Key Account Manager - Inventory

Description

The Key Account Manager - Inventory is responsible for leading inventory management projects, customer inventory programs, warehouse management system (WMS) implementations, inventory optimization initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts across multiple customer accounts and operational locations. This role serves as the primary liaison between customers, operations, technology, and leadership teams to ensure inventory accuracy, process efficiency, service excellence, and successful project execution. 

The Key Account Manager - Inventory independently evaluates inventory performance, develops control strategies, manages customer implementations, and resolves complex inventory challenges. This role is accountable for driving accuracy, improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and supporting the organization's growth objectives

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management & Implementation

• Lead inventory-related projects from initiation through implementation and post-implementation review
• Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, risk assessments, and communication plans
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including operations, warehouse, transportation, customer service, information technology, and customer stakeholders
• Manage customer onboarding activities and inventory transitions into company warehouse management systems
• Lead inventory migration activities associated with acquisitions, customer implementations, warehouse consolidations, and system conversions. - Monitor project progress and proactively address project risks, issues, and resource constraints
• Prepare and present project status updates to leadership and customers
• Tracking cost and proving quotes to client and invoicing possible duties 

Inventory Management & Optimization

• Analyze inventory trends and performance metrics to identify opportunities for operational improvement
• Develop inventory control strategies to improve inventory accuracy and reduce

inventory variances

• Evaluate inventory replenishment practices and recommend inventory optimization initiatives
• Use cycle counting programs, physical inventory processes, and inventory reconciliation projects
•  Help and Suggest Conduct root cause analysis of inventory discrepancies and implement corrective action plans

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the co-primary project contact for assigned customers during implementations and inventory-related initiatives
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication and consultative support

Systems, Analytics & Reporting

•  May be asked to work with IT and Management on implementation, configuration, testing, and optimization of warehouse management systems and inventory management technologies
• Analyze inventory turnover, aging inventory, inventory carrying costs, service levels, and inventory accuracy trends
• Collaboration with technology teams on system enhancements and process improvements
• Ensure integrity and accuracy of inventory master data within company systems

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing operational excellence methodologies
• Develop and maintain inventory standard operating procedures, process maps, and work instructions
• Ensure inventory processes comply with customer requirements, contractual obligations, and company policies
• Support operational readiness and scalability for new business opportunities and customer growth

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide project leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams
• Operational personnel on inventory best practices. - Facilitate meetings, training sessions, and project reviews
• Foster collaboration among operations, technology, finance, customer service, and customer stakeholders
• Perform other duties, as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications & Skill Requirements

• High school plus experience or Bachelor degree
• 2-4 years of experience in inventory management and inventory control knowledge
• Knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory systems, and supply chain processes
• Proven project management and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities
• Ability to interpret operational data and develop actionable recommendations
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority 
• Advanced Microsoft Office with Excel expertise and reporting skills (using WMS)

Key Competencies

• Strong customer relationship management skills
• Strong business acumen and decision-making capability
• Ability to plan and effectively set priorities for implementation 
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment regarding significant operational and customer matters 
• Natural ability to multi-task in a fast-paced work setting with a strong attention to detail 
• Superior communication skills and an ability to motivate people with an emphasis on listening skills
• Extremely well organized and detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Highly motivated team player with an outgoing and positive work attitude
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills in a time-sensitive, logistics environment
• Demonstrates ability to work in a client-centric setting 
• Ability to be flexible as priorities shift 
• Consistent in follow-up and follow-through
• Credible with a high level of personal integrity
• Adaptive to ICAT’s core values 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Most work is performed indoors in an office or warehouse setting
• Flexible approach to work, due to clients’ needs and project support requirements
• Regularly use hands to type, handle, or feel
• Required to use close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception and can focus
• Must have clear, easy to understand oral communication ability
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods. 

Travel Requirement: Yes, up to 10%