Inventory Control and Quality Assurance Manager

Genuine Parts Company•Salt Lake, DC

About The Position

The Inventory Control and Quality Assurance (ICQA) Manager ensures inventory accuracy and quality within a distribution center and associated facilities, helping optimize product and service delivery to customers. The role leads quality assurance and continuous process improvement, implementing best practices to prevent defects, reduce variation and waste, minimize costs, and maximize customer satisfaction. It also ensures procedures and processes are followed consistently. The manager leads the ICQA team and works with distribution center management and other departments to improve processes, maintain inventory and shipment quality, and meet customer demands. The role manages inventory profiles, quality metrics, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, supplier quality monitoring, and write-off processes. It promotes a safe working environment and encourages team members to contribute to problem-solving, efficiency, and continuous improvement. This position operates in a warehouse setting with industrial noise, bright overhead lighting, and varying temperatures due to limited climate control. Employees work around moving equipment and mechanical operations and must remain alert to audible and visual safety signals.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience in quality assurance, inventory control, and/or customer service within a distribution center or similar environment.
At least 1 year of proven experience in a managerial role and/or leading teams.
Ability to motivate and inspire a team to contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to challenges.
Familiarity with warehouse operations and logistics software, such as WMS or ERP systems.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and customer service, with a focus on supporting team members and delivering for customers.
Ability to meet the described physical demands, including lifting and carrying objects typically weighing 25 to 50 pounds or more; pushing and pulling loaded equipment; prolonged standing and walking; bending, stooping, squatting, and reaching; climbing ladders or stairs and working at heights; manual dexterity; repetitive motions; and physical endurance.
Commitment to following warehouse safety protocols and remaining alert around moving equipment and other hazards.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in quality assurance, inventory control, and/or customer service within a distribution center or similar environment.
At least 2 years of proven experience in a managerial role and/or leading teams.
Experience performing quality functions such as inspection, control, assurance, and audits.
Lean Six Sigma and project management skills.
Expertise with relevant tools and technology, including MS Office, Promapp, Power BI, and Visio.
Customer-centric spirit and task-execution ability.
Enthusiasm for data, analysis, and providing simple insights.
Passion for solving complex challenges.
Comfort influencing others, leading teams, managing stakeholders, gaining leadership buy-in, and communicating clearly.
A test-and-learn mentality and agile approach to improving team products.

Responsibilities

Provide and support business solutions and ensure compliance with policies and procedures focused on quality assurance.
Ensure the accuracy and quality of inventory counts and outbound shipments.
Lead the ICQA team in collaborating with distribution center management on process improvement and value enhancement opportunities.
Contribute to new business initiatives and projects.
Manage root-cause analysis and corrective actions for quality issues.
Manage inventory profiles throughout the warehouse.
Review and evaluate quality data to identify process improvement opportunities.
Create corrective action plans to address process failures.
Use continuous improvement techniques, including Lean, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
Monitor and report on supplier product quality and performance.
Lead execution of quality KPIs, including Defects per Million and Inventory Accuracy.
Keep up with current and developing trends concerning product quality.
Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practices, designs, and future trends.
Oversee inventory management processes, including receiving, stocking, and order fulfillment, while encouraging team members to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
Manage write-off processes and responsibilities to minimize inventory variance and related costs.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with departments such as sales and purchasing to coordinate activities and meet customer demands.
Analyze performance metrics and KPIs to identify improvement areas and support implementation of solutions that enhance process efficiency and effectiveness.
Resolve customer inquiries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Communicate proactively, motivate and inspire others, focus on customer success and outcomes, make balanced and strategic decisions, and develop high-performing teams through inclusive leadership, feedback, and trust-building.