Inventory Manager

New Star Lighting; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

New Star Lighting in Illinois seeks a hands-on Inventory Manager to oversee all inventory functions including raw materials, components, and finished goods while supporting production. The role combines cycle counts, ERP updates, and collaboration with purchasing, production, and warehouse teams.

Ideal candidates will have 2–7 years in manufacturing inventory, experience with ERP/MRP and Excel, and a BA/BS in related field.

Qualifications

• 2–7 years of inventory management experience in manufacturing.
• Experience in electronics, lighting, or assembly manufacturing preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Experience in a small or growing company environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory records in ERP/MRP system.
• Perform and oversee cycle counts and full physical inventories.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory levels and prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
• Establish and maintain reorder points and safety stock levels.

Skills

Inventory management

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership & training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Inventory Manager to oversee and manage all inventory functions for our growing lighting manufacturing company. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels of raw materials, electronic components, subassemblies, and finished goods while directly supporting production.

In a small company environment, this position requires both strategic planning and daily execution — from cycle counting and ERP updates to working directly with purchasing, production, and warehouse staff.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Maintain accurate inventory records in ERP/MRP system.
• Perform and oversee cycle counts and full physical inventories.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor inventory levels and prevent stockouts or overstock situations.
• Establish and maintain reorder points and safety stock levels.

Production Support

• Work closely with Production to ensure material availability for manufacturing schedules.
• Coordinate with Purchasing to replenish raw materials and key components (LED drivers, housings, lenses, wiring, hardware, etc.).
• Monitor lead times and proactively address supply risks.
• Support new product launches with proper part setup and inventory planning.

Warehouse & Material Flow

• Oversee receiving, storage, picking, and material staging for production.
• Ensure proper labeling, bin locations, and organization.
• Improve warehouse layout and material flow for efficiency.
• Enforce FIFO practices and minimize obsolete or slow-moving inventory.

Reporting & Cost Control

• Track inventory turns, aging, and carrying costs.
• Identify excess, slow-moving, or obsolete inventory and recommend actions.
• Provide regular inventory status reports to leadership.
• Support cost-saving initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.

Team Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with Purchasing, Production, and Sales.
• Provide guidance and training to warehouse staff as needed.
• Foster accountability and ownership of inventory accuracy.

Qualifications

• 2–7 years of inventory management experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience in electronics, lighting, or assembly manufacturing preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field preferred
• Strong working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Experience in a small or growing company environment is highly desirable

Skills & Competencies

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Hands-on and willing to work on the warehouse floor
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Clear communicator with cross-functional teams
• Process-improvement mindset
• Proven leadership and communication abilities