Network Infrastructure & Inventory Manager

Cornell University • City of Ithaca, NY

26d • $65,447 - $70,356 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is 100% on-site and located on the Cornell University Campus in Ithaca, New York. Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. Information technologies (IT) is a strategic enabler for many functions at Cornell. Staff working in IT are found in most colleges and units across Cornell. We are comprised of many organizations, but we work as one. By being where Cornell faculty, staff, and students are, we are better able to offer support—whether needed at your desktop or to solve a major business, academic or research objective—to everyone at Cornell. Check out this link to find out more about IT@Cornell.
Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) Enterprise Network Services organization provides cutting-edge technology services and solutions that enable the Cornell community to achieve its academic, research, and administrative goals. Our highly skilled and experienced team is committed to delivering technology solutions that are both standards-based and process-oriented, as well as agile and adaptive. We understand the importance of adhering to best practices and industry standards to ensure our services' reliability, security, and scalability. At the same time, we recognize the need to be flexible and adaptive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. We continually strive to provide exceptional customer service and support and work closely with our partners across campus to foster a culture of innovation and excellence. Our team is adept at collaborating with stakeholders across the university to understand their unique needs and requirements and to develop solutions that meet their specific goals.
As the Inventory Manager, you will oversee inventory procurement, inventory management, and logistics operations. This role is essential to the success of field operations, technical engineering initiatives, and capital construction and renovation projects. The Inventory Manager will support multiple engineering, operations, and service teams within Enterprise Network Services, ensuring materials and equipment are procured, tracked, and delivered efficiently and accurately.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with inventory management processes, systems, and software, including procurement, restocking, receiving inventory, and maintaining accurate minimum/maximum material levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to plan, prioritize, and coordinate operational and project‑based work.
• Effective written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, adapt to changing priorities, and respond effectively in urgent or emergency situations.
• Ability to collect, analyze, organize, and report information accurately.
• Ability to guide, assist, and share knowledge with colleagues and team members.
• Strong quantitative skills with the ability to work accurately with calculations and data.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers, staff, administrators, and external vendors.
• Ability to navigate stressful situations with sound judgment, initiative, creativity, and composure.
• Flexibility to respond to rapidly changing operational needs and priorities.
• Strong customer service orientation and demonstrated problem‑solving abilities.
• Possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License. Out-of-state employees must obtain and provide proof of a NYS license within 30 days of starting employment.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, other public safety agencies, and community members.
• This position requires the ability to perform physical job duties, including lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 50 lbs independently and assisting with team lifts for heavier items (up to 100 lbs), with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in Higher Education / R1 Research Universities
• Knowledge of Juniper, Aruba, Fortinet network hardware product lines
• Knowledge of copper and fiber optic structured cabling systems and components
• Experience with ticketing systems (Team Dynamix) and inventory management systems (PCR360)

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate inventory and logistics functions for operations and project work across Enterprise Network Services.
• Procure, receive, inspect, record, and deliver incoming stock and project materials within required project timelines.
• Organize and maintain storage areas to ensure optimal space utilization and easy access to materials.
• Ensuring timely transfer of incoming inventory to appropriate locations (stock rooms, warehouses, etc.).
• Updating and maintaining inventory records within the inventory management system, ensuring accuracy and data integrity.
• Prepare and process incoming and outgoing shipments, verifying order completeness and correctness.
• Obtaining quotes, track purchase orders, update inventory tickets and systems, and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Conduct regular inventory audits to maintain accurate inventory levels.
• Researching product availability, pricing, and lead times across multiple suppliers to meet operational needs and project budgets.
• Communicating effectively with management, engineers, technicians, and request‑fulfillment staff regarding inventory issues and needs.
• Resolving issues using independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking.
• Collaborating with team members and cross‑functional partners to resolve inventory challenges and improve processes.
• Preparing periodic reports, such as stock utilization trends, expenses, and billing information.
• Performing special projects, cross‑training, and additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees