What does an inventory control lead do?
An Inventory Control Lead oversees supplies in an organization, aiming to meet market demands and avoid oversupply. They perform regular inspections and assessments, review invoices and other documentation, monitor product distribution operations, and produce regular progress reports. It is their responsibility to address issues and concerns, resolve them promptly, and efficiently maintain smooth workflow operations. Moreover, an Inventory Control Lead manages different teams, encouraging them to reach goals while implementing company policies and guidelines.
Inventory control lead responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real inventory control lead resumes:
- Manage inventory and production reports through WMS for efficiency improvement opportunities.
- Work with MRP and Macola inventory systems.
- Report inventory balances and cycle counts in WMS systems.
- Cycle counted a multi-million dollar cell phone inventory using AS400.
- Work with AS400 to review and analyze computer data to ensure productivity of tires.
- Train associates on inventory procedures, product put- away, and order researching, RF scanner experience.
- Record integrity activities for manufacturing cells, using an ERP system, for electronic components and products.
- Deliver product to and from machines and the product storage system using a RF scanner and warehouse management programs.
- Plan and pull kits in the MRP system and ensuring that the orders are on accurate and on time.
- Work closely with logistics to develop more efficient ways of accepting inventory.
- Maintain professional relationship with customers and identify patients with potential need for case management services.
- Review and maintain inventory database using QuickBooks.
Inventory control lead skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Inventory Control Leads are proficient in Logistics, Inventory Adjustments, and Physical Inventory. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Inventory Control Leads that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Logistics, 15%
Implemented and maintain the Formulation department capacity plan in accordance with other logistics departments.
- Inventory Adjustments, 7%
Tracked and adjusted inventory placement, creating systematic inventory adjustments as necessary.
- Physical Inventory, 6%
Implemented and improved physical inventory process by designing a Microsoft Access database for data collection and report processing.
- Inventory Cycle Counts, 5%
Interview and train inventory associates, coach associates when necessary, assign task pertaining to inventory cycle counts or missing merchandise.
- Inventory Control Procedures, 5%
Provided education and training on inventory control procedures.
- Pallet Jack, 4%
Designated trainer for IPV equipment including: electric pallet jacks, order pickers, and forklifts.
Common skills that an inventory control lead uses to do their job include "logistics," "inventory adjustments," and "physical inventory." You can find details on the most important inventory control lead responsibilities below.
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for an inventory control lead to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "material recording clerks are frequently in contact with suppliers, vendors, or managers and need to convey their company’s needs effectively." Additionally, an inventory control lead resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "maintained open communication with hr, on behalf of staff and leads. "
Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling inventory control lead duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "material recording clerks may interact with customers in order to respond to problems or complaints." According to an inventory control lead resume, here's how inventory control leads can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "work with erp system on a multitude of levels ranging from customer work orders to inventory control. "
Detail oriented. This is an important skill for inventory control leads to perform their duties. For an example of how inventory control lead responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "material and product inspecting clerks must pay attention to detail when checking items for defects, some of which are small and difficult to spot." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an inventory control lead: "run a series of inventory reports on daily, weekly, or monthly basis and perform detailed analysis on dvd performance. ".
Math skills. A big part of what inventory control leads do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to inventory control lead responsibilities because "material recording clerks may need to calculate shipping costs or take measurements." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical inventory control lead tasks: "have to use quick math strategies in order to raise work productivity. "
The three companies that hire the most inventory control leads are:
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Compare different inventory control leads
Inventory control lead vs. Materials planner
Usually working in a manufacturing setting, a materials planner's role is to manage the supply flow and inventory of materials. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with vendors and other external agencies, processing purchase orders, monitoring the quality of supplies to ensure it is according to the standards, and coordinating with various teams to learn their needs. Furthermore, as a planner, it is essential to devise strategies to resolve any issues, all while adhering to the company's policies and standards.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between inventory control leads and materials planner. For instance, inventory control lead responsibilities require skills such as "inventory adjustments," "inventory cycle counts," "inventory control procedures," and "pallet jack." Whereas a materials planner is skilled in "supply chain," "customer service," "material planning," and "continuous improvement." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Materials planners really shine in the automotive industry with an average salary of $69,067. Comparatively, inventory control leads tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $55,732.On average, materials planners reach similar levels of education than inventory control leads. Materials planners are 2.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control lead vs. Material coordinator
A material coordinator is in charge of processing requisitions and ensuring that all departments receive necessary goods and materials within a company. Aside from this, they must maintain positive engagements with vendors, suppliers, and business partners, negotiate contracts, manage schedules of deliveries, and prioritize cost-efficient goods. It is also a material coordinator's responsibility to keep an accurate record of inventory, secure sensitive data, and coordinate with all departments to ensure that all transactions are efficient and precise.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that inventory control lead responsibilities requires skills like "inventory adjustments," "inventory cycle counts," "inventory control procedures," and "rf." But a material coordinator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "inventory control," "production schedules," and "data entry."
On average, material coordinators earn a lower salary than inventory control leads. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, material coordinators earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $41,571. Whereas inventory control leads have higher pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $55,732.material coordinators earn similar levels of education than inventory control leads in general. They're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control lead vs. Production planner
Production planners or schedulers are employees who take charge of the timeliness and accuracy of the production process. The planners develop production schedules which detail the tasks that need to be done to meet the set completion date. They emphasize the goods and materials necessary in the production phase. It is their job to make sure that the working space is well-maintained for optimal performance. They also manage the flow of information during production.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, inventory control leads are more likely to have skills like "inventory adjustments," "physical inventory," "inventory cycle counts," and "inventory control procedures." But a production planner is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "continuous improvement," "on-time delivery," and "lean manufacturing."
Production planners earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $64,353. Comparatively, inventory control leads have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $55,732.production planners typically earn similar educational levels compared to inventory control leads. Specifically, they're 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control lead vs. Planning coordinator
As planning coordinators, there are certain skills that this job requires to accomplish their responsibilities. They mostly work at the non-profits and health care facilities. Working as planning coordinators, it is expected that your communication skills are good, excellent customer service skills, and detail-oriented. Moreover, as a planning coordinator, part of their job is to focus on patient care, treatment plans, and medical records. This job is complex, and it's not limited to patient care but also managing financial statements and providing good customer service throughout.
Types of inventory control lead
Updated January 8, 2025
