Hunter Campbell’s Mastering Supply Chain Series profiles roles within the Supply Chain job family, including jobs in demand, wages, and employment prospects.
In this article, the role of Inventory Manager is in the spotlight.
Purpose of the Role
An Inventory Manager is typically a senior stakeholder within the supply chain, responsible for maintaining accurate inventory systems to ensure optimal stock levels meet sales demand. The role can vary depending on the business type; for example, a manufacturing business requires management of both raw materials and finished goods, whereas an import and distribution business focuses solely on finished products.
The role of the Inventory Manager is evolving to become more strategic, technology-driven, and environmentally conscious. Embracing these changes offers opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, achieve sustainability goals, and adapt to the shifting demands of the supply chain industry.
Recruitment Forecast
The role of Inventory Managers remains essential, driven by the growth of e-commerce, the demand for efficient logistics, and advancements in inventory management technologies like automation and data analytics. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who can effectively manage inventory levels and help mitigate risks.
Career Prospects
Career prospects for Inventory Managers can vary widely depending on the industry and company size. In high-growth organisations, we often see Inventory Managers advance to roles such as Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, or S&OP Manager, expanding their professional development and career trajectory. Typically, progression into these senior roles is supported by prior experience in planning positions—such as supply, demand, or production planning—complemented by a solid foundation in inventory management to round out the skillset needed for leadership positions.
Qualifications
The pathways to becoming an Inventory Manager varies greatly, with no single set path. Many professionals work their way up through a business or industry, often starting in roles from stores or Logistics Coordinator before moving into an inventory-focused position. Others may follow a more structured path, progressing from Inventory Administrator to Inventory Controller, and stepping up into position management.
Increasingly, corporate organisations are offering graduate programmes, where graduates gain broad experience across various the business before selecting a specific career path, such as Inventory Management. Graduates entering these programmess often hold degrees in fields such as Supply Chain Management or Business Studies.
For those without a formal background in supply chain managaement, the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) course offered by NZPICS provides valuable skills and is an excellent qualification for candidates looking to build expertise in inventory and supply chain management.
Key Skills Required
A great Inventory Manager possesses a broad skill set, as businesses often combine inventory functions with roles like Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, or Warehouse Manager, requiring them to juggle responsibilities beyond inventory management.
Key skills for success include:
- Strong numerical and analytical abilities, with proficiency in systems, Excel, and data analysis.
- Leadership skills to develop and guide team members in roles like Inventory Administrator and Inventory Controller.
- Problem-solving expertise, essential for navigating complexities and making sound, adaptive decisions.
- Effective communication with key stakeholders, such as the S&OP team, to align inventory decisions with broader business goals.
- Financial acumen to balance inventory levels with cash flow, making strategic decisions on stock holding.
Salary Guide
This information is anecdotal and based on roles Hunter Campbell is currently recruiting or has previously recruited and relate to base salaries. They do not include any additional bonuses or benefits.
- Inventory Administrator: $70,000 – $85,000
- Inventory Controller: $80,000 – $95,000
- Inventory Manager: $90,000 – $140,000
The salary guides for Inventory Administrator and Inventory Controller positions are provided to illustrate potential progression for candidates who choose to remain within inventory-focused roles. Inventory Managers may also transition from other areas of the supply chain, such as planning or logistics. Pinpointing exact salaries at the management level can be challenging, as factors like company size, the nature of the business (manufacturing versus import/distribution), and people leadership responsibilities play significant roles in compensation. In large corporate settings, for example, Inventory Managers overseeing multiple sites and extensive SKU ranges may command salaries exceeding $140,000.
If you would like to find out more about the role of a Transport Manager, please contact consultant Joe Francis. Joe specialises in the recruitment of Supply Chain, Distribution and Logistics.. For more news and views, visit our website by clicking here, see what opportunities we have available here or follow us on LinkedIn.
