Director, Inventory Management

We know what it means to put the customer first-our business is built upon a tradition of exceptional, individualized customer service. Our employees experience the excitement and satisfaction that comes from working for a successful, expanding company where every team member makes a difference and where initiative and hard work are valued and rewarded. We are confident that if you choose to work at ROBINSON, you will be taking your first steps towards a challenging, profitable, and satisfying career.

Reporting to the VP, Supply Chain, the Director, Inventory Management oversees and directs the daily inventory operations and strategy across the organization. This role encompasses forecasting, planning, inventory management, distribution, and delivery, all with the aim of providing an easy and enjoyable customer experience, ensuring we have the right product, in the right place, at the right time.

The successful applicant can be located in any of the following major centres in which we operate: Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver.

What you will do:

• Lead the inventory management team to create a long-term supply strategy for our product offerings ensuring product availability in all regions
• Develop and execute supply plans and strategies for branches and customers, including demand planning and inventory management across multiple product categories
• Implement inventory management best practices and leverage ERP and other technologies
• Oversee end-to-end product life cycle management
• Develop and leverage data and KPI reporting to monitor performance, including inventory availability, investment, buffer stock, material aging, and forecast accuracy
• Guide the Inventory team in analyzing customer inventory needs and informing replenishment and expediting requirements
• Develop and manage annual inventory budgets, including adjustments for obsolete and slow-moving inventory
• Align sales and operational forecasts with budgets and category sales growth in collaboration with Sales teams
• Support and execute supplier management policies to track vendor performance and ensure timely order fulfillment
• Resolve material non-conformances and fulfillment issues
• Collaborate with internal and external teams to optimize operations and processes
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors
• Support the management and oversight of 3PL distribution activities and costs, ensuring quality service and managing costs proactively as required
• Understanding of regulatory requirements related to inventory management, including import/export laws, safety standards, and sustainability initiatives

About you:

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive Inventory Management experience, with 5+ years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field
• Completion of SCMP or CMP designation is considered an asset
• Proven track record of leading teams and developing other leaders
• Strong business acumen and analytical skills
• Ability to handle multiple, competing and urgent priorities
• Strong relationship builder with outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in using computer applications and systems
• Willingness to travel as required

Family-owned ROBINSON is a leading Canadian distributor of plumbing, heating, electrical, and lighting products. Today, the company serves customers in the construction industry and retail home improvement markets through a network of 32 distribution warehouses and showrooms in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. ROBINSON's reputation as a growing company with a customer-service oriented culture continues to attract and retain top quality people and has earned it Platinum status among Canada's Best Managed Companies. ROBINSON is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We strive to foster an environment that values our differences and believe in giving back to the communities in which we live and work.

ROBINSON values your experience and recognizes the contributions you make to the success of our business. Your starting pay will be based on the skills and experience you bring to the role. In BC, employees in this position can expect to earn $114,000 to $145,000 per year, with opportunities to earn more as you grow and develop with us. Your salary will be supplemented with monthly bonus opportunities, annual profit share, wellness days, RRSP program and a generous benefits package.

ROBINSON will provide accommodation for candidates with disabilities throughout our interview and selection process.

Thank you to all interested candidates, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.