Strategic Inventory Manager: Lean, Kanban and VMI

National Pride Equipment Car Wash Superstore; East Mansfield (OH); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

National Pride Equipment Car Wash Superstore is seeking an Inventory Manager to oversee inventory operations across our Mansfield, OH facilities, manufacturing cells, service areas and satellite locations.

You will lead a multi-location team, implement Kanban and VMI strategies, drive cycle counts, and partner with Purchasing to optimize stock levels, reduce waste, and improve throughput while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in supply chain management or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive inventory management experience in distribution, manufacturing, or industrial environments.
• Experience implementing lean principles and Kanban systems in manufacturing or assembly settings.
• Strong leadership experience managing warehouse, inventory, and logistics teams.
• Proficiency with ERP/inventory management systems; advanced Excel or data analysis skills.
• Familiarity with RF Smart and NetSuite is a plus.
• Knowledge of cycle counting, ABC analysis, FIFO for chemicals/perishables, and safety stock planning.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials regulations (OSHA, EPA) and safe chemical handling practices.
• Certifications such as CPIM, CSCP, Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily inventory management across all locations, including main warehouse, manufacturing cells, service parts areas, and satellite sites for chemicals, parts, and supplies.
• Lead, supervise, and develop direct reports including hiring, training, performance evaluations, scheduling, and motivation.
• Plan and execute regular cycle counts, physical inventories, and audits to maintain >98% accuracy; investigate variances and implement corrective actions.
• Lead lean inventory improvement projects to optimize picking, receiving, put-away, replenishment, and throughput.
• Design, implement, and maintain Kanban systems for manufacturing cells to enable just-in-time replenishment.
• Collaborate with purchasing to establish and manage VMI programs for hardware and small high-frequency-use parts.
• Monitor inventory levels, turnover, slow-moving/obsolete items; forecast needs with sales, manufacturing, and service teams.
• Analyze inventory data and KPIs using ERP systems; prepare reports for budgeting and cost-reduction goals.
• Ensure storage, labeling, handling, and documentation of hazardous materials per OSHA/EPA; maintain SDS and conduct safety audits.

Skills

Kanban

Leadership

ERP systems

Excel / data analysis

Cycle counting

ABC / FIFO

Hazardous materials knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

RF Smart / NetSuite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

RF Smart

NetSuite

Job description

National Pride Equipment Car Wash Superstore is seeking an Inventory Manager to oversee inventory operations across our Mansfield, OH facilities, manufacturing cells, service areas and satellite locations.

You will lead a multi-location team, implement Kanban and VMI strategies, drive cycle counts, and partner with Purchasing to optimize stock levels, reduce waste, and improve throughput while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.