Inventory & Demand Planning Manager

Gulf Coast Blood•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Inventory Control Manager provides strategic leadership for the management, forecasting, and optimization of blood component inventory, research products, and critical operational supplies across the organization. This role ensures the reliable availability of life‑saving blood products while minimizing waste and improving operational efficiency in a highly regulated healthcare environment. The manager leads inventory control staff and collaborates with Business Development, Donor Collections, Component Manufacturing, Logistics, and Research teams to align the supply of life-saving biological products to client demand. This position plays a vital role in ensuring the availability of blood components, specialty, and research products during routine operations, seasonal fluctuations, and emergency response scenarios.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Healthcare Administration, Business, or related field required.
3-5 years of experience in supply chain, blood banking, or inventory management.
Advanced knowledge of inventory management systems and supply chain analytics.
Experience with forecasting tools and predictive modeling.
Strong analytical and operational problem‑solving skills.
Embody our Core Values of Commitment, Integrity, and Respect
Work to actively create experiences that inspire others to save lives, each and every day.
Embrace doing it right, making connections, and creating desired experiences.
Comply with all organizational policies and standards, including safety rules, and be willing to report actual and potential violations to the appropriate supervisor or manager.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or operational improvement methodologies preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement enterprise-wide inventory strategies for blood components, specialty products, research materials, and operational supplies.
Lead forecasting and predictive demand planning to balance client utilization with collection capacity and manufacturing throughput.
Optimize inventory levels across distribution points to ensure rapid response to client demand.
Implement strategies that reduce product outdates/expirations while maintaining appropriate safety stock.
Oversee the lifecycle of blood components and specialty products from manufacturing through client distribution.
Lead inventory strategies during blood shortages, disasters, or emergency demand surges.
Develop contingency supply plans to maintain blood and specialty products availability during disruptions.
Coordinate closely with Component Manufacturing, Donor Collections, and Business Development to align production with forecasted demand.
Coordinate regional and national blood-sharing strategies when required.
Work with Logistics teams to support efficient product distribution across the region.
Implement strategies that reduce product outdates/expirations while maintaining appropriate safety stock.
Oversee the lifecycle of blood components and specialty products from manufacturing through client distribution.
Implement of dashboards and reporting tools to support operational visibility and executive decision making.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve inventory turnover and reduce product waste.
Ensure compliance with FDA, AABB, CAP, and applicable regulatory standards.
Maintain accurate documentation, traceability, and inventory control practices.
Support internal audits, inspections, and quality improvement initiatives.