Inventory Operations Manager

Benefits

Pulled from the full job description

Full job description

Inventory Operations Manager - Full Time

Position Title: Inventory Operations Manager

Department: Warehouse Operations

Reports To: General Manager

Location: Spokane, Washington

Job Summary

The Inventory Manager is responsible for the complete life cycle management of all physical inventory flow within the BuyWander warehouse, from initial receipt to final picking for customer orders. This role ensures the warehouse operates with maximum efficiency, organization, and safety, guaranteeing inventory accuracy is maintained across all processes. The Inventory Manager will coordinate closely with the Production Manager and the Order Fulfillment Manager to maintain a seamless flow of goods.

ResponsibilitiesInventory Receiving and Staging

• Oversee the unloading of all incoming trucks, ensuring correct and accurate receipt of goods.
• Manage the process of accurately receiving loads, attributing them to the correct manifests, and coordinating with the Production Manager on the flow of goods to be processed.
• Direct the accurate labeling and storage of all palletized inventory within the warehouse.
• Ensure all inventory is staged in correct locations and is properly labeled by Manifest.
• Master and implement Buy Wander’s proprietary inventory management system to ensure accurate tracking.

Warehouse Operations and Organization

• Adhere to and enforce 5S principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) for warehouse organization and cleanliness.
• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
• Lead the Put Away/Stowing process after grading is complete, ensuring inventory is stored accurately and efficiently.
• Oversee aisle maintenance and overall warehouse hygiene and safety.
• Conduct regular inventory scans and audits to ensure control and accuracy.
• Manage warehouse space and organization to optimize workflow.

Order Fulfillment and Picking

• Direct and lead all the Picking of customer orders each day, ensuring fast and efficient service.
• Manage the process of "Pull Waves" and ensure they are completed promptly to keep inventory flowing.
• Coordinate with the Order Fulfillment Manager to ensure picked orders are staged correctly for the Quality Assurance (QA) process.
• Maintain tight control over warehouse hygiene and procedures to ensure that the Lost Item count remains low.

Team Leadership and Equipment

• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of all warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet jacks.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to team members assigned to inventory-related tasks.
• Act as a Person-In-Charge as needed when other managers are not on duty.
• Track and report on performance metrics related to picking efficiency and inventory accuracy.

Reporting and Coordination

• Coordinate closely with the Listing Operations Manager to manage the flow of inventory into processing.
• Coordinate closely with the Order Fulfillment Manager to manage the flow of inventory out of the warehouse via picking.
• Provide regular reports to the General Manager on warehouse organization, inventory control status, safety compliance, pulling wave completion status, and picking efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a warehouse, inventory, or logistics environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing workflow, inventory, and operational processes.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Forklift certification required.
• Fluent with technology and able to use various computer and phone programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Schedule, Wage, & Benefits

• Full Time, typical hours will align with the General Manager and other department leads
• $24-29 per hour starting wage, depending on experience
• PTO, Retirement Savings Plan, Paid Holidays

Interested candidates should submit their resume to Person@.

What Success Looks Like

In this role, success means creating a warehouse operation that runs smoothly, accurately, and efficiently every day. Within the first 90 days and beyond, a successful Inventory Operations Manager will:

• Maintain high inventory accuracy (98–100%) across all systems and physical counts, with minimal discrepancies during audits
• Ensure inbound shipments are received quickly and correctly, with all inventory properly labeled, staged, and entered into the system within the same day
• Establish a clean, organized warehouse that consistently follows 5S standards and supports safe, efficient movement of goods
• Lead a reliable and efficient picking operation, where daily pull waves are completed on time and orders are consistently ready for QA without delays
• Reduce lost or missing items to near zero through strong process control and accountability
• Improve workflow efficiency by identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical process improvements
• Build and lead a dependable team, providing clear direction, training, and accountability for inventory-related tasks
• Maintain a safe work environment, with proper equipment use and adherence to safety standards at all times
• Deliver clear, consistent reporting to leadership on inventory health, operational performance, and improvement initiatives
• Collaborate effectively across departments to ensure seamless flow of inventory from receiving through fulfillment

First 30 Days: Learn & Stabilize

• Gain full understanding of BuyWander’s inventory system and warehouse workflows
• Build relationships with Production, Fulfillment, and leadership teams
• Assess current inventory accuracy, organization, and picking performance
• Identify immediate gaps in labeling, staging, and process consistency
• Ensure inbound shipments are being received and recorded correctly
• Begin reinforcing 5S standards and safety practices

Success at 30 days looks like: You understand the operation end-to-end, have identified key issues, and are actively stabilizing daily inventory flow.

Days 31–60: Optimize & Take Ownership

• Take full ownership of receiving, put-away, and picking operations
• Implement improvements in staging, labeling, and warehouse organization
• Establish consistent cycle counting or audit routines
• Improve pull wave execution and picking efficiency
• Begin tracking and reporting key metrics (accuracy, speed, errors)
• Train and align team members on expectations and standard processes

Success at 60 days looks like: Operations are more consistent, inventory errors are decreasing, and the team is aligned around clear processes.

Days 61–90: Improve & Lead

• Achieve high inventory accuracy (target 98–100%)
• Significantly reduce lost/missing items
• Optimize warehouse layout or workflow where needed
• Ensure all daily pull waves and picking goals are met reliably
• Establish a strong accountability culture within the team
• Provide clear reporting and recommendations to leadership

Success at 90 days looks like: The warehouse runs smoothly under your leadership, with strong accuracy, efficiency, and team accountability.

Pay: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Inventory management: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person