Inventory managers ensure appropriate stock levels in retail, supermarkets, warehouses and distribution centers. Strong communication, organization and computer skills are required, along with a degree in business administration or relevant work experience. National organizations offer voluntary training courses and certification exams to improve credentials.
Retail businesses, supermarkets, warehouses and distribution centers rely on stock managers to ensure that the appropriate quantities of items are kept in stock. Managers review inventory levels and sales data to determine when to order new shipments from wholesalers. A person who wants to become an inventory manager usually needs to possess strong communication, organization and computer skills. The specific education and training requirements for becoming an inventory manager vary, but most professionals have college degrees and previous experience in related jobs.
An individual interested in inventory management should research the job responsibilities to ensure he or she is a good fit. Professionals need excellent math and reasoning skills to take accurate inventories, calculate reshipping costs, and determine when more or less of a given item should be ordered. They typically spend a significant amount of time working on computers, creating spreadsheets, and filling out purchase orders. Inventory managers also rely on their communication skills when talking to suppliers over the phone and when dealing with employees and customers face-to-face.
An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration can be very useful for a person who wants to become an inventory manager. As a business student, an individual has the chance to learn how companies control sales, determine proper inventory levels, and coordinate with shipping companies. This knowledge is indispensable in managerial positions. Toward the end of a degree program, a person may begin browsing online job search sites, looking for classified ads in newspapers, and utilizing the career placement resources available at their school to find openings.
Some employers emphasize work experience more than college credentials. A person who has worked as a clerk or warehouse associate already has many of the skills needed to become an inventory manager. In fact, many companies prefer to promote existing workers who are already familiar with procedures for inventory management tasks rather than hiring outside help.
In many countries, national organizations offer voluntary training courses and certification exams that can help prospective inventory managers further improve their credentials. In the United States, for example, the Association for Operations Management offers participants the opportunity to become Certified Production and Inventory Managers (CPIM). With CPIM credentials or a similar designation in another country, an individual often enjoys many opportunities to become an inventory manager.
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