Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager Position Summary

The Manufacturing Yard Planning & Inventory Manager is responsible for planning, controlling, and optimizing raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods inventory—including steel coils, plates, and pipe products—across yard and storage operations.

This role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective material flow, supports uninterrupted production, and improves yard utilization, inventory accuracy, and dispatch readiness in alignment with production schedules, logistics requirements, and customer delivery commitments.

Key Responsibilities

Yard Planning & Layout Management

Develop and maintain optimized yard layouts for steel coils, plates (LSAW and specialty grades), pipes (HFI / ERW / LSAW), finished goods, and dispatch zones.

Ensure efficient movement of materials from storage to production with minimal handling and congestion.

Coordinate stacking, segregation, and accessibility based on grade, size, and production priority.

Inventory Management & Control

Own inventory accuracy for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.

Maintain real-time inventory visibility using ERP and WMS systems.

Lead cycle counts, physical inventories, and variance resolution.

Ensure FIFO compliance, heat traceability, and proper material identification.

Production & Dispatch Coordination

Partner daily with production planning, coating, quality, and logistics teams.

Ensure timely availability of materials to support production schedules.

Support truck, rail, and barge dispatch activities.

Prevent production delays caused by material shortages or misplacement.

Yard Operations & Safety Leadership

Enforce safety standards for crane operations, forklifts, and heavy material handling.

Ensure compliance with OSHA and internal safety policies.

Conduct safety audits and implement corrective actions.

Promote a strong, zero-incident safety culture.

Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

Use ERP/WMS tools to track inventory movement, aging, and dwell time.

Develop and monitor KPIs related to inventory accuracy, yard utilization, damage, and dispatch performance.

Lead Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Support automation and digital improvement efforts within yard operations.

Team Leadership

Lead yard planners, inventory controllers, and yard supervisors.

Set performance expectations, accountability, and development plans.

Train teams on safety standards, systems, and best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.

Experience

7–12+ years of experience in yard operations, inventory control, or manufacturing logistics.

Background in steel, pipe, or heavy manufacturing environments.

Hands-on experience with steel plates, coils, and large-diameter pipe.

ERP system experience (SAP preferred).

Familiarity with rail, truck, and barge logistics.

Key Competencies

Strong operational planning and execution skills

Deep understanding of steel plate and pipe handling

Safety-first leadership mindset

Data-driven decision making

Strong communication and people leadership skills

Continuous improvement focus

Key Performance Indicators

Inventory accuracy ≥ 99%

Zero production delays due to material availability

Reduced material handling and rehandling

Improved yard utilization

Reduced damage and demurrage

On-time dispatch performance