Distribution Center Inventory Manager

Get to know East Penn!

East Penn is a stable, essential employer, that is poised for the energy needs of the future with 80 years of sustainable lead battery and battery accessory manufacturing expertise!

At East Penn, our employees are our culture; our employees will always be the heart of the company.  We are a private, family-owned enterprise committed to cultivating an atmosphere that honors the contributions of everyone.  We want our employees to have long-term careers, and many do.  Almost 40% of our workforce has over a decade of service.  Our open-door management policy, comprehensive benefits package, annual bonus program for all, and career advancement opportunities are just some of the ways we show our employees how incredibly valued they are.

Our hiring process may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help in the initial review of applications by identifying candidates whose qualifications best match job requirements. These tools do not make hiring decisions. All final hiring decisions regarding interviews and employment are made by our employee recruiting and hiring teams.

East Penn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. 

EOE/VEVRAA

Overview

East Penn is currently seeking a Distribution Center Inventory Manager for our new, Madencreek facility.  Ideal candidate will be responsible for leading inventory accuracy and control across Distribution operations. Develops and enforces enterprise inventory policies, manages and mentors Inventory Control Technicians, and partners cross-functionally to ensure inventory accuracy, proper material flow, and compliance with 5S, E&O, and ERP data integrity standards.

Responsibilities

1.  Leadership, Supervision, and Training

• Lead, train, coach, and develop the Inventory Control Technicians to ensure consistent performance, procedural compliance, and professional growth
• Communicating business goals and department priorities, setting clear expectations for safety, accuracy, and timeliness
• Support DC management with facilitating inventory-related training (i.e., material handling, 5S, scan gun) which includes establishing best practices, updating training materials, and monitoring compliance to set standards across facilities

Inventory Governance and Accuracy

• Administer company policies and procedures related to inventory management, ensuring compliance across facilities
• Manage the end-to-end cycle counting program, which includes count scheduling, physical counting, discrepancy reconciliation, and driving root cause corrective action (RCCA) activities to improve inventory accuracy
• Monitor inventory accuracy and inventory discrepancies to determine/address issues leading to inventory variances and ensure accurate reporting
• Maintain accountability for inventory accuracy KPIs, investigating causes of discrepancies and implementing preventive measures
• Ensure effective management of location accuracy, replenishment flow, OE dunnage, transaction accuracy tied to order fulfillment, slotting strategy, inventory availability to support outbound, floor stock, and scrap inventory in alignment with East Penn standards

Systems, Data Management, and Reporting

• Serve as system steward for inventory-related modules within East Penn’s ERP and related platforms (Mainframe, MSR, Somax, Glovia)
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of inventory data, transactions, and master records
• Develop and maintain inventory control reports, dashboards, and metrics to communicate performance and identify improvement opportunities
• Partner with IT and Supply Chain Planning teams to test, validate, and enhance system functionality and material flow

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with Shipping, Logistics/Transportation, Customer Service, Planning/Scheduling, DC Operations Leadership & Process Owners, Production, IT, Quality, and Sourcing, to align inventory with operational requirements and resolve discrepancies impacting production flow
• Partner with Quality Control to manage nonconforming material (NCMR) and product hold processes
• Partner with operations to address inventory discrepancies and material flow issues
• Participate in or lead root cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations to address recurring issues in material flow, data integrity, or inventory handling
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance inventory accuracy, storage utilization, and material visibility
• Partner with Optimization Leadership to evaluate and implement inventory and operations initiatives that improve planning efficiency, reduce variability, and strengthen end‑to‑end material flow

Compliance, Auditing, and Other Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee physical inventories and audits to verify system accuracy and compliance with internal and external requirements
• Monitor adherence to material handling procedures within East Penn facilities and address compliance issues with operational leadership
• Support and enforce 5S policies within inventory storage and handling areas, conducting regular audits and coaching to East Penn standards
• Provide regular status updates, escalate significant discrepancies or risks to senior leadership, and participate in strategic inventory reviews
• Perform additional duties or special projects as assigned by Management (Vice President, Director)

Qualifications

Experience & Qualifications

Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years of related work experience in inventory control, materials management, warehousing, or distribution operations
• Demonstrated understanding of materials management principles, inventory control processes, supply chain workflows, distribution warehouse flow, slotting, cycle counting, reconciliation, and inventory accuracy metrics
• Proven ability to interpret and analyze ERP-based inventory data and drive corrective actions to maintain data integrity
• Experience working cross-functionally with shipping, transportation, planning, and customer service, to align inventory with operational needs
• Proficiency working in WMS platforms

Preferred:

• East Penn work experience that includes knowledge of EP procedures, practices and systems (Mainframe, Glovia, MSR, Somax)

• Understanding of materials management, inventory control, and/or shipping procedures
• Experience leading teams across multiple buildings/shifts

Education/Certification

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered
• ASCM CPIM certification or completion of training within 12 months of hire
• LEAN training in problem solving and 5Y (root cause analysis) methodologies required, or willingness to complete within 12 months of hire
• Material Handing Certification or completion of training within 12 months of hire

Skills & Competencies

• Working knowledge of distribution center workflows, inventory movement, and outbound service requirements
• Understanding of slotting, replenishment, staging, and shipping execution
• Ability to manage priorities across multiple sites/buildings and shifting operational demands
• Use of metrics to drive throughput, accuracy, and service improvements

• Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess issues, determine root causes, and escalate appropriately for resolution
• Demonstrates negotiation, influence, cooperation, tact, and diplomacy across departments and divisions
• Proven ability to influence, motivate, and develop team members; facilitates problem-solving processes leading to improved methods and outcomes
• Challenges the status quo constructively by providing new ideas and solutions that enhance operational efficiency and accuracy
• Initiates and implements recommendations to improve departmental and cross-functional processes
• Skilled in managing and training employees across multiple buildings and shifts, ensuring consistency in standards and execution
• Effective written and verbal communication skills; able to communicate across all organizational levels
• Strong listening skills with the ability to take direction accurately and respond constructively to feedback
• Adept at multi-tasking, prioritization, and time management in a fast-paced environment
• Self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills; proven ability to work as a team player across functional areas
• Open to coaching with the ability to apply feedback for continual improvement
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, including intermediate to advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools)

East Penn Benefits

East Penn offers excellent benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• 9 paid company holidays, 2 paid personal holidays, and paid vacation days annually
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities