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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Stock Consultant

💰 $ - $

Supply ChainInventory ManagementWarehouse OperationsConsulting

🎯 Role Definition

As a Warehouse Stock Consultant you will be the subject-matter expert driving inventory accuracy, optimal stock levels, and process improvements across warehousing operations. You will consult with operations, procurement and IT to design and implement inventory control programs (cycle count, physical inventory, SKU rationalization), configure and optimize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS/ERP), analyze SKU-level performance and demand signals, and lead cross-functional projects that reduce carrying cost and improve service levels. The role combines hands-on inventory reconciliation, process design, data-driven forecasting, and change management to deliver measurable improvements in inventory days, fill rate, and warehouse productivity.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Inventory Analyst
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Supply Chain Coordinator

Advancement To:

  • Senior Inventory / Stock Consultant
  • Inventory Optimization Manager
  • Supply Chain / Operations Manager
  • WMS Implementation Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Logistics Consultant
  • Procurement / Sourcing Analyst
  • Demand Planning Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Lead end-to-end inventory accuracy initiatives including design and execution of cycle count programs, full physical inventories, variance investigation, reconciliation and root-cause analysis to reduce shrink and improve stock integrity.
  • Develop, implement and maintain inventory control policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving, put-away, picking, replenishment, returns and disposal to standardize processes across multi-site warehouse networks.
  • Audit and reconcile inventory discrepancies by performing detailed stock investigations, coordinating with warehouse teams, procurement and finance to resolve causes and ensure proper accounting adjustments are posted.
  • Configure, test and optimize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP inventory modules (e.g., SAP WM/EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, JDA) to support accurate real-time inventory visibility, bin-level tracking, and automated replenishment workflows.
  • Analyze SKU-level demand patterns and lead time variability to recommend and implement optimal stocking policies, reorder points, safety stock levels and lot-sizing rules that balance service levels with inventory carrying cost.
  • Design and manage SKU rationalization and slow-moving inventory initiatives including segmentation (ABC/XYZ), obsolescence plans, and clearance/disposition strategies to free up working capital.
  • Create and maintain inventory performance dashboards and KPIs (inventory accuracy, days of inventory, turns, fill rate, cycle count compliance, stockouts) using Excel, Power BI, Tableau or similar reporting tools and deliver regular performance reviews to stakeholders.
  • Lead cross-functional projects to improve inbound and outbound flows—coordinating with procurement, carriers, vendors and operations to optimize lead times, ASN usage, PO accuracy and dock scheduling.
  • Conduct inventory process mapping and time-motion studies to identify non-value-added activities, recommend lean improvements (5S, Kaizen, poka-yoke) and implement changes that increase throughput and reduce errors.
  • Implement barcode, RFID and scanning strategies to increase data capture accuracy in receiving, picking and returns processes, and pilot automation where appropriate (conveyors, sortation, pick-to-light).
  • Provide technical guidance and hands-on support during WMS upgrades, migrations and data conversions including data cleansing, master data governance and cutover planning to prevent inventory disruption.
  • Establish and manage cycle count schedules and sampling plans using statistical sampling methods to ensure representative coverage of high-value and fast-moving SKUs.
  • Support supplier and vendor inventory reconciliation activities, including vendor-managed inventory (VMI) setups, cyclical reconciliation, and chargeback dispute resolution to maintain accurate on-hand balances.
  • Drive root-cause analysis and corrective action plans for repeat inventory problems by facilitating cross-functional problem-solving workshops and ensuring implementation of preventative controls.
  • Design and execute inventory control training programs for warehouse personnel and supervisors, including best practices for handling, scanning, labeling and documentation to cultivate a culture of accuracy and accountability.
  • Prepare and present detailed inventory audit findings and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership and finance, quantifying savings opportunities and risk mitigation from corrective actions.
  • Coordinate and support external audits, insurance inspections and regulatory compliance activities related to inventory, storage and hazardous goods handling.
  • Manage stock transfers, inter-site replenishment and transshipments to maintain service levels while minimizing unnecessary freight and handling cost.
  • Implement continuous improvement metrics and run regular improvement cycles (PDCA) to track the impact of process changes on inventory performance and operational KPIs.
  • Conduct scenario modeling and “what-if” analysis for promotional events, seasonality and product launches to ensure adequate stocking decisions without excessive overstock.
  • Provide expert advice on packaging, slotting and bin allocation strategies to maximize cube utilization, reduce travel times and improve pick accuracy in both manual and automated environments.
  • Collaborate with demand planners and sales teams to align forecast assumptions with warehouse capacity, lead times and safety stock policies to reduce stockouts and expedite costly rush replenishments.
  • Oversee returns processing and reverse logistics operations to minimize return-to-stock lead time and ensure proper disposition of damaged or non-conforming items.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory reporting, ad-hoc analysis and exploratory data requests to business stakeholders to inform short-term operational decisions.
  • Contribute to the organization's inventory and warehouse strategy roadmap, identifying opportunities for automation, digitalization and system consolidation.
  • Collaborate with IT and data teams to translate business inventory needs into technical WMS/ERP requirements, test scripts and user acceptance criteria.
  • Participate in change management and communication plans during system rollouts and process redesigns to ensure adoption and minimize disruption.
  • Mentor and coach junior inventory analysts and warehouse staff on best practices for cycle counting, reconciliation and exception handling.
  • Assist procurement and finance in month-end and year-end inventory close activities, providing reconciliations, backup and variance explanations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inventory Management: deep understanding of inventory control methodologies including cycle counting, ABC/XYZ segmentation, safety stock calculation and lot tracking.
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): hands-on experience configuring and optimizing WMS/ERP systems such as SAP EWM/WM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan or similar platforms.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: strong Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, advanced formulas), plus experience with Power BI, Tableau or similar BI tools to create inventory dashboards.
  • SQL & Data Extraction: ability to write basic-to-intermediate SQL queries to pull transaction and master data for analysis and reconciliation.
  • Demand & Replenishment Modeling: experience with reorder point/safety stock calculations, lead time analysis, EOQ and replenishment logic.
  • SKU Rationalization & Lifecycle Management: ability to analyze SKU profitability, velocity and obsolescence to drive rationalization programs.
  • Barcode/RFID & Scanning Technologies: familiarity with barcode labeling standards, RF scanning processes and implementation of automated capture technologies.
  • Lean & Continuous Improvement Tools: practical application of Kaizen, 5S, root-cause analysis, PDCA and process mapping to warehouse operations.
  • ERP Master Data Governance: experience maintaining accurate item masters, location masters, packaging and BOM data to prevent inventory discrepancies.
  • Physical Inventory & Audit Processes: experience planning and executing cycle count plans, full physical inventory, and supporting external audits.
  • Supply Chain & Logistics Knowledge: understanding of inbound/outbound flow, cross-docking, third-party logistics (3PL) relationships and transportation impacts on inventory.
  • Automation & Technology Evaluation: experience assessing automation opportunities (conveyors, AS/RS, sortation) and integrating them with inventory control strategies.
  • Financial Acumen: ability to quantify inventory carrying cost, working capital impact and present ROI for inventory initiatives.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement, training delivery and reporting to senior leadership.
  • Proven stakeholder management and influencing skills across operations, procurement, finance, IT and external vendors.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy when performing reconciliations and documenting inventory adjustments.
  • Project management capability to lead cross-functional initiatives, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Change-agent mentality with resilience and adaptability to operate in evolving operational environments.
  • Coaching and team development skills to upskill warehouse personnel and build inventory ownership.
  • Customer-service orientation balancing internal/external service levels with inventory cost control.
  • Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple priorities and urgent inventory issues.
  • Ethical integrity and compliance mindset when handling financial inventory adjustments and audit activities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certification in logistics, inventory management or supply chain preferred (e.g., CPIM, CSCP, APICS).

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial / Systems Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Data Analytics (applied to supply chain)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–8 years of progressive experience in warehouse/inventory roles, with at least 2+ years in inventory control or consulting positions.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience managing inventory control programs in multi-site distribution or manufacturing environments.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing or optimizing WMS/ERP systems, performing SKU rationalization and driving measurable inventory improvements.
  • Prior consulting experience or project leadership in supply chain transformation, inventory optimization or WMS implementation is highly desirable.
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