What does an Inventory Manager do?
Inventory Specialists usually work for department or retail stores, developing procedures to effectively manage and maintain a company’s inventory. They’ll make sure a company’s shipment is accurate by conducting inventory counting processes. Inventory Specialists also oversee and manage the inventory storage space in the warehouse to ensure there’s enough room to store new product shipments.
When inventories start to run low, the Inventory Specialist will place restock orders and make sure they never run out of essential inventory items. They also use management software systems and technologies to manage and update their inventory records accordingly.
Inventory Manager skills and qualifications
Inventory Managers are responsible for recording and ordering materials, products and supplies for both small and large businesses. Individuals with strong record-keeping and organizational skills are often a good fit for an inventory management career. Strong communication skills are essential for Inventory Managers, as they must be able to communicate with customers and employees on a regular basis effectively. In addition, the following skills and qualifications are essential for the position:
- Leadership skills for hiring employees, resolving conflicts and keeping employees on task and motivated
- Critical-thinking skills to establish action plans and routinely assess their effectiveness
- Organizational skills to manage multiple moving pieces, people and orders
- Problem-solving skills to anticipate problems before they happen and handle them appropriately when they do
Inventory Manager salary expectations
An Inventory Manager makes an average of $57,941 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.
Inventory Manager salary expectations
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Common salary:
20.84 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.30 -41.10 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Inventory Manager education and training requirements
Most Inventory Manager positions require a four-year bachelor’s degree from one of several applicable majors, including business administration and supply chain management where topics ranging from logistics to productivity are covered. Many students also utilize computer models to simulate distribution mechanisms or inventory management.
Some Inventory Manager positions also have certification requirements. Many professionals pursue the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation by successfully passing five exams through voluntary certification programs offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). Once certified, Inventory Managers maintain certification by accumulating points by participating in additional APICS-approved activities and continuing education courses.
Inventory Manager experience requirements
Many colleges and universities offer a master’s degree or graduate certificate programs in supply chain management or operations for Inventory Managers interested in pursuing upper-level positions. Additional courses in information technology are also useful as companies increase the role of automation and computers in the inventory management process.
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