R&D Inventory Manager

Job Summary

The R&D Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating inventory control operations for Atlas across both prototype build and repair teams. This role manages inventory accuracy, compliance, and team performance while ensuring transactional integrity across systems. The R&D Inventory Manager supports strategic execution of inventory processes including physical cycle counts, discrepancy resolution, audit readiness, and system alignment. This position plays a key role in improving procedures, coaching supervisors and technicians, and driving consistent inventory results in collaboration with cross-functional partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise inventory control specialists, technicians, and material handlers to ensure accurate execution of daily inventory operations, transactions, and reporting.

• Oversee physical inventory counts and cycle count programs; review variance analysis and drive process improvements.

• Ensure accurate ERP/IMS/spreadsheet inventory data through oversight of material movements, adjustments, and documentation.

• Lead inventory investigations in coordination with Finance, Quality, Operations, and IT to resolve systemic discrepancies.

• Develop team schedules, training plans, and performance standards; support career development for high-potential staff.

• Manage inventory-related compliance activities, including internal audits, regulatory requirements, and SOP enforcement.

• Monitor KPIs related to inventory accuracy, shrinkage, reconciliation timeliness, and team productivity.

• Participate in and lead inventory improvement projects including system upgrades, layout optimization, and new product transitions.

• Act as program-level inventory subject matter expert for escalation and guidance on complex operational challenges.

Core Competencies

• Execution

• Analyzes and prioritizes the varying aspects of the role, knows and/or follows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, and to consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.Drives high execution standards and ensures operational continuity through strong planning and oversight. Holds teams accountable to daily deliverables and broader inventory performance metrics.

• Collaboration

• Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives through effective communication that understands the unique needs of different audiences. Builds alignment across warehouse, planning, logistics, and finance partners. Coaches teams on how to communicate cross-functionally and resolve conflicts constructively.

• Innovation

• Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful, anticipates and adopts innovations in business, operations, and technology applications. Leads small to mid-scale inventory improvement initiatives and provides input on systems or procedural redesign. Encourages a continuous improvement mindset within the team.

• Adaptability

• Adapts and pivots in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations, and to move forward productively and optimistically under conditions of change and ambiguity. Manages the team through high-volume or unplanned operational changes with composure. Helps teams stay productive and focused during transition periods such as audits, system upgrades, or layout changes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced understanding of inventory control principles, warehouse operations, and systems integration.

• Proficient in ERP/WMS systems (e.g., Salesforce Rootstock, Oracle), including reporting, auditing, and transactional oversight.

• Skilled in root-cause analysis, process mapping, and implementing corrective actions.

• Experience managing cross-trained teams in a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing setting.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.

• Capable of interpreting inventory KPIs and identifying improvement opportunities through data analysis.

Typical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.

• 6+ years of inventory or warehouse operations experience, with at least 2+ years in a leadership role.

• Experience supervising inventory teams in an R&D, low-volume, or multi-system environment.

• Familiarity with MES systems (e.g. Tulip)

• Familiarity with inventory audits, SOX controls, or compliance reporting.

• APICS certification (CPIM, CSCP) preferred.