Inventory Manager

Job Summary We are looking for an experienced Inventory Management Head / Senior Inventory Manager to oversee inventory operations across raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-progress and finished goods at our Chikhli manufacturing facility. The candidate will be responsible for maintaining optimal inventory levels, stock accuracy, warehouse coordination, material availability, inventory planning, physical stock verification, ageing control and inventory cost optimisation. The ideal candidate should have strong experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, consumer goods or other high-volume manufacturing environments and be comfortable coordinating closely with Production, Procurement, Warehouse, Sales, Accounts and Supply Chain teams. Key Responsibilities Inventory Management Take overall responsibility for inventory planning, control and accuracy across the plant. Manage inventory of raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-progress and finished goods. Maintain optimal inventory levels based on production requirements, demand and supply schedules. Monitor stock levels and identify excess, shortage, slow-moving and non-moving inventory. Ensure timely availability of materials required for uninterrupted production. Develop and maintain appropriate inventory norms, minimum/maximum stock levels and reorder levels. Monitor inventory turnover and identify opportunities to improve working capital efficiency. Raw Material & Packaging Inventory Coordinate with Procurement and Production teams to ensure availability of raw materials and packaging materials. Monitor material consumption against production plans and standard requirements. Track material receipts, issues, transfers and consumption. Identify shortages, excess consumption, wastage and discrepancies. Ensure proper storage and handling of food-grade raw materials and packaging materials. Monitor expiry and shelf-life of applicable materials. Finished Goods Inventory Monitor finished goods stock across warehouses and dispatch locations. Coordinate with Production and Logistics teams to ensure smooth movement of finished goods. Ensure finished goods are stored and managed according to FIFO/FEFO principles wherever applicable. Monitor finished goods ageing and identify slow-moving or ageing products. Coordinate with Sales and Logistics teams to align inventory with dispatch requirements. Ensure accurate recording of stock transfers, dispatches and returns. Stock Accuracy & Reconciliation Ensure accurate physical and system inventory records. Conduct regular physical stock counts and cycle counts. Investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical stock and ERP/system records. Conduct periodic reconciliation of raw material, packaging and finished goods inventory. Identify root causes of inventory variances and implement corrective actions. Maintain proper documentation for stock adjustments and inventory movements. Warehouse Coordination Work closely with Warehouse teams to ensure proper receiving, storage, picking and issuing of materials. Ensure appropriate warehouse layout and storage practices for efficient material movement. Ensure proper identification, labelling and segregation of materials. Ensure FIFO/FEFO and batch-wise inventory practices are followed. Minimise product/material damage, pilferage and wastage. Support warehouse housekeeping, safety and process compliance. Inventory Planning & Control Prepare inventory reports based on production plans, sales requirements and material availability. Monitor consumption trends and forecast inventory requirements. Coordinate with Procurement to plan material replenishment. Highlight potential stock-out situations well in advance. Develop inventory control measures to reduce excess stock and carrying costs. Support production planning by ensuring timely availability of required materials. ERP & System Management Ensure all inventory transactions are accurately recorded in the company's ERP/system. Monitor inward, outward, issue, receipt, transfer and adjustment entries. Ensure system stock matches physical stock. Maintain accurate item masters, stock codes, units of measurement and batch information. Generate and analyse inventory reports and MIS through ERP and MS Excel. Identify opportunities for improving inventory processes through better system utilisation. Inventory Cost & Optimisation Monitor inventory holding and carrying costs. Identify opportunities to reduce excess and obsolete inventory. Monitor material wastage and consumption variances. Analyse inventory turnover and working capital utilisation. Recommend corrective actions to optimise inventory without affecting production or customer service. Support management in developing inventory budgets and control targets. Team Management Supervise and guide inventory and warehouse personnel. Allocate responsibilities and monitor day-to-day inventory activities. Train team members on inventory procedures, ERP .