What does an inventory specialist manager do?
In warehouses, an inventory specialist manager is in charge of developing strategies to optimize a company's supply chain and inventory operations. They typically perform research and analysis to identify the best practices, gather and analyze data, liaise with internal and external parties, control and monitor the flow of materials, and address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
Inventory specialist manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real inventory specialist manager resumes:
- Manage and run the candy store.
- Manage social media networks for increase public visibility through Facebook.
- Reconcile daily sales, resolving discrepancies with POS transactions and corresponding with corporate office daily.
- Key team member for development of ISO policies and procedures for inventory and production line.
- Develop relevant KPI metrics to monitor inventory levels.
- Provide MRP implementation expertise as it relate to production and operations management.
- Monitor application of planning and replenishment/inventory management policies and procedures for consistent and effective utilization of ERP system.
- Prepare and recommend comprehensive plans for short-range logistics programs which include analyzing potential issues and identifying project requirements and needs.
- Facilitate safety training meetings and exercises using Microsoft PowerPoint to help employees understand the potential safety hazards in their work environment.
- Receipt of products input into QuickBooks.
- Lead a team of in home geek squad agents that have the highest productivity in the company.
Inventory specialist manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 45% of Inventory Specialist Managers are proficient in Project Management, Customer Service, and Direct Reports. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Leadership skills, and Management skills.
We break down the percentage of Inventory Specialist Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 45%
Utilized project management skills such as: job costing, material planning, logistics, projections and forecasting.
- Customer Service, 15%
Provided supplemental customer service and clerical support including heavy-level phones and drafting correspondence for high-ranking management.
- Direct Reports, 8%
Managed high-grossing volume flagship store with over 20 direct reports.
- ERP, 7%
Monitored application of planning and replenishment/inventory management policies and procedures for consistent and effective utilization of ERP system.
- Loss Prevention, 2%
Prepare store for District Manager and the District Loss Prevention Manager's audit.
- POS, 2%
Reconciled daily sales, resolving discrepancies with POS transactions and corresponding with corporate office daily.
"project management," "customer service," and "direct reports" are among the most common skills that inventory specialist managers use at work. You can find even more inventory specialist manager responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an inventory specialist manager to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." Inventory specialist managers often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provided excellent verbal and written communication to management, customers, supply vendors, and other government agencies when necessary. "
Leadership skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling inventory specialist manager duties is leadership skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." According to an inventory specialist manager resume, here's how inventory specialist managers can utilize leadership skills in their job responsibilities: "received recognition from senior leadership for leadership, due diligence and proper project management. "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what inventory specialist managers do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to inventory specialist manager responsibilities because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical inventory specialist manager tasks: "provided customer support for materials inquiries; resolved billing discrepancies; tracked open orders for timely deliveries. "
Time-management skills. Another common skill required for inventory specialist manager responsibilities is "time-management skills." This skill comes up in the duties of inventory specialist managers all the time, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." An excerpt from a real inventory specialist manager resume shows how this skill is central to what an inventory specialist manager does: "projected and placed purchase orders on time for manufacturing of goods. "
The three companies that hire the most inventory specialist managers are:
Compare different inventory specialist managers
Inventory specialist manager vs. Manager, center operations
The duties of a manager of center operations depend on one's industry of employment. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around overseeing business operations, setting targets, assessing the workforce's performance, and performing corrective measures on any issues or concerns. Moreover, there are also instances where they have to produce progress reports, devise strategies for optimal business performance, delegate tasks, and even manage the budget. As a manager, it is crucial to lead and encourage the team to reach goals and sales targets while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between inventory specialist managers and manager, center operations. For instance, inventory specialist manager responsibilities require skills such as "customer service," "mental health," "erp," and "loss prevention." Whereas a manager, center operations is skilled in "process improvement," "infrastructure," "osha," and "standard operating procedure." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Managers, center operations really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $68,400. Comparatively, inventory specialist managers tend to make the most money in the energy industry with an average salary of $120,114.The education levels that managers, center operations earn slightly differ from inventory specialist managers. In particular, managers, center operations are 4.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an inventory specialist manager. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory specialist manager vs. Manager
Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department. Managers are responsible that the department they are handling is functioning well. They set the department goals and the steps they must take to achieve the goals. They are also in charge of assessing the performance of their departments and their employees. Additionally, managers are responsible for interviewing prospective candidates for department vacancies and assessing their fit to the needs of the department. Managers also set the general working environment in the department, and they are expected to ensure that their employees remain motivated.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that inventory specialist manager responsibilities requires skills like "project management," "mental health," "erp," and "government agencies." But a manager might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "payroll," "food safety," "financial statements," and "management."
Managers earn a lower average salary than inventory specialist managers. But managers earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $71,781. Additionally, inventory specialist managers earn the highest salaries in the energy with average pay of $120,114 annually.In general, managers achieve similar levels of education than inventory specialist managers. They're 0.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory specialist manager vs. Day manager
A day manager oversees the daily operations of an organization, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently according to company standards and regulations. As a day manager, it is their duty to set priorities and goals, establish timelines and guidelines, manage budgets, delegate responsibilities among teams, and supervise staff performances, solving issues or concerns when any arise. They are also responsible for coordinating with night workers or managers, developing reports as necessary. Moreover, they lead staff to reach goals and implement company regulations and policies.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from inventory specialist manager resumes include skills like "project management," "direct reports," "mental health," and "erp," whereas a day manager is more likely to list skills in "pet," "cpr," "safety standards," and "payroll. "
When it comes to education, day managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to inventory specialist managers. In fact, they're 2.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Inventory specialist manager vs. Studio manager
A studio manager is responsible for monitoring a studio's operations and managing the staff's performance and duties, depending on the industry they are employed. Studio managers ensure that the studio operations maintain maximum productivity and efficiency to provide the customers' best services and improve company profits. They also process client accounts, maintaining studio resources, and creating marketing campaigns to promote the business. A studio manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills, especially negotiating contracts with the clients and responding to their inquiries and concerns.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between inventory specialist managers and studio managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an inventory specialist manager might have more use for skills like "project management," "direct reports," "mental health," and "erp." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of studio managers require skills like "grass," "cleanliness," "yoga," and "marketing campaigns. "
In general, studio managers hold similar degree levels compared to inventory specialist managers. Studio managers are 1.4% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of inventory specialist manager
Updated January 8, 2025
