Inventory Optimization Lead - SAP & Cycle Counts

dsm-firmenich; Town of Germantown (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Health benefits

Competitive compensation

Job summary

dsm-firmenich in Germantown, WI is seeking a Sr. Specialist, Inventory to maintain accurate records, lead cycle counts, and ensure timely material availability to support continuous production.

The role collaborates with planning, operations, quality, and finance, uses SAP, and targets KPI improvements. The candidate has 5+ years of inventory experience in manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field preferred but not required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in regulated manufacturing (food, nutrition, or similar) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control practices and ERP systems (SAP highly preferred).
• Very experienced with cycle counting.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and production conditions.
• May require occasional overtime or weekend support.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods within ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Lead cycle count processes, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions.
• Optimize inventory levels (min/max, safety stock) aligned with production and supply planning.
• Ensure proper stock segmentation (e.g., quality hold, blocked, unrestricted use).
• Ensure timely availability of materials to support uninterrupted production.
• Coordinate warehouse organization, material staging, and stock rotation (FIFO/FEFO).
• Partner with planning and operations teams to align inventory with production schedules.
• Track and report KPIs such as inventory accuracy, turns, and write-offs.
• Identify and implement initiatives to reduce waste, obsolescence, and inventory carrying costs.
• Support site initiatives related to inventory optimization and process standardization.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, and audit standards.
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability for inventory transactions.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Serve as a key liaison between Warehouse, Operations, Quality, and Finance.
• Provide reporting and insights to support decision-making and financial accuracy.

Skills

Inventory management

Cycle counting

ERP systems (SAP)

Warehouse operations

Supply planning liaison

KPI reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

dsm-firmenich in Germantown, WI is seeking a Sr. Specialist, Inventory to maintain accurate records, lead cycle counts, and ensure timely material availability to support continuous production.

The role collaborates with planning, operations, quality, and finance, uses SAP, and targets KPI improvements. The candidate has 5+ years of inventory experience in manufacturing, strong analytical skills, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.