Inventory Management Director

The Inventory Management Director will be responsible for all aspects of inventory management, demand planning and forecasting, and procurement activities at the direction of the CPUC. The Inventory Management Director will report to the Field Operations Program Director and will also interface with the DDTP Vendor Partners, as appropriate.  This position will ensure the program's inventory is managed effectively and efficiently, with accurate forecasting to meet the program’s ongoing needs. The Inventory Management Director will work closely with cross-functional teams and the CPUC to ensure the timely availability of resources and services, while managing procurement processes to ensure cost-efficiency. 

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement inventory management strategies, including demand forecasting, stock optimization, and inventory turnover improvements
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives for inventory management processes, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and cost reduction
• Identify and implement best practices in inventory control and warehouse operations
• Conduct regular process audits and implement optimization strategies 
• Create and submit purchase requests based on demand forecasting and planning, coordinating with CPUC for vendor procurement processes
• Establish and monitor KPIs for inventory accuracy, stock turns, and carrying costs
• Lead asset lifecycle management, including tracking equipment from acquisition through deployment, maintenance, repairs, and end-of-life disposition
• Provide detailed analytics on inventory performance, trends, and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure compliance with all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) related to inventory management
• Oversee order fulfillment activities, including request management, shipment deliveries, and returns processing[PG1] [AW2] Conduct regular cycle counts and annual comprehensive inventory audits of California Connect equipment
• Implement and maintain quality control processes for inventory accuracy
• In collaboration with the Project Management Office (PMO), develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all inventory management activities
• Track and report all inventory metrics to ensure strategic alignment with program goals
• Collaborate with CPUC and Vendor Partners to align inventory strategies with program goals
• Provide regular reports to CPUC Management, Vendor Partners, Advisory Committees, and stakeholders
• Manage inventory staff and ensure order fulfillment activities are efficiently executed, including procurement, request management, shipment deliveries, returns, and invoicing. 
• Serve as the liaison with CPUC Contract Manager to ensure inventory management aligns with CPUC requirements and service level agreements
• Enter, track, and report on all inventory management through a DDTP customer and inventory tracking system
• Work cooperatively with the California Connect program to resolve escalated issues including, but not limited to, contractual requirements, risk mitigation, and any other issue that requires the Division President’s attention 
• Promotes a collaborative team spirit within CSD team and partner organizations to share resources, best practices, program issues and successes with each other
• Develops program goals, including effective and efficient methods to track, evaluate and meet funding and stakeholder requirements
• Represents the company by serving as an ambassador of the organization. Maximizes opportunities to publicly present and/or advocate for CSD products and services and identifies and develops collaborative relationships to raise access to services and improve the quality of life for disabled individuals.
• Builds CSD reputation as the partner, provider, and neighbor of choice through becoming an integral part of politics, communities, and cultures and promoting a positive perception of our organization and programs
• Collaborates with internal CSD teams to carry out California Connect initiatives, including messaging and sharing opportunities and resources
• Work closely with the Field Operations Director to identify and determine needs in our community and how we may fulfill those needs through our programs and to continue the growth of our national scale efforts
• Other duties as assigned      

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

To perform the essential functions of this position successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of inventory management, demand planning, forecasting, and optimization strategies.
• Proficiency in procurement processes, vendor management, and contract negotiation.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management, warehouse systems, and inventory control best practices.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, especially within government programs like California Connect and CPUC guidelines.
• Advanced skills in data analysis, forecasting, and ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics).
• Proven project management experience, including inventory strategy development, stock level optimization, and process improvements.
• Proficiency in inventory tracking tools, KPI monitoring, and performance reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for demand prediction and discrepancy resolution.
• Ability to manage procurement workflows, vendor relationships, and cost-effective procurement strategies.
• Skilled in demand forecasting models, inventory accuracy audits, and quality control.
• Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external vendors.
• Experienced in leading teams, optimizing inventory processes, and reducing waste.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, capable of handling multiple projects.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage remote teams, and drive cross-departmental collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field, or equivalent professional experience required.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience within the past ten (10) years, working on a large Statewide program with delivery throughout the state.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in an Order Fulfillment position suApervising teams of 10 people or greater on projects that involved Statewide programs within the past (10) years being directly responsible for activities in order fulfillment 
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience within the past ten (10) years working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (e.g., Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, etc.) and familiarity with ERP modules 
• A minimum of three (3) years within the past ten (10) years of demonstrated experience with warehouse management systems, inventory control software, supply chain management principles, product lifecycle management, inventory optimization strategies, procurement processes and vendor management. 
• Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCM) or related certification (preferred)
• Lean Six Sigma certification or other process improvement certifications (preferred)
• Certified in Inventory Management (CIM) or a related certification (preferred)
• Proficiency in American Sign Language (preferred).