Inventory Lead

Job Description: Inventory Lead

(Multi-Location Role)

Job Summary

The Inventory Lead is responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of inventory operations across multiple locations in India, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational efficiency. This role involves developing and implementing robust inventory control procedures, managing stock levels, minimizing shrinkage, and driving cost control. The Inventory Head will lead a large team, ensure process adherence, and maintain high customer experience metrics while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Control

● Ensure accurate product inventory across all locations, including online and physical stores.

● Develop and maintain an efficient inventory tracking system to streamline business operations.

● Monitor all incoming and outgoing stock, deliveries, and goods in transit (GIT) to ensure seamless supply chain operations.

● Conduct daily analyses to forecast potential inventory issues and implement proactive solutions.

● Oversee stock management, including shrinkage control, write-offs, FEFO (First Expired, First Out), and stock variance reconciliation.

● Manage asset inventory and ensure location-wise asset ownership, recording, reconciliation, and periodic verification.

● Plan and execute inventory audits across multiple locations, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

● Perform TO/TI (Transfer Out/Transfer In) reconciliations and maintain strong control over GIT.

Process & Compliance

● Develop and implement inventory control procedures and best practices to optimize operations.

● Monitor process adherence and conduct process audits to achieve high audit scores across Pan India locations.

● Ensure compliance with inventory and supply chain regulations, including fraud assessments and reduction strategies.

● Reduce damages, expiries, pilferage, and shrinkage levels across all business functions.

● Oversee the preparation of daily, weekly, and monthly management reports, including MIS reports and inventory audit reconciliations.

● Create presentations for internal management teams and external stakeholders to communicate inventory performance and strategies.

Team Leadership & Development

● Lead and manage a large, geographically dispersed team across multiple locations in India.

● Interview, select, and onboard new team members, ensuring alignment with business requirements.

● Train and mentor regional staff on inventory processes, including receipting, restocking, and documentation.

● Conduct regular performance reviews and establish weekly/monthly review mechanisms to drive team productivity and accountability.

● Implement monthly, quarterly, and yearly rewards and recognition programs to motivate the team.

● Foster a culture of process adherence, cost control, and customer-centric operations.

Customer Experience & Business Analytics

● Maintain high customer experience metrics, including fill rate, customer complaint resolution, and process audit scores.

● Leverage business analytics to control costs and analyze stock variances across all lines of business.

● Drive data-driven decision-making to optimize inventory operations and reduce inefficiencies.

● Develop and standardize planograms based on business requirements to optimize stock placement and store layouts.

Supply Chain & Distribution

● Oversee supply chain operations, including inbound and outbound logistics and inventory management.

● Ensure effective control of distribution centers and 5K inventories.

● Conduct regular stock checks (weekly and monthly) and maintain perpetual inventory for all lines of business.

● Collaborate with the Warehouse Manager to address current stock levels and potential inventory issues.

Qualifications & Skills

Educational Requirements

● Bachelor's degree in Engineering or MBA (Master's in Business Administration).

● MBA with specialization in Supply Chain Management (SCM) from a reputed institute is preferred.

Experience

● Minimum of 15+ years of experience in inventory management, distribution, and operational procedures.

● Mandatory experience in grocery retail inventory management.

● Proven track record in managing online and physical store stock, loss prevention, and shrinkage control.

● Experience handling large, multi-location teams at a Pan India level.

● Strong background in supply chain management (inbound, outbound, and inventory operations).

Skills & Competencies

● Excellent leadership and team management skills with a focus on driving productivity and accountability.

● Strong analytical skills for cost control, data analysis, and stock variance resolution.

● Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.

● In-depth understanding of distribution center operations and inventory tracking systems.

● Ability to multitask, work independently, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

● Proficiency in inventory audits, process adherence, and compliance management.

● Knowledge of planogram development and standardization.

● Experience in fraud assessment, shrinkage control, and damage/expiry reduction strategies.

● Inventory training experience is an asset.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

● Achievement of inventory accuracy and fill rate targets.

● Reduction in shrinkage, damages, expiries, and pilferage levels.

● High process audit scores and compliance across all locations.

● Timely and accurate preparation of MIS reports and inventory reconciliations.

● Improved customer experience metrics (e.g., fill rate, reduced complaints).

● Effective team performance and productivity through regular reviews and training.

● Successful implementation of inventory tracking systems and planogram standardization.

Work Environment

● This role requires travel across multiple locations to oversee operations and conduct audits.

● The Inventory Lead will work closely with cross-functional teams, including warehouse managers, supply chain teams, and senior leadership.

● The role demands flexibility to manage high-pressure situations and meet tight deadlines.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person