Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Stock Director

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Stock Director is a senior operations leader responsible for end‑to‑end inventory accuracy, stock availability, and warehouse performance across one or multiple distribution centers. This role owns inventory strategy (replenishment, cycle counts, SKU slotting), implements and optimizes WMS/ERP processes, leads warehouse teams and third‑party logistics partners, and delivers measurable improvements in cost, service and safety. Ideal candidates combine hands‑on warehouse experience with analytical rigor, cross‑functional influence and a track record of implementing process and technology improvements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Manager or Distribution Center Manager with 4–8 years of progressive experience
Inventory Manager or Inventory Control Manager responsible for cycle count and reconciliation programs
Supply Chain Supervisor or Logistics Manager with hands‑on warehouse leadership

Advancement To:

Director of Supply Chain or Director of Distribution Operations
VP of Operations or Head of Logistics/Distribution
Senior Director, Global Inventory or Chief Supply Chain Officer (for enterprise scale)

Lateral Moves:

Operations Director (multi‑site)
Distribution Network Planning or Fulfillment Strategy Lead

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead the development and execution of the inventory control strategy to ensure best‑in‑class inventory accuracy (targeting industry benchmarks), reduce shrink, and maintain optimum stock levels to support on‑time fulfillment.
Direct day‑to‑day warehouse stock operations including receiving, putaway, slotting, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping and returns to meet service level agreements and operational KPIs.
Own cycle count and physical inventory programs: design count plans, manage reconciliations, perform variance investigations and implement corrective actions to resolve root causes.
Manage SKU lifecycle and slotting optimization programs using ABC/XYZ analysis, slotting algorithms and throughput data to maximize space utilization and order picking efficiency.
Implement, configure and continuously improve Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP inventory modules (e.g., Manhattan, Blue Yonder, Oracle, SAP) to ensure accurate, real‑time inventory visibility and seamless integrations.
Collaborate with demand planning, procurement and sales to align replenishment policies, safety stock parameters and lead times to minimize stockouts and excess inventory.
Define, monitor and report on key performance indicators (inventory accuracy, OTIF, order cycle time, carrying cost, turnover, days of inventory) and present actionable insights to senior leadership.
Lead a multi‑disciplinary team of warehouse supervisors, inventory analysts and material handlers: recruit, coach, manage performance and build a high‑accountability culture focused on safety and continuous improvement.
Drive Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen initiatives across the warehouse network to increase throughput, reduce travel and handling, lower operating costs and improve reliability.
Manage third‑party logistics relationships, carrier contracts and inbound/outbound vendor performance; negotiate SLAs and ensure service delivery aligns with cost and quality targets.
Develop and manage the inventory and operations budget, forecast headcount and capital expenditures (racking, conveyors, automation) and deliver cost savings while maintaining service levels.
Oversee returns management and reverse logistics programs to maximize recoveries, limit chargebacks and streamline disposition workflows.
Ensure regulatory and safety compliance across facilities: OSHA, DOT, hazardous materials handling, fire codes and corporate EHS policies; lead safety training and incident investigations.
Lead seasonal planning and surge operations planning, including temporary labor strategies, overtime scheduling and third‑party capacity to meet peak demand without compromising accuracy.
Implement loss prevention controls (access, CCTV, cycle count variance thresholds) and internal audit programs to mitigate theft, mis‑picks and process gaps.
Configure and roll out barcode, RFID, voice picking and other automation technologies to reduce manual errors and improve picking rates and throughput.
Serve as the cross‑functional point of contact for change initiatives affecting inventory — coordinate with procurement, finance, customer service, IT and operations to ensure smooth execution.
Use data analytics and SQL/BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) to analyze inventory trends, aging, root causes of stock discrepancies and present clear action plans and ROI for improvements.
Standardize SOPs, work instructions and KPIs across multiple sites and lead continuous training to ensure consistent execution of inventory control processes.
Support month‑end and year‑end financial close activities by providing inventory schedules, reconciling adjustments, and working with finance on valuation and accruals.
Lead project implementations for WMS/ERP upgrades, automation installations and network optimization projects from scoping through acceptance testing and rollout.
Conduct regular capacity planning and throughput analysis to recommend layout changes, equipment upgrades or staffing realignment to support business growth.
Develop vendor and supplier compliance programs (ASN requirements, packing standards) to reduce inbound discrepancies and accelerate putaway.
Prepare executive‑level dashboards and regular business reviews, translating complex inventory and operations data into business decisions that drive service and profitability.

Secondary Functions

Support ad‑hoc analytics requests and collaborate with the analytics team to build inventory health dashboards and predictive reports.
Contribute to the organization’s broader supply chain strategy by identifying inventory optimization opportunities and evaluating impact on working capital.
Translate business requirements into system specifications and partner with IT on WMS/ERP configuration, testing and data governance.
Participate in cross‑functional project planning, sprint reviews and change management activities to ensure alignment and adoption of new processes.
Mentor mid‑level managers on data‑driven decision making, reporting practices and performance management frameworks.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) administration and configuration — experience with Manhattan, Blue Yonder/JDA, Oracle WMS or SAP EWM
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) integrations and inventory module experience (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite)
Inventory control methodologies: cycle counting, physical inventory, ABC/XYZ segmentation and SKU rationalization
Demand forecasting and replenishment policy design (safety stock, reorder points, lead time variability)
Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VBA), SQL querying and experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) for inventory analytics
Slotting optimization and warehouse layout design principles
Barcode, RFID, voice picking and warehouse automation technologies (ASRS, conveyors, sortation)
Lean and Six Sigma process improvement tools (Kaizen, DMAIC)
Logistics and transportation knowledge (OTIF, routing, carrier performance management)
Budgeting, P&L ownership and capital planning for distribution operations
Vendor/3PL management and SLA/contract negotiation
OSHA, DOT and hazardous materials compliance requirements

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and team development — proven ability to build and coach high‑performance warehouse teams
Excellent communication and stakeholder management across executive, finance and operational teams
Analytical problem solving and data‑driven decision making
Strategic thinking with ability to balance short‑term execution and long‑term inventory optimization
Change management and project leadership — driving adoption of new systems and processes
Attention to detail and high standards for accuracy and compliance
Time management and prioritization in high‑volume, dynamic environments
Resilience and adaptability during peak seasons and business changes
Collaboration and cross‑functional influence to align competing priorities

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

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

Preferred Education:

Master’s degree (MBA, MS in Supply Chain/Operations) or relevant certifications such as APICS CPIM/CSCP, Lean Six Sigma, or CILT.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics and Transportation
Industrial Engineering
Business Administration
Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 7–15+ years in warehouse, inventory control or distribution operations with progressive leadership responsibility.

Preferred:

At least 3–5 years managing warehouse leaders across one or multiple distribution centers and responsibility for inventory accuracy and budget.
Proven experience implementing or optimizing WMS/ERP systems, leading automation projects and driving measurable improvements in inventory performance.
Demonstrable success in reducing inventory carrying cost, improving fill rates and delivering Lean/continuous improvement initiatives.