Inventory Control Supervisor

Status: Exempt (salaried)                                                                  

Department: Operations

Position Summary

The Inventory Control Supervisor will directly and indirectly drive best practices for inventory management and controls throughout Plug facilities. This person will be a strong, motivational leader who will be responsible for building and supporting the team that is responsible for cycle counting, identifying discrepancies, examining, and investigating misidentified or out of balance items utilizing root cause analysis then assisting in finding necessary preventive measures to assure there are no re-occurrences. The ideal candidate for this role will be comfortable working with cross-functional teams (Quality, Engineering, Warehouse, Production, Logistics, Purchasing, and Planning) to ensure inventory control practices are being followed and assist in continuous improvement initiatives to resolve process issues related to material management, warehousing, and manufacturing practices. The ideal candidate for this position will work effectively in the coordination of efforts within a technology manufacturing operation while possessing the ability to help drive efficiency and accuracy across the company. This position is expected to always represent Plug Power with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. 

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Build a strong, motivated team capable of consistently delivering high quality performance with exceptional communication with a focus of ensuring compliance to cycle counts and inventory management procedures.

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Assist in maintaining accurate inventory counts by overseeing daily cycle counts of locations and parts; monitoring put-away activities; monitoring and maintaining data consistency between databases; and research inventory discrepancies found during picking/put-away, shipping and receiving activities as well as supervising and/or perform system adjustments based on cycle counts or inventory audits.

• Align objectives and projects between inventory control and other stakeholders at the warehouse (warehouse operations, fulfillment operations, etc.) and in other departments.
• Be an advocate for systems and process enhancements to improve inventory management processes and data accuracy.
• Support the Inventory Control Analyst and Inventory Control Technician teams in identifying inventory discrepancies, researching root causes, and identifying process, systems, and training improvements.
• Be a liaison to internal and external associates regarding Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations and activities; work closely with 3PL ensuring bonded and domestic goods are properly identified, handled, and received into the zone.

• Oversee and ensure compliance of inventory control transactions in proprietary operations systems (warehouse management, inventory control, production cells) including transfers, consumptions, adjustments, goods receipt, and ensure accurate physical and financial accounting of all transactions
• Assist in ensuring established material management best practices are utilized by shadowing between jobs and working with co-workers and subordinates to determine processes being used; providing coaching or training when inventory errors exist; and leading meetings to improve processes or communicate issues in the area of Inventory Control.

• Communicate inventory anomalies to Inventory Control Manager to address inventory variances.

• Maintain proficient level of skill in picking, stocking, and replenishment for purposes of root cause analysis and process improvement initiatives.

• Coordinates site activities with Inventory Control Manager to deplete site overstock and dead inventory as well as coordinating all inventory cycle count and audit activities including year-end close physical inventories.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in inventory/supply chain related roles required. Previous leadership experience referred.
• Experience and proficiency with ERP systems; Avante/SAP experience preferred.
• Microsoft Office product experience and proficiency – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team atmosphere.
• Superior interpersonal skills and communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Role model for high standards of professionalism.
• Results-oriented and driven work style.
• Excellent task-oriented follow-through.