Overview
Salary: $92,151 - $141,739
The Inventory Optimization Manager is a critical role within our contract logistics operations, responsible for optimizing warehouse floor layout and slotting strategies to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and improve overall productivity. This role requires a data-driven individual with a strong understanding of warehouse operations, slotting methodologies, and material handling equipment. The Inventory Optimization Manager will analyze data, develop and implement slotting plans, and collaborate with various teams to ensure seamless execution and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Inventory Optimization: Develop and implement data-driven slotting strategies based on product velocity (historical and forecast), size, weight, and other relevant factors to minimize travel time, improve picking accuracy, and maximize space utilization.
- Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data related to inventory, order profiles, picking patterns, and other relevant metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop effective slotting solutions.
- Continuous Improvement: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to slotting effectiveness, such as picking productivity, put-away efficiency, and inventory accuracy. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement changes to optimize performance.
- Project Management: Manage slotting projects from inception to completion, including planning, implementation, and follow-up. This may include coordinating with vendors for new equipment or racking.
- Warehouse Layout Design: Design and optimize warehouse floor layouts to facilitate efficient picking paths, flow of goods, minimize congestion, and accommodate future growth. This includes considering storage media, material handling equipment, and traffic patterns.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including receiving, shipping, inventory control, and IT, to ensure seamless execution of slotting plans and resolve any issues that may arise.
- Material Handling Equipment Optimization: Evaluate and recommend appropriate material handling equipment to support efficient slotting and warehouse operations.
- Safety & Compliance: Ensure all slotting and warehouse layout designs comply with safety regulations and company policies.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to slotting strategies, warehouse layouts, and performance metrics.
- Training: Provide training to warehouse personnel on new slotting procedures and best practices.
Qualifications
Minimum Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred.
- Proven experience (typically 3-5 years) in slotting optimization and warehouse layout design within a contract logistics or distribution environment.
- Strong understanding of warehouse operations, slotting methodologies (e.g., ABC analysis, velocity-based slotting), and material handling equipment.
- Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
- Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education & Certifications:
- Advanced Degree: Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt: A Black Belt signifies a higher level of expertise in process improvement methodologies.
- APICS Certifications: Certifications like Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
- Experience:
- 5+ Years of Experience: 5 or more years of progressive experience in slotting optimization and warehouse layout design.
- Experience with Specific WMS: Experience with specific WMS platforms used by the company would be a significant advantage.
- Project Management Experience: Demonstrated success in leading and managing complex warehouse optimization projects.
- Experience with Automation: Experience with warehouse automation technologies (e.g., AS/RS, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics).
- Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced Data Analysis Skills: Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python).
- Simulation Software Experience: Experience with warehouse simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Arena).
- Strong Business Acumen: Understanding the financial impact of inventory optimization decisions.
- Excellent Communication & Collaboration Skills: Ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts.
- Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to identify and solve complex warehouse operational challenges.
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment:
Warehouse and office environment with exposure to moving equipment and automation systems. May require occasional travel to other facilities for process improvement projects or training.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.
Benefits
Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1st of the month following start date
- 401k with a company match
- Standard 10 days PTO
- Eligible for bonus plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much more.
Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.
About Yusen Logistics (Americas)
Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.
www.yusen-logistics.com/
Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. values each individual employee and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.
Los Angeles County Only: Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.