Inventory Control and Returns Supervisor

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating inventory control and returns operations supporting the Grand Prairie Distribution Center. The Inventory & Returns Supervisor serves as the primary owner of inventory accuracy, inventory compliance, returns processing, and inventory-related continuous improvement initiatives. The position is responsible for supervising assigned personnel, maintaining inventory integrity, ensuring process compliance, supporting operational training initiatives, and driving improvements in inventory accuracy, transaction discipline, and operational efficiency.

This role serves as a front-line leadership position responsible for ensuring inventory control and returns personnel perform assigned duties safely, accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies, established procedures, and operational objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Department Leadership

• Supervise Inventory Control Associates and Returns personnel including workload assignment, scheduling, training, coaching, employee development, and performance management.
• Communicate daily priorities, departmental objectives, operational expectations, and productivity standards to assigned personnel.
• Monitor employee performance and address attendance, conduct, safety, quality, and productivity concerns in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new employees as required.
• Support employee development, cross-training initiatives, and succession planning within the department.
• Foster a positive team environment focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and customer service.

Inventory Control and Accuracy

• Maintain ownership of inventory accuracy throughout warehouse operations.
• Direct and coordinate cycle count programs, physical inventory activities, location audits, and inventory verification processes.
• Investigate, research, and resolve inventory discrepancies, transaction errors, and operational variances.
• Analyze inventory data, trends, and reports to identify recurring issues and areas requiring corrective action.
• Develop and implement initiatives designed to improve inventory accuracy, transaction integrity, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure inventory transactions are completed accurately and timely within company systems.
• Monitor inventory-related KPIs and communicate performance results to leadership.
• Partner with operational departments to identify root causes of inventory issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Returns Operations

• Direct and coordinate all returns processing activities.
• Ensure returned products are received, inspected, documented, dispositioned, and processed accurately.
• Maintain inventory and transaction accuracy associated with returns processing.
• Coordinate return-to-stock, scrap, warranty, and other product disposition activities in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Monitor returns productivity, quality, and processing timelines.
• Identify trends within returns activity and recommend process improvements designed to reduce errors and improve operational performance.

Process Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain compliance with established inventory control procedures, work instructions, and operational standards.
• Conduct operational audits and process reviews to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Support development and maintenance of departmental SOPs, work instructions, visual management tools, and process documentation.
• Lead or participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, productivity, quality, safety, and customer service.
• Coordinate with operations leadership to implement corrective actions resulting from audits, investigations, and process reviews.
• Support operational project work and special assignments as directed.

Training and Employee Development

• Partner with departmental leadership and training resources to support onboarding, process training, cross-training, and employee development initiatives.
• Identify training opportunities through audits, inventory variance investigations, returns trends, and operational observations.
• Assist with development and implementation of standardized work practices and process training materials.
• Support equipment, process, and compliance training initiatives within the logistics organization.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and enforce all company safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure employees maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Participate in safety investigations, corrective actions, and safety improvement initiatives as required.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable company, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal departments including Operations, Customer Service, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to resolve inventory and returns-related issues.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to inventory control and returns activities.
• Support internal and external customer requirements as needed.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Experience, Skills & Education:

• 3-5 years of inventory control, warehouse operations, logistics, or supply chain experience.
• Previous leadership, coordinator, or supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience conducting inventory audits, cycle counts, discrepancy research, and root cause analysis.
• Experience using ERP, WMS, or inventory management systems preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing and distribution environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of inventory control principles and warehouse operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to research, investigate, and resolve complex inventory discrepancies.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and other business software applications.
• Ability to create reports, analyze trends, and communicate performance metrics.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and make sound operational decisions.

Work Environment and Schedule

• This is an onsite position in a manufacturing/warehouse environment and requires regular presence on the floor.
• The role supports multiple shifts and shift patterns; typical hours are expected to be M-F 8:00am-4:30pm, but exact may vary based on business needs.
• The work environment includes moving machinery, noise, dust, production materials, and varying temperatures.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk throughout the facility for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and move materials regularly, including up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment in designated areas.
• Ability to operate warehouse equipment and obtain forklift certification as required.
• Ability to work in warehouse and office environments.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law.