Director of Inventory Management
Operations | Bannockburn, IL | Full Time | From $170,000 to $190,000 per year
About Us:
Champro® is a privately-owned sporting goods and apparel manufacturer that has been in business for 30+ years. We deliver high-value, traditional & innovative athletic equipment and apparel via outstanding, integrity-driven customer service. Our business philosophy is focused on our customers and we take pride in providing them with the best overall values in team sports products.
Position:
The Director of Inventory Management is a pivotal leadership role within CHAMPRO, responsible for strategic planning, execution, and optimization of inventory processes across the organization. This role requires a seasoned professional with a proven track record in inventory management. The successful candidate will demonstrate a results-oriented approach, collaborating with cross- functional teams, including Product Management, Sales, Sourcing, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing, and Finance, to leverage an established sales and operations planning culture for aligning inventory strategies with business objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
· Ensure optimal inventory levels, while controlling cost and global supply chain efficiency to ensure absolute reliability of product for customers and manufacturing.
· Develop and implement strategies to control months on hand (days of supply), inventory turns, in-stock percent, and fill-rate.
· Monitor and optimize inventory levels from beginning to end of product lifecycles, minimizing excess/obsolete stock and carrying costs.
· Leverage data analytics to lead demand planning for Material Requirements Planning, including forecast accuracy and monthly outlier correction.
· Identify and implement inventory control best practices to improve accuracy and efficiency.
· Collaborate with procurement and global suppliers to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure on-time replenishment of raw materials and finished goods.
· Partner with Sourcing to negotiate terms with vendors and optimize purchasing strategies.
· Work closely with logistics teams to streamline warehouse and distribution operations to ensure high fill rate to customers.
· Utilize Oracle NetSuite (ERP), Koerber Edge (WMS), Vendor Portal, Business Intelligence tools, and other technologies to enhance inventory visibility and key performance indicator reporting.
· Identify supply and demand process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce cost.
· Implement automation and AI-driven solutions to enhance forecast and inventory accuracy.
· Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing inventory management team in a high-growth environment.
· Ensure compliance with global industry regulations and company policies.
· Develop and present inventory reports, KPIs, and insights to executive leadership.
Qualifications & Skills:
· Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, operations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
· 7+ years of experience in inventory management and/or supply chain, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
· Strong knowledge of warehouse inventory control principles, supply planning, and demand planning.
· Proficiency in ERP systems, inventory management software, and data analytics tools.
· Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
· Ability to influence cross-functional teams at all levels.
· Experience in wholesale, retail, or manufacturing industries preferred.
· Six Sigma, Lean, or other advanced certification(s) preferred.
Company Culture:
We are proud to offer eligible associates a full-range of benefits including medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability, 401K, Profit Sharing, paid time off, holidays, and reimbursement toward gym membership fees. A collaborative atmosphere working together to exceed our customers’ expectations, as well as, an Equal Opportunity Employer bringing together diverse individuals to develop new and innovative solutions.