Inventory Control Manager

Job Description:

Company Description

Hobart Service, an Illinois Tool Works Company, has been in business for over 125 years and is the trusted source for Commercial Food Equipment Service Solutions. We have over 1,800 associates nationwide who serve as valued partners to our customers. Our employees are dedicated to providing the best customer service, give back to the communities where they live and work, and demonstrate the ITW values of Integrity, Simplicity, Trust, Respect and Shared Risk.

SUMMARY

The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement in inventory processes and ensuring optimal parts availability and service levels in alignment with organizational standards. Utilizing key inventory control methodologies such as Kanban, this role oversees and supports the inventory management team while also delivering training and guidance to field parts personnel. Acting as a strategic partner to operations managers and staff, the Inventory Control Manager plays a vital role in overseeing enterprise-wide parts inventory management, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Inventory Management & Operational Excellence

• Oversee all service parts inventory across the enterprise, including the Piqua Distribution Center, Hobart Service Branches, and technician trucks.
• Direct master scheduling for finished goods and accessories and lead the development of inventory objectives and annual operating plans.
• Establish and manage KANBAN-based replenishment systems for kits and purchased parts, ensuring timely availability and flow.
• Monitor and implement engineering changes to maintain accuracy in assembled kits and purchased materials.
• Drive strategic inventory initiatives, including supply market analysis, new part introductions, and continuous policy improvement.
• Develop and maintain tools such as the “Branch Inventory Scorecard” to monitor and optimize inventory at the branch and truck level.

Training & Field Support

• Act as a liaison between inventory functions at the Piqua Distribution Center, field branches, and service trucks to ensure cohesion, consistency, and visibility across the enterprise.
• Partner with the field organization to ensure parts inventory is optimized at all levels (distribution center, branches, and trucks) to meet organizational service goals.
• Provide proactive, ongoing training and communication to parts personnel and operational managers in field locations, reinforcing best practices in inventory control and continuous improvement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead a cross-functional effort with purchasing and strategic sourcing teams to assess risk, analyze inventory, and establish inventory strategies across all channels—supplier, Distribution Center, branch, and truck levels.
• Partner with Purchasing on SKU rationalization based on sales trends, cost analysis, and viable substitutions.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, and Finance teams to support accurate implementation of product changes and financial planning related to inventory.

Strategic Mindset & Accountability

• Provide a proactive and holistic view of inventory performance and trends—actuals, mid- and long-term goals—in terms of dollars, SKU count, and inventory turns.
• Identify root causes of inventory deviation through cause-and-effect analysis and drive corrective actions across functional areas.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to Materials Management; follow up to reinforce consistent execution.
• Own the financial goals associated with inventory including working capital targets and inventory grading reserves.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor the inventory management team, supporting both day-to-day execution and long-term talent development.
• Provide guidance and support on special projects and cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Educate, coach, and mentor functional managers, field operational leadership, and parts coordinators/administrators on the principles and practical application of inventory management tools and methodologies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has direct supervisory responsibilities and carries out these responsibilities in accordance with the ITW’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints, coaching for performance, and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in supply management, finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in inventory management.
• Strong knowledge of materials management principles and inventory control methods.
• Background in high-velocity spare parts warehousing, with an understanding of rapid inventory movement and demand planning.
• Solid analytical, mathematical, and decision-making skills with a focus on inventory performance, forecasting, and root cause analysis.
• Proficient in project management and budget oversight, including inventory reserves and financial targets.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel, MSQuery, Access, PowerPoint) and experience with inventory/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.

Certifications and Licenses

• APICS certification is preferred. Candidates without certification but with relevant experience or a willingness to pursue certification are also encouraged to apply.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and use hands to operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Occasional lifting and movement of parts or inventory items up to 25 pounds may be required during warehouse or field visits.
• Must be able to occasionally climb stairs or navigate warehouse racking and shelving areas for inventory observation or audits.
• Frequent communication, both verbal and written, is required; must be able to read, speak, and hear clearly to effectively communicate with team members and field personnel.
• Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus, particularly when working with spreadsheets, inventory systems, or detailed reports.

Working Conditions

• This role is primarily based in an office setting with regular interaction in warehouse and distribution center environments.
• Occasional exposure to warehouse conditions, including varying temperatures, noise levels, and physical activity such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs.
• Travel to field locations, branch offices, and service truck sites may be required (approximately 10–20%) to support remote inventory operations and provide training or oversight.
• Standard work schedule is Monday through Friday during regular business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be necessary to meet critical deadlines or support time-sensitive initiatives.
• Frequent use of computers, software systems, and teleconferencing tools for communication, analysis, and reporting.
• Role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a high level of accountability.

Hours of Work

• Normal business hours with extended hours as needed.
• Flexibility with schedule to meet critical deadlines.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%

Why work for us?

• Competitive pay
• Great insurance options with low premiums
• Paid vacation and holidays
• 401K with company match
• Extensive on-the-job, online, and classroom training
• Safety-conscious work environment

Hobart Service is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

ITW and Hobart Service are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all employees. To demonstrate this commitment, Hobart Service is tobacco-free (including e-cigarettes) on campuses and within company vehicles and maintains a drug-free workplace.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the online application system process due to your disability, please contact Human Resources at service.hr@hobartservice.com to request assistance. No other requests will be acknowledged.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.