Lead Specialist, Inventory Control

Role Summery:

The Lead Specialist, Inventory Control oversees inventory management processes to optimize stock levels, minimize losses, and ensure accurate record-keeping across warehouses or facilities. This role develops and implements inventory control policies, conducts audits, and analyzes discrepancies to improve operational efficiency. The lead specialist collaborates with supply chain, finance, and warehouse teams to align inventory practices with business goals. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in inventory management systems (e.g., ERP, WMS) are essential. The position drives continuous improvement in inventory accuracy and cost-effectiveness while ensuring compliance with company standards.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Inventory Strategy: Develop and implement inventory control policies/procedures to optimize stock levels and minimize obsolescence or shortages.
• System Management: Oversee ERP/WMS systems to ensure accurate real-time inventory tracking and data integrity across all locations.
• Audit Leadership: Conduct regular cycle counts, physical audits, and reconciliations to maintain ≥98% inventory accuracy.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Investigate and resolve variances, root causes, and reporting gaps with corrective action plans.
• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies in inventory workflows and lead initiatives to enhance speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with procurement, logistics, and finance to align inventory levels with demand forecasts.
• Loss Prevention: Implement measures to reduce shrinkage, theft, or damage through audits and security protocols.
• Team Training: Train warehouse staff on inventory best practices, system usage, and compliance with SOPs.
• Obsolete Stock Management: Monitor slow-moving/expired items and coordinate liquidation or write-off processes.
• Supplier Coordination: Work with vendors to address discrepancies in inbound shipments and ensure accurate receipts.
• Technology Integration: Evaluate and recommend inventory tools (RFID, barcode scanners) to modernize tracking capabilities.
• Budget Support: Assist finance in inventory valuation, cost analysis, and annual budgeting for stock holdings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to industry standards (ISO, SOX) and internal audit requirements.
• Project Leadership: Spearhead inventory-related projects (system upgrades, warehouse expansions) from planning to execution.

Qualification & Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business commerce or cost accounting finance, business administration or tax or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of financial cost accounting experience in relevant work experience preferably in the manufacturing industry.
• Sound knowledge of International Accounting (IAS) and financial reporting standards (IFRS).
• Good knowledge of the company’s products

Skills:

• Systems Proficiency: Advanced skills in ERP (SAP), WMS, and inventory tracking tools (barcode systems).
• Audit Expertise: Proven experience conducting physical counts, cycle audits, and reconciling discrepancies.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to interpret inventory data, KPIs (turnover, shrinkage), and forecast demand trends.
• Process Improvement: Track record of optimizing inventory workflows and reducing costs/waste.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with compliance standards (SOX, ISO, GMP) for inventory accuracy and reporting.
• Leadership: Experience training teams, coordinating cross-functional projects, and driving accountability.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot stock issues, root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Communication: Clear reporting/presentation skills for stakeholders at all levels.

Professional Certifications:

Professional Accounting qualification CMA, ACCA,CFA, MBA or CPA.