Inventory manager vs inventory supervisor

The differences between inventory managers and inventory supervisors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an inventory manager and an inventory supervisor. Additionally, an inventory manager has an average salary of $62,768, which is higher than the $48,890 average annual salary of an inventory supervisor.

The top three skills for an inventory manager include PET, direct reports and customer service. The most important skills for an inventory supervisor are customer service, business relationships, and work ethic.

Inventory manager vs inventory supervisor overview

	Inventory Manager	Inventory Supervisor
Yearly salary	$62,768	$48,890
Hourly rate	$30.18	$23.50
Growth rate	-6%	-3%
Number of jobs	30,717	37,501
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	6	6

What does an inventory manager do?

An inventory manager is responsible for supervising the overall inventory operations, monitoring supplies and materials, and checking the accuracy of data reports from the inventory associates. Inventory managers' duties include validating stock levels using record software tools, determining the availability of stocks for purchase orders, inspecting the incoming and outgoing shipments, and addressing product concerns by communicating with suppliers and third-party vendors. An inventory manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the staff's performance and manage customers' inquiries and complaints.

What does an inventory supervisor do?

An inventory supervisor is responsible for monitoring the productivity of staff and managing the adequacy of inventories in a warehouse or distribution center settings. Inventory supervisors inspect the stability and efficiency of the equipment and machinery for the manufacturing processes to ensure its working condition that would prevent operational delays and avoid potential hazards. They also strategize in the supply chain management, oversee shipment details, and negotiate with material suppliers and third-party vendors for cost-reduction opportunities.

Inventory manager vs inventory supervisor salary

Inventory managers and inventory supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Inventory Manager	Inventory Supervisor
Average salary	$62,768	$48,890
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $91,000	Between $34,000 And $69,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	Washington	New York
Best paying company	NVIDIA	Schneider Electric Industrial Services
Best paying industry	Retail	Retail

Differences between inventory manager and inventory supervisor education

There are a few differences between an inventory manager and an inventory supervisor in terms of educational background:

	Inventory Manager	Inventory Supervisor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 54%	Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Inventory manager vs inventory supervisor demographics

Here are the differences between inventory managers' and inventory supervisors' demographics:

	Inventory Manager	Inventory Supervisor
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%	Male, 70.2% Female, 29.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 13.1% Asian, 8.5% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 5.3% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between inventory manager and inventory supervisor duties and responsibilities

Inventory manager example responsibilities.

Accomplish and operate MRP and produce purchasing orders to optimize inventories of materials and supplies necessary to achieve production demands.
Manage a wide variety of customer service and administrative software such as TallyWizard and QuickBooks.
Manage control measures to ensure mistakes, inaccuracies and discrepancies are highlight, addressed and resolve.
Manage credit control, monthly reconciliations, management analysis and internal control.
Reduce new parts inventory and increase cash flow level each year with JIT deliveries.
Create and implement numerous processes, reports, and indicators for MRO inventory management.

Inventory supervisor example responsibilities.

Focuse on achieving continuous improvement through successful adoption of world-class global logistics methodologies and solutions.
Enter POs and assist with picking when necessary.
Provide customers with accurate inventory information using RF units and physical, manual counts.
Play key role in the implementation of radio frequency (RF) scanners to record production.
Assist with start-up of the buffer warehouse, creating bin locations, assigning materials, and WMS troubleshooting/training.
Entrust in teaching the art of sales, POS training, building the optimal showroom and company culture.

Inventory manager vs inventory supervisor skills

Common inventory manager skills

PET, 75%
Direct Reports, 4%
Customer Service, 4%
Inventory Control, 2%
Logistics, 2%
Manage Inventory, 2%

Common inventory supervisor skills

Customer Service, 46%
Business Relationships, 17%
Work Ethic, 16%
WIS, 5%
Inventory Control, 1%
Store Management, 1%

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Inventory Manager
Inventory Manager vs Inventory Supervisor

Updated January 8, 2025

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