Inventory Control Manager

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing the flow of raw materials and work-in-process to ensure uninterrupted production operations. This role balances demand, supply, and inventory through disciplined forecasting, material planning, and execution processes to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives. The Inventory Control Manager leads inventory team members embedded in daily manufacturing operations, driving adherence to standard work, problem resolution, and continuous improvement. Through close collaboration with planning, procurement, IT/system and production teams, this position proactively identifies material risks, resolves constraints, and supports efficient, stable manufacturing performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education
5+ years of progressive leadership experience within inventory management, production support, or supply chain operations
Demonstrated experience leading materials planning, inventory control, and production support functions in a manufacturing environment
Strong working knowledge of inventory management, material planning, forecasting, and production support processes
Experience managing and developing teams, including performance management, coaching, and change leadership
Proficient in ERP systems and working knowledge of WMS functionality, with strong data analysis and reporting capabilities
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders
Proven commitment to safety, quality systems, internal controls, and continuous improvement principles (Lean, 6S, FTQ)
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration (MBA), Operations, or a related field
Lean Six Sigma Certification
7+ years of experience in supply chain, materials management, or logistics leadership roles
Experience working in a matrixed supply chain organization supporting manufacturing operations
Strong ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment and lead through ambiguity
Demonstrated success driving transformation, standardization, or system implementations across materials operations

Responsibilities

Lead inventory control planning, processes, and material flow within manufacturing operations
Organize and present the summary of the report for inventory control/result to the direct report and management team daily, weekly, monthly based on the requested contents and frequency.
Establish and oversee daily inventory control operations, including the development of standard operation procedures (SOPs) for receiving, transfers, returns, cycle counts, and physical inventories in a new factory
Track inventory movement by lot, serial number, pallet, location, and date to maintain accurate warehouse records
Monitor stock levels, including low stock, expiring, and overstocked items, and initiate replenishment activities as needed
Maintain records of daily deliveries and shipments to reconcile inventory balances
Lead in the BRD creation, implementation, and optimization of inventory management systems
Oversee inventory governance, including cycle counting, reconciliation, obsolescence management, and loss prevention for production and point-of-use inventory
Develop and execute materials and inventory strategies aligned with business objectives, cost targets, and production service expectations
Drive key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, material availability, production support, working capital, and loss reduction
Apply data analytics, forecasting models, and statistical methods to anticipate material requirements and mitigate production risk
Champion Lean, 6S, FTQ, and continuous improvement initiatives across materials planning and execution processes
Support ERP optimization, materials master data governance, automation, and digital process enhancements
Hire, train, develop, and engage inventory team members to drive accountability, performance, and succession readiness
Coach leaders and team members through change, reinforcing standard work, safety, and continuous improvement behaviors
Promote cross-training, knowledge sharing, and employee engagement across inventory and production support functions
Partner with Planning, Procurement, Production, IT/System, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, EHS, and suppliers to support manufacturing objectives
Collaborate with internal logistics, warehouse, and transportation partners to ensure material availability and flow to production
Communicate material risks, constraints, and improvement opportunities to operations and supply chain leadership
Ensure inventory operations comply with safety regulations, quality systems, SOPs, and internal controls
Promote a safe, organized, and compliant work environment consistent with EHS and 6S standards
Monitor and mitigate inventory, quality, capacity, and supply risks while maintaining high service and accuracy levels
Directly and indirectly supervises inventory management employees, including supervisors and/or leads
Responsible for hiring, training, performance management, coaching, and development of team members
Provides input on staffing decisions, promotions, corrective actions, and succession planning

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting
Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave
Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service
Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources
High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus
Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events