Inventory Manager

First Search Inc.; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing firm is seeking a Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager to oversee inventory and optimize yard operations. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain and have 7–12+ years of relevant experience, particularly in steel and heavy manufacturing. Responsibilities include developing yard layouts, ensuring material availability for production, and enforcing safety standards. This role offers an opportunity to lead teams in a dynamic environment focused on continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 7–12+ years of experience in yard operations, inventory control, or manufacturing logistics.
• Background in steel, pipe, or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience with steel plates, coils, and large‑diameter pipe.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain optimized yard layouts for various steel products.
• Ensure efficient movement of materials from storage to production.
• Lead cycle counts, physical inventories, and variance resolution.

Skills

Operational planning and execution

Strong communication

People leadership

Safety-first mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics

Tools

ERP systems (SAP preferred)

Job description

Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager is responsible for planning, controlling, and optimizing raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory-including steel coils, plates, and pipe products—across yard and storage operations.

This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective material flow, supports uninterrupted production, and improves yard utilization, inventory accuracy, and dispatch readiness in alignment with production schedules, logistics requirements, and customer delivery commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Yard Planning & Layout Management

• Develop and maintain optimized yard layouts for steel coils, plates (LSAW and specialty grades), pipes (HFI / ERW / LSAW), finished goods, and dispatch zones.
• Ensure efficient movement of materials from storage to production with minimal handling and congestion.
• Coordinate stacking, segregation, and accessibility based on grade, size, and production priority.

Inventory Management & Control

• Own inventory accuracy for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
• Maintain real-time inventory visibility using ERP and WMS systems.
• Lead cycle counts, physical inventories, and variance resolution.
• Ensure FIFO compliance, heat traceability, and proper material identification.

Production & Dispatch Coordination

• Partner daily with production planning, coating, quality, and logistics teams.
• Ensure timely availability of materials to support production schedules.
• Support truck, rail, and barge dispatch activities.
• Prevent production delays caused by material shortages or misplacement.

Yard Operations & Safety Leadership

• Enforce safety standards for crane operations, forklifts, and heavy material handling.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety policies.
• Conduct safety audits and implement corrective actions.
• Use ERP/WMS tools to track inventory movement, aging, and dwell time.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to inventory accuracy, yard utilization, damage, and dispatch performance.
• Lead Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support automation and digital improvement efforts within yard operations.
• Lead yard planners, inventory controllers, and yard supervisors.
• Set performance expectations, accountability, and development plans.
• Train teams on safety standards, systems, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.

Experience

• 7–12+ years of experience in yard operations, inventory control, or manufacturing logistics.
• Background in steel, pipe, or heavy manufacturing environments.
• Hands‑on experience with steel plates, coils, and large‑diameter pipe.
• ERP system experience (SAP preferred).
• Familiarity with rail, truck, and barge logistics.
• Strong operational planning and execution skills
• Deep understanding of steel plate and pipe handling
• Safety‑first leadership mindset
• Strong communication and people leadership skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Reduced material handling and rehandling