HA Purchasing & Inventory Manager

Job Summary

Job Title: Manager, Purchasing and Inventory 

Reports To: Director, Operations 

Department: Operations 

Location: In-Person, Kitchener ON

This position manages and leads the day-to-day operations and activities of Hearing Aid business relating to the following functions – Forecasting/Planning of Inventory, Purchasing, Vendor Management, Review of Inventory, Establishing and Maintaining of Storage/shelving System, Customer Order fulfillment (picking and issue of inventory), Returns to Suppliers, and other-related functions. 

Why should you work with us?

• Competitive salary with annual reviews
• Excellent medical benefits; including dental, vision and health, Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness/Exercise spending account
• Group RRSP contributions
• 3 weeks vacation
• Dynamic work atmosphere
• Career development programs and opportunities
• Paid annual professional membership dues

Responsibilities

• Work towards the realization of team goals and objectives based on the overall goals and targets set by the Director of Demant Operations 
• Establish and maintain documented standard operating procedures, work instructions, and guidelines for the different processes assigned to the team. 
• Develop and continuously review processes relating to Purchasing, inventory, order fulfillment and returns to suppliers.  
• Based on Sales forecast and relevant historical data, provide Global Supply Planning Department in Denmark a reliable and timely forecast of supply requirement for hearing aids, accessories, and parts   
• Participate in planning and preparing for new product launches for hearing aids.  
• Analyze supply requirement based previous consumption, current/future situations, and other related considerations.   
• Ensure that purchase requests for hearing aid-related products, materials and tools are submitted to the Distribution Centre in Poland in timely manner.  
• Maintain a regular communication/meeting with Global Supply Planning Department and Customer Service (Demant Distribution Centres) to resolve supply/payments issues and ensure reliable supply flow.  
• Monitor trends, purchasing cycles and make recommendations and changes. 
• Propose inventory obsolescence/write off plan based on aged stock, and feedback from Sales. 
• Manage the Company’s Inventory Counts to ensure inventory accuracy and make any adjustments as required. 
• Establish an efficient space usage in inventory room and an effective shelving/storage system in Kitting room including labeling, managing overstock, product allocation, FIFO concept, and other considerations. 

Responsibilities (Continued)

• Coordinate with Logistics manager for stock items in Warehouse.  
• Develop appropriate process for vendor evaluation and vendor approval. 
• Monitor vendor performance and perform audits as per Regulatory requirements to ensure compliance to the Service Level Agreements 
• Oversee that all returned inventory is processed and credited in a timely fashion to ensure minimum return inventory. 
• Establish a process for efficient and reliable fulfillment of new and service orders.  
• Monitor inventory performance parameters including the turn-over rate and provide suggestions in-terms of maintaining a healthy inventory. 
• Be involved in Navision setup, data maintenance, providing support and assistance to inventory and purchasing-related functions.  
• Determine and submit budget for the team relating to headcount, capital expenditures, and expected expenses. 

Team Support Responsiblities

• Prepare reports and analysis relating to team performance, process improvement, and other reports as required.  
• Initiate and/or participate in improvement initiatives or projects at team, department, or company level.    
• Set goals and objectives for the direct reports, monitor their performance, provide feedback, conduct one-on-one discussion to manage their performance.  
• Perform administrative function for the direct reports - time card approval, vacation requests approval, priority identification, work scheduling, work assignments, among others.  
• Maintain a clean, safe, and productive working environment for Team Members.  
• Ensure that new and existing employees are trained on department hazards and safe work standards and guidelines. 
• Provide effective coaching and support to employees through regular meetings and follow up to resolve any issues or concerns that may arise.  
• Plan, conduct, and/or initiate required product, process, and system (ERP, Emails, etc) training for the team members. 
• Occasionally travel (both domestic and international) for training and business-related purposes, as required. 
• Present recommendations and ideas for continuous improvement and cost saving initiatives to the Director of Operations. 
• Support and maintain a positive work environment with a commitment to harmonious and constructive employee relations in a team-oriented environment. 
• Provide guidance to the team and its activities to comply with the Company’s policies and procedures. 
• Perform other functions and special projects as required by the Director of Operations. 

Education and Related Experience

• Degree/Diploma in Purchasing or Business or related field of study and/or equivalent experience. 
• APICS and CPIM certifications are assets. 
• Must have a minimum of 2+ years supervisory or management experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Purchasing and Inventory Management. 
• Must be detail oriented and have a solid background in record keeping procedures and maintaining organized documentation and/or filing systems.  
• Highly organized to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact with vendors, customers, and staff. 
• Effective leadership skills in a multicultural environment. 
• Ability to represent the Company in a professional and courteous manner. 
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) 
• Knowledge and experience in ERP system (eg. Navision) 
• Excellent problem solving and organization skills. 
• Dependability to work assigned shifts to ensure full coverage. Able to occasionally work overtime to meet the demands and deadlines associated with the position. 

Supervision and Contacts

Supervision Received:  

Primary reporting relationship is typically to the Operations Director. Assignments are performed under minimal supervision. Work is subject to review before completion to ensure compliance with Company objectives and policies. 

Supervision Exercised:  

Provide direct supervision of the assigned team. Has the authority to carryout strategic management decisions in terms of hires, transfers, discipline, and performance management in accordance with established Company policies and procedures and in consultation with the Operations Director. Provide recommendations to Operations Director regarding compensation, employee termination, team structure, and responsibilities. 

Internal and External Contacts:  

Liaison with other company managers on a regular basis. Routinely interacts with subordinates and staff in other departments. Occasionally interacts with customers and vendors. Coordinate and collaborate with his/her counterpart in sister Demant companies, as needed.