Director of Inventory Management

Why join the Vast Auto Distribution team?
Vast-Auto Distribution, a subsidiary of O’Reilly Automotive Inc., is a leader in the distribution and marketing of automotive parts for auto parts stores in Eastern Canada. It offers its customers a complete business solution, including a wide range of quality parts, innovative marketing programs, training, and business management systems. Vast-Auto currently operates 23 company-owned stores across five Canadian provinces.
Vast-Auto Distribution manages the Auto Value, Mécanique 360, Certified Auto Service, Auto Mecano and OCTO Auto Service Plus banners. To lead today, we had to surround ourselves with the best. Some 500 passionate, talented men and women faithful to the Vast Auto culture contribute to our success.
In order to continue our growth and ensure our customer satisfaction, we are looking for another passionate team player to join us.
Director of Inventory Management
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Inventory Management to lead the planning, development, and execution of inventory control systems for our organization. As a key leader within the supply chain department, you will oversee inventory operations across multiple locations and ensure that inventory management practices are optimized to meet the company's operational and financial goals. This role will collaborate closely with procurement, warehousing, and logistics teams to maintain the right balance of inventory levels and minimize excess or shortage.
**Key Responsibilities**:
**Inventory Strategy Development**:

- Lead the development and implementation of an overall inventory management strategy, ensuring alignment with company goals.
- Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for inventory turnover, stockouts, and obsolescence, driving continuous improvement.
- Establish inventory forecasting models and methodologies to anticipate future demand accurately.

**Inventory Control & Optimization**:

- Oversee daily inventory management operations, ensuring efficient stock control and minimizing waste.
- Ensure proper inventory systems are in place for tracking, controlling, and reconciling inventory across warehouses, distribution centers, and retail locations.
- Develop and manage inventory policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, and internal guidelines.

**Cross-functional Collaboration**:

- Work closely with purchasing, finance, and warehouse teams to maintain accurate, real-time visibility of inventory levels.
- Collaborate with the IT department to leverage inventory management software while improving system integration and automation.
- Act as a liaison between sales, procurement, and logistics teams to ensure inventory needs are aligned with customer demands and supply chain capabilities.

**Inventory Analysis & Reporting**:

- Analyze inventory trends and performance metrics, providing detailed reports and insights to senior leadership.
- Identify areas for improvement in inventory levels, turnover rates, and demand forecasting.
- Conduct regular audits and cycle counts to ensure accuracy and consistency in inventory records.

**Leadership & Team Development**:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the inventory management team, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Manage training, and performance evaluations for team members to ensure high levels of performance and professional growth.
- Foster a team-oriented environment with strong communication across functions.

**Vendor & Supplier Relationship Management**:

- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and third-party logistics providers, ensuring that inventory needs are met efficiently.
- Collaborate with procurement to manage vendor performance, negotiate pricing, and optimize order quantities.

**Risk Management & Compliance**:

- Develop and enforce policies that mitigate risk and ensure inventory is maintained in compliance with legal, safety, and environmental standards.
- Manage inventory risks related to obsolescence, shrinkage, and damage, implementing corrective actions as needed.

**Budgeting & Cost Control**:

- Oversee inventory-related budgeting, ensuring inventory levels are within approved financial guidelines and optimizing cash flow.
- Monitor and control inventory costs, including storage, transportation, and handling fees, while ensuring service levels are not compromised.

**Qualifications**:

- Have a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Have 10+ years of experience in inventory management, supply chain operations, or logistics, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record of optimizing inventory strategies in a fast-paced, high-volume environment ideally in the “aftermarket” sector.

**Skills**:

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze large data sets and derive actionable insights.
- Expertise in