Manager - Inventory Optimization & Material Management

Location

Khalapur & Chakan Plant

Role Purpose The position will be responsible for driving inventory optimization across both manufacturing facilities. The role will own the end-to-end management of excess, slow-moving and non-moving inventory, ensuring maximum utilization, liquidation (incl scrap) and reduction of inventory carrying costs through close coordination with Design, Projects, Operations, Production Planning, Procurement and Supply Chain teams.

The incumbent will act as the single-point owner for inventory health and material optimization initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Optimization

- Review and monitor overall inventory levels across Khalapur and Chakan plants.
- Identify excess, slow-moving, non-moving and obsolete inventory.
- Develop and drive action plans for consumption, redeployment, modification or liquidation of inventory.
- Monitor inventory ageing and establish periodic review mechanisms.
- Drive inventory reduction targets and working capital improvement initiatives.
- Improvement in current inventory movement processes - both physically and in system

Excess Inventory Management

- Prepare detailed analysis of excess inventory by material category, project, age and value.
- Coordinate with Design and Engineering teams to identify alternate usage opportunities.
- Work with Projects and Operations teams to consume existing stocks before fresh procurement.
- Identify opportunities for material modification and re-engineering for utilization.




- Drive liquidation of surplus material through internal transfer, resale, supplier buy-back or scrap disposal, wil compliance to SOPs and processes.

Cross-Functional Coordination

- Work closely with:
- Design & Engineering

- Project Management

- Manufacturing Operations
- Planning & Production Control
- Procurement & SCM
- Stores & Logistics

- Finance
- Ensure inventory-related decisions are aligned across all stakeholders.
- Conduct regular review meetings and track action closure.

Inventory Governance & Controls

- Establish inventory KPIs and dashboards.
- Monitor inventory turns, ageing, slow-moving stock %, dead stock %, and carrying costs.
- Ensure ERP inventory master data accuracy.
- Recommend improvements in planning, procurement and stocking policies.
- Support annual budgeting and inventory planning exercises.

Reporting & Analytics

- Prepare monthly inventory optimization reports for management.
- Present action plans and progress on inventory reduction.
- Highlight risks, ageing inventory and liquidation opportunities.
- Generate MIS and analytical reports for leadership review.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

- B.E./B.Tech (Mechanical/Industrial/Production)
- MBA / PGDM in Supply Chain or Operations preferred

Experience

- 8-15 years of experience in manufacturing workplace
- Experience in heavy engineering, cranes, hoists, industrial equipment, capital goods or automotive sectors preferred
- Strong understanding of BOMs, engineering changes and material planning
- Hands-on experience in inventory optimization and material control

📌 Manager - Inventory Optimization & Material Management (Khalapur)
🏢 BAJAJ INDEF
📍 Khalapur