Job Title: Inventory Manager
Location: Oshawa
About Us:
Welcome to Lactalis Canada! We’re proud to be Canada’s #1 branded dairy company and to be consistently recognized as one of the country’s top employers by Forbes. Our purpose is to enrich and nurture the lives of Canadians by offering the best of dairy from Canada’s favourite dairy brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia. In fact, our products can be found in over 90% of Canadian refrigerators in any given time. As part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, we remain focused on innovation and quality and are seeking like-minded individuals to join us as we continue our growth journey.
Abuot the opportunity:
The Inventory Manager is a hands-on subject matter expert responsible for driving inventory accuracy, compliance, and process improvements across SAP/MRP-enabled operations. The role partners cross-functionally to resolve variances, reduce losses, support fill rate, and deliver clear, data-driven reporting. The position influences through expertise and coaching.
The attributes we are looking for:
- Inventory Control & Accuracy (SAP/MRP): Develop and oversee inventory control strategies for Finished Goods, Repack Semi-Finished Goods, and Containers. Direct cycle count programs, approve reconciliations, and analyze systemic variances. Maintain material and batch integrity within SAP, ensure accurate recording and resolution of discrepancies, and identify product losses (including shrink, scrap, and claims). Lead loss prevention initiatives, ensure compliance, and drive continuous improvement. Develop and maintain KPIs for accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
- Quality Holds & Traceability: Execute and oversee the National Holds process, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and company standards. Maintain and audit compliance documentation, monitor execution across sites, and implement process improvements to strengthen traceability. Provide leadership and guidance to teams handling quality holds, resolve escalations, and collaborate with cross-functional collaborators to ensure timely and accurate release decisions.
- Customer Returns, OS\&D, and Claims: Lead the returns and claims process from a warehouse perspective, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution. Coordinate with Customer Service, Sales, Transportation, and Accounts Receivable on complex issues, and provide guidance to junior staff. Execute and validate SAP transactions for high-impact claims, maintain organized documentation, and recommend process improvements to reduce cycle time and prevent recurring issues.
- KPI Management, Reporting & Analytics: Develop and monitor key performance indicators to measure operational efficiency and effectiveness. Automate reporting processes, analyze trends, and deliver actionable insights to leadership. Continuously review and enhance KPI frameworks to support data-driven decision-making.
- Process Improvement & Strategy: Drive continuous improvement by identifying operational gaps and leading initiatives that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Champion the adoption of best practices and innovative technologies. Develop and execute strategic processes aligned with Supply Chain, Industrial, and corporate objectives, ensuring measurable impact through process optimization and leadership.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Planning, Warehousing, Finance, Quality, Customer Service, and Transportation.
- People Leadership: Lead and manage inventory team by hiring, reviewing performance, and providing feedback, determining training and development needs, and providing coaching and work direction.
What you will bring:
- University degree (or equivalent level of work experience)
- Proficiency with SAP (IM/WM/EWM) and MRP processes; strong Excel/analytics skills.
- Minimum 5 years’ management experience in a fast paced and food / perishable / cold related warehouse
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in distribution, or FMCG/CPG.
- Strong understanding of business requirements and customer priorities to align inventory management goals effectively.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage priorities, and deliver results under pressure.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to identify and resolve inventory and operational issues effectively
- Highly self-motivated, resourceful, and methodical, with a thorough approach to researching and addressing challenges
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to lead, plan, and execute tasks efficiently.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing priorities under pressure and meeting tight deadlines
- Proficiency in standard office applications such as Microsoft Office (including advanced Excel), MS Outlook, and MS Teams.
- Experience with enterprise systems such as SAP and/or MRP environments; ability to implement best practices in inventory and operational processes
What Lactalis will offer:
Lactalis Canada believes in rewarding its people with the following comprehensive benefits package and perks:
- A Competitive Base Salary
- A Performance-Based Bonus System
- 4 Weeks of Vacation
- Benefits starting day 1
- A Pension Program with an Employer Match at 100% of up to 6%
- Tuition reimbursement plan of up to $3,000/year
- A Volunteer Day to give back to your community
- Learning and Development opportunities
- A commitment to internal career advancement with potential for international mobility
Our ESG commitment:
Our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap drives our sustainability mission. We aim to positively impact communities and the planet by enabling stakeholders including our people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, and industry partners to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and the planet through all that we do.
At Lactalis Canada, we value our employees as catalysts for positive change. Together, we will create a sustainable future, promote belonging, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Our commitment to DEI:
Fuel Our Culture with Your Uniqueness! Lactalis thrives on the value each person brings. We're dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inviting personal and professional growth, and embracing everyone's true selves. We're committed to crafting an environment that genuinely welcomes all, reflecting the richness of our people and communities. We apply an equal access to employment program and invite women, aboriginal people, visible minorities, and people with disabilities to apply.
Our promise extends to accessible processes and spaces. If you require accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent), please inform our Talent Acquisition team – confidentiality will be maintained.
Note: Lactalis Canada does not conduct credit or background checks through LinkedIn. If required, we'll contact you after signing a Job Offer.
Compensation:
As part of our commitment to fairness, trust, and transparency and our ambition to be an Employer of Choice, the base salary range for this position is $88,400 – $110,500+.
Please note: Along with a comprehensive Total Rewards package, your actual base salary will be fair, competitive, and be based on your skills, experience, and qualifications.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $88,400.00-$110,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
