Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Inventory Control and Distribution

The Inventory Operations Manger manages inventory control, distribution, storage operations, disposition/sales, and related services to support supply and resource requirements; oversees operational efficiency, inventory management practices, distribution processes, financial performance, information systems, vendor relationships, and compliance with established policies and procedures; develops operational strategies, monitors performance, coordinates services with internal and external stakeholders, and leads assigned personnel to ensure effective, cost-efficient, and reliable service delivery.

• Provide leadership and oversight for distribution services, inventory control functions, and related activities; establish operational priorities, service expectations, and performance objectives to meet organizational needs
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational policies, procedures, and internal controls to promote efficiency, inventory accuracy, accountability, cost containment, and compliance with applicable University requirements
• Oversee inventory planning and management practices, including demand forecasting, stock replenishment, inventory optimization, and the identification of excess, obsolete, or underutilized resources; evaluate inventory trends and recommend strategies to maintain appropriate stock levels and product availability
• Oversee the coordination and effectiveness of distribution and storage operations, including inventory movement, order fulfillment, shipping, receiving, and related services; evaluate workflows, resource utilization, and operational capacity to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, service quality, and the use of available space and resources
• Establish and monitor operational performance measures related to inventory accuracy, product availability, order fulfillment, service quality, operating costs, and process efficiency; analyze performance trends, identify deficiencies, and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage departmental budgets, expenditures, and financial performance; analyze operating costs, inventory valuations, purchasing trends, and other financial information; prepare and review financial and operational reports; recommend strategies to improve cost effectiveness and resource allocation
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain inventory management systems, electronic databases, reporting tools, and related websites; establish data management practices and system requirements to support accurate inventory records, transaction processing, product information, reporting, and operational decision-making
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with University departments, internal customers, vendors, suppliers, and external organizations; serve as a liaison for inventory-related services and address service concerns and operational issues
• Evaluate material and service requests, assess requirements, research products and alternative solutions, and analyze market conditions, pricing, and availability to inform inventory strategies and purchasing decisions
• Lead vendor and supplier management activities, including evaluating performance, identifying potential suppliers, and participating in vendor selection and contract negotiations within delegated authority; collaborate with appropriate stakeholders on requests for proposals, procurement activities, and strategies to improve cost effectiveness and service delivery
• Identify and assess operational risks, including supply interruptions, inventory discrepancies, vendor performance issues, and service disruptions; develop contingency strategies and coordinate with internal stakeholders to maintain continuity of supply and distribution services
• Oversee compliance with applicable safety requirements, inventory controls, operational procedures, and environmental practices; identify potential risks, coordinate corrective actions, and promote a safe working environment for employees, customers, and other stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve sustainability and resource utilization through inventory optimization, product standardization, reuse, recycling, and other waste-reduction initiatives; coordinate implementation with appropriate University departments and external partners
• Evaluate staffing requirements and operational workloads; establish work schedules, allocate resources, and adjust staffing assignments and priorities to support service demands and improve unit efficiency
• Hire, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate assigned employees; establish performance expectations, support employee development, address performance concerns, and promote a productive, service-oriented work environment; adhere to applicable collective bargaining agreements

Level:

– Senior Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced skills in critical functions related to unit's success. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of emerging technologies and processes. Monitors completed work of others to ensure effectiveness and adherence to requirements. Sets clear expectations and holds team accountable. Establishes a shared team/unit vision. Demonstrates ability to evaluate and enhance team/unit practices that promote a strong commitment to inclusionary practices. Coaches others using appropriate strategies. Demonstrates diplomacy. Demonstrates ability to serve as liaison between senior-level management and staff. Resolves complex, controversial, or unprecedented issues and problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees large team or teams of individual contributors and/or supervisors/managers
– Leads a department or functional area

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks large budgets
– Plans, forecasts, and/or develops budgets
– May approve budgets for specific area
– Typically has final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters highly varied and complex problems that impacts the team and possibly the unit
– Develops creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature
– Independently resolves complex and/or unprecedented issues and problems

Independence of Action:

– Work results are not clearly defined
– Generally sets own goals and determines how to accomplish results with few or no guidelines to follow
– Monitors completed work of others to ensure soundness of approach, effectiveness of meeting requirements, the feasibility of recommendations and adherences to requirements
– Delegates more advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Fosters collaboration between units and engages others' coordinated efforts to reach desired outcomes with broad scope

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $81,312.00
• MidPoint – $101,664.00
• Maximum – $122,016.00

• Customer Service
• Forecasting
• Inventory management
• Negotiation
• Office management
• Operations management
• Product classification
• Project Management
• Records management
• Report writing
• Scheduling
• Vendor management