as well as the business units by driving a deeper understanding of the overall Distribution Center operations while creating synergies among departments.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory Manager is responsible for the overall accuracy, integrity, and control of customer inventory within a multiclient 3PL distribution center. This position oversees inventory management processes across receiving, storage, order fulfillment, cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, returns processing, and disposition activities. The Inventory Manager ensures inventory is accurately received, identified, stored, tracked, transferred, picked, shipped, returned, and reconciled in accordance with customer requirements and company procedures. This position serves as a key operational liaison between Warehouse Operations, Customer Service, Returns/Reverse Logistics, and client representatives, utilizing the WMS and supporting systems to maintain high inventory accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.

Responsibilities

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Maintain overall inventory accuracy for all clients, SKUs, locations, lots, serial numbers, and inventory statuses.
• Ensure inventory is properly located, labeled, and maintained in accordance with client requirements.
• Establish and manage cycle count programs based on client requirements, inventory characteristics, and risk.
• Analyze cycle count results and investigate inventory discrepancies to determine root cause.
• Coordinate physical inventory counts and annual client inventories.
• Reconcile physical inventory to WMS records and client inventory records.
• Monitor inventory adjustments and ensure adjustments are properly documented and authorized.
• Identify trends in inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate inventory status codes, including available, damaged, hold, quarantine, pending inspection, and other client-specific statuses.
• Monitor inventory movements to identify unauthorized or unusual transactions.

WMS & Systems Management

• Serve as a subject-matter expert for inventory-related WMS functionality and processes.
• Ensure all inventory transactions are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Monitor WMS transactions for receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, shipping, transfers, adjustments, and returns.
• Assist with implementation and testing of new WMS functionality, interfaces, client requirements, and system processes.
• Maintain appropriate system controls and transaction discipline.
• Ensure employees follow established WMS processes and do not circumvent system controls.

Returns & Reverse Logistics

• Manage the inventory control aspects of the returns processing operation.
• Establish / enhance procedures for receiving, identifying, inspecting, sorting, and processing returned merchandise.
• Ensure returned inventory is accurately recorded in the WMS and assigned the appropriate inventory status.
• Coordinate disposition of returned products, including:
  • Return to available inventory
  • Damaged inventory
  • Customer/vendor return
  • Repair/refurbishment
  • Quarantine/hold
  • Scrap/destruction
  • Client-directed disposition
• Ensure returned products are accurately matched to the appropriate SKU, order, RMA, serial number, lot, or other identifying information.
• Reconcile physical returns against expected returns and client-provided documentation.
• Investigate discrepancies involving missing, excess, unidentified, or improperly returned merchandise.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for returns and inventory disposition.
• Work with clients to establish and maintain client-specific returns procedures and disposition requirements.
• Monitor return processing turnaround time and inventory aging.

Client & Customer Support

• Partner with client representatives to establish inventory control procedures and performance expectations.
• Provide inventory reports, reconciliations, and analysis as requested by clients.
• Investigate and respond to client inventory discrepancies and inquiries.
• Participate in client business reviews and operational meetings as required.
• Ensure client-specific SOPs and inventory requirements are understood and followed by warehouse personnel.

Inventory Reporting & Analysis

• Develop and maintain inventory accuracy and performance reporting.
• Monitor established Inventory KPIs

Leadership & Operations

• Lead, train, coach, and develop inventory control and returns personnel.
• Establish clear expectations for productivity, accuracy, safety, and adherence to SOPs.
• Coordinate inventory activities with receiving, picking, packing, shipping, and warehouse management teams.
• Ensure inventory personnel maintain accurate and timely transactions.
• Participate in staffing, scheduling, performance evaluations, and disciplinary processes as appropriate.
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, warehouse processes, and returns processing.
• Conduct root-cause analysis for recurring inventory discrepancies.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Standardize processes across clients where appropriate while maintaining client-specific requirements.
• Assist with warehouse process changes, new client implementations, SKU onboarding, and operational transitions.
• Support Lean, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Inventory Accuracy: Target ≥ 99.5% or client-specific requirement
• Cycle Count Accuracy
• Inventory Adjustment Rate
• Inventory Discrepancy Resolution Time
• Returns Processing Accuracy
• Returns Processing Turnaround Time
• Inventory Aging
• Shrinkage
• Location Accuracy
• Client Inventory Claims
• WMS Transaction Accuracy
• SOP Compliance
• Employee Productivity and Accuracy

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3-5+ years of inventory control, warehouse, distribution, or 3PL experience.
• Experience managing inventory in a high-volume distribution environment.
• Experience with cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and discrepancy investigation.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System (WMS).
• Experience managing or supporting returns/Reverse Logistics operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Excel/data analysis skills.
• Ability to manage multiple clients with different inventory requirements and SOPs.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred

• Experience in a multiclient 3PL environment.
• Experience with Manhattan, Logiwa, or comparable WMS platforms.
• Experience with serialized, lot-controlled, or high-value inventory.
• Experience with EDI/API or other system integrations.
• Experience developing inventory KPIs and operational dashboards.
• Experience with client implementations and warehouse process design.
• Experience with reverse logistics and RMA processes.
• APICS/ASCM, CPIM, or related certification.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Microsoft Excel - advanced formulas, PivotTables, lookups, data analysis
• Inventory reporting and reconciliation
• Barcode/RF scanning systems
• RMA and returns systems
• ERP/WMS integrations
• Data analysis and KPI reporting
• Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a warehouse/distribution center environment.
• Ability to regularly walk throughout the facility and inspect inventory and operational areas.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move inventory/materials in accordance with company safety procedures.
• Ability to work in areas subject to varying temperatures and warehouse conditions.