Global Inventory Manager (F/M/D) in Chew Magna

The Global Inventory Manager is responsible for developing and executing inventory strategies across a multi-site, global manufacturing network. This role ensures optimal inventory levels to support customer demand, minimize working capital, and enable efficient production and distribution of energy components. The position partners closely with supply chain, operations, procurement, and finance to drive visibility, standardization, and continuous improvement.

Functional Job Family Description

Plans and implements activities related to the timely, cost-effective procurement, inventory control, planning and quality control of production materials. Focuses resources on continuous improvement of the movement of materials through various production processes and establishes key performance metrics and benchmarks relating to supply chain planning/forecasting to measure actual performance against goals on a regular basis. Ensures the availability of materials in the supply chain, as scheduled, and the maintenance of inventory at minimum acceptable levels. Responsible for sourcing and supplying raw materials. Coordinates and integrates the flow of materials and information among suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and customers. Identifies and recommends opportunities for improving efficiency, effectiveness and capabilities of the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Global Inventory Strategy
  • Make recommendations and implement global inventory policies, targets, and governance (e.g., safety stock, reorder points, segmentation).
  • Balance service levels, cost, and risk across regions and product lines.
  • Lead inventory optimization initiatives using data analytics and forecasting inputs.
• Inventory Planning & Control
  • Oversee inventory levels across plants, warehouses, and distribution centers globally.
  • Monitor and manage key metrics: inventory turns, DOH (days on hand), excess & obsolete (E&O), and service levels.
  • Ensure alignment between demand planning, supply planning, and production scheduling.
• S&OP / IBP Integration
  • Act as the inventory SME within S&OP / Integrated Business Planning processes.
  • Translate demand and supply variability into inventory strategies and buffers.
  • Provide scenario analysis and risk mitigation plans.
• Network & Material Flow Optimization
  • Optimize inventory positioning across the global network (plants, hubs, regional DCs).
  • Support footprint changes, new product introductions, and ramp‑ups as requested.
  • Improve material flow and reduce lead times.
• Systems & Data Management
  • Ensure data accuracy across ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
  • Drive standardization of inventory parameters and master data governance.
  • Implement digital tools for inventory visibility and analytics.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Procurement on supplier lead times and MOQ impacts.
  • Work with Operations to align production cadence and inventory buffers.
  • Collaborate with Finance on working capital targets and reporting as requested.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Lead initiatives to reduce excess and obsolete inventory.
  • Drive Lean / Six Sigma projects focused on inventory efficiency.
  • Establish best practices and standard work across global sites.

Experience Competencies & Skills

• 7+ years of progressive experience in global supply planning, production planning, or materials management.
• Demonstrated experience in multi‑site and multi‑region planning environments.
• Strong influence skills in matrix organizations without direct authority.
• Advanced experience in supply‑demand balancing, capacity planning, and inventory optimization.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or related discipline.

Key Interfaces

• Global Supply Chain & Planning Teams
• Plant Operations & Manufacturing Leaders
• Procurement / Strategic Sourcing
• Finance (FP&A, Controlling)
• Logistics & Distribution

Work Environment

Global role with regular interaction across regions (Americas, EMEA, APAC). Travel required (~20–30%).