Business Analytics / Inventory Manager

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Crucial in leveraging data insights to optimize the management of raw materials (including perishables), packaging materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory, while minimizing waste and ensuring product freshness and regulatory compliance. Responsible for in-depth analysis of production schedules, shelf life constraints, sales forecasts, and supply chain data to develop and implement effective inventory control strategies specific to the food industry. Must possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of inventory management principles in food manufacturing, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable recommendations that improve efficiency, reduce spoilage, control costs, and ensure timely production of high-quality food products.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to raw materials (including shelf life and storage conditions), packaging materials, WIP, and finished goods inventory, production schedules, material usage, lead times, supplier performance, and spoilage/waste rates
• Establish and maintain optimal inventory levels for all inventory types, considering shelf life limitations and the need to adhere to FIFO principles to minimize waste and ensure product quality
• Analyze Bills of Materials and recipes to understand ingredient requirements, potential for substitutions, and the impact of production schedules on raw material inventory
• Collaborate closely with production planning to align inventory levels with production needs and to proactively manage inventory based on product shelf life to minimize waste
• Develop, implement, and enforce inventory control policies and procedures specific to the food industry, including strict adherence to FIFO, temperature control requirements, traceability protocols, cycle counting, and physical inventories
• Track and analyze data on product waste, spoilage, and returns to identify root causes and implement strategies to minimize losses
• Analyze inventory-related costs in food manufacturing, including raw material costs (considering price volatility and perishability), spoilage costs, and production downtime due to material issues
• Ensure inventory management practices comply with all relevant food safety regulations and traceability requirements
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) specific to food manufacturing inventory, such as spoilage rates, shelf life adherence, raw material yield, and adherence to FIFO
• Effectively utilize the manufacturing and inventory modules of the ERP system, with a strong understanding of features relevant to shelf life management, traceability, and quality control in food production
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, improve product freshness, and ensure regulatory compliance
• Collaborate closely with management in areas of procurement, production, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and sales to align inventory strategies with overall manufacturing and business objectives, considering the unique challenges of the food industry

• 3 – 5 years proven experience in inventory management or supply chain analysis, specifically within the food manufacturing industry
• Tertiary education in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Food Science, or a related quantitative field is an asset
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex food manufacturing data and generate actionable insights, considering shelf life and perishability
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, SOS Inventory, QuickBooks)
  • Significant experience with ERP systems and their inventory management and manufacturing modules, with a strong understanding of features relevant to food manufacturing (e.g., shelf life tracking, lot control, traceability).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to extract, analyze, and interpret data.
  • Extensive hands-on experience using inventory systems for inventory management, including but not limited to item setup, BOM management, order processing, and reporting
  • Solid understanding of accounting software and its integration with the inventory system, particularly regarding inventory valuation and cost of goods sold
  • Thorough understanding of inventory management principles and best practices in food manufacturing (e.g., FIFO)
  • Strong quantitative and statistical skills, including forecasting techniques relevant to food demand and shelf life
  • Knowledge of food safety regulations and traceability requirements
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate data-driven insights into areas such as manufacturing, quality, and management
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced food production environment
  • Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy, especially in managing data within the inventory system and ensuring its alignment with the accounting software

• Proactive and results-oriented with a strong focus on minimizing waste and ensuring product quality in food manufacturingAbility to multi-task and prioritize work and schedule activities so that objectives and deadlines are met and able to work with minimal direction
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of food production operations and market dynamics
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to the challenges of managing perishable goods
• Excellent critical thinking skills with a focus on identifying root causes of spoilage and inventory inefficiencies

 This Job Description reflects the principal functions and is not a detailed all inclusive description of tasks and requirements inherent in the job. This job description is to be revised periodically to remain relevant to the company’s operations.