Salary: $92,151 - $141,739

The Inventory Optimization Manager is a critical role within our contract logistics operations, responsible for optimizing warehouse floor layout and slotting strategies to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and improve overall productivity. This role requires a data-driven individual with a strong understanding of warehouse operations, slotting methodologies, and material handling equipment. The Inventory Optimization Manager will analyze data, develop and implement slotting plans, and collaborate with various teams to ensure seamless execution and continuous improvement.

· Inventory Optimization: Develop and implement data-driven slotting strategies based on product velocity (historical and forecast), size, weight, and other relevant factors to minimize travel time, improve picking accuracy, and maximize space utilization.

· Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data related to inventory, order profiles, picking patterns, and other relevant metrics to identify areas for improvement and develop effective slotting solutions.

· Continuous Improvement: Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to slotting effectiveness, such as picking productivity, put-away efficiency, and inventory accuracy. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement changes to optimize performance.

· Project Management: Manage slotting projects from inception to completion, including planning, implementation, and follow-up. This may include coordinating with vendors for new equipment or racking.

· Warehouse Layout Design: Design and optimize warehouse floor layouts to facilitate efficient picking paths, flow of goods, minimize congestion, and accommodate future growth. This includes considering storage media, material handling equipment, and traffic patterns.

· Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including receiving, shipping, inventory control, and IT, to ensure seamless execution of slotting plans and resolve any issues that may arise.

· Material Handling Equipment Optimization: Evaluate and recommend appropriate material handling equipment to support efficient slotting and warehouse operations.

· Safety & Compliance: Ensure all slotting and warehouse layout designs comply with safety regulations and company policies.

· Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to slotting strategies, warehouse layouts, and performance metrics.

· Training: Provide training to warehouse personnel on new slotting procedures and best practices

Minimum Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field preferred.

· Proven experience (typically 3-5 years) in slotting optimization and warehouse layout design within a contract logistics or distribution environment.

· Strong understanding of warehouse operations, slotting methodologies (e.g., ABC analysis, velocity-based slotting), and material handling equipment.

· Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS) and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL).

· Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

· Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

· Lean or Six Sigma certification is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

· Advanced Degree: Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. This demonstrates a deeper understanding of the field and potentially more advanced analytical skills.

· Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt: While a Green Belt is a plus, a Black Belt signifies a higher level of expertise in process improvement methodologies and a proven ability to lead complex projects.

· APICS Certifications: Certifications like Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) demonstrate a strong understanding of inventory management principles and best practices.

Experience:

· 5+ Years of Experience: While 3-5 years is the minimum, 5 or more years of progressive experience in slotting optimization and warehouse layout design, specifically within a high-volume contract logistics or e-commerce distribution environment, would be highly desirable. This experience should showcase increasing responsibility and quantifiable results.

· Experience with Specific WMS: Beyond general WMS proficiency, experience with specific WMS platforms used by the company (if known) would be a significant advantage. This minimizes the learning curve and allows for immediate contribution.

· Project Management Experience: Demonstrated success in leading and managing complex warehouse optimization projects, including budget management and vendor negotiation. Include examples of projects with quantifiable ROI.

· Experience with Automation: Experience with warehouse automation technologies (e.g., AS/RS, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics) is becoming increasingly important. Highlighting experience in optimizing layouts for automated systems is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

· Advanced Data Analysis Skills: Beyond basic Excel and SQL, proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, Python) would be highly advantageous. The ability to analyze large datasets and extract actionable insights is crucial.

· Simulation Software Experience: Experience with warehouse simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Arena) would allow for more sophisticated modeling and optimization of warehouse layouts and slotting strategies.

· Strong Business Acumen: Understanding the financial impact of inventory optimization decisions and the ability to present data-driven recommendations to management is essential.

· Excellent Communication & Collaboration Skills: The ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences is critical. Highlight examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.

· Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to identify and solve complex warehouse operational challenges using data-driven approaches.

Physical Demands:

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

· Warehouse and office environment with exposure to moving equipment and automation systems.

· May require occasional travel to other facilities for process improvement projects or training

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Benefits

Yusen offers a generous Employee Benefits Package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision beginning the 1^st of the month following start date
• 401k with a company match
• Standard 10 days PTO 
• Eligible for bonus plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts, Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits, vacation, and much moren, and much more.

Any and all benefits offered are subject to the eligibility requirements, terms, and provisions set forth in the respective policies and plan documents, which you may request from Human Resources.

About Yusen Logistics (Americas)

Yusen Logistics is working to become the world’s preferred supply chain logistics company. Our complete offer is designed to forge better connections between businesses, customers and communities – through innovative supply chain management, freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution services. As a company we’re dedicated to a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring everyone who works with us is committed, connected and creative in making us the world’s preferred choice.

www.yusen-logistics.com/

Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. values each individual employee and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce by providing equal employment opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, citizenship status, uniform service member status, age, disability, sexual and gender orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Los Angeles County Only: Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc. is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the Civil Right’s Department Fair Chance Act webpage.