Inventory & Lab Manager

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Inventory Management & Stock Control (Primary Focus)

• Implement, enforce, and optimize inventory control procedures, material tracking, and stock rotation across R&D stores.
• Conduct monthly inventory audits and quarterly cycle counts to ensure stock accuracy, reconcile variances, and minimize discrepancies.
• Manage material disposition requests for crashed, scrapped, or disposed drone components/prototypes.
• Drive inventory consumption reporting on a monthly basis in coordination with Finance.

2. SAP Transactions & Data Analysis

• Execute daily SAP operations, including Purchase Requisitions (PR), Material Inward/Outward postings, and Work Order preparations for released R&D products.
• Oversee Goods Receipt Note (GRN) verification and processing for materials received from external vendors.
• Prepare comprehensive monthly R&D inventory analysis reports to track material velocity, stock levels, and cost consumption patterns.

3. Procurement & Storage Logistics

• Coordinate closely with central procurement and store teams to expedite PRs and clear inventory bottlenecks.
• Design, optimize, and maintain storage facility layout to maximize space utilization, safety, and efficient material handling.
• Oversee secure storage and precise cataloging of sensitive electronic, mechanical, and composite UAV components.

4. Prototype Lab Operations & Safety

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Prototype Lab space, ensuring optimal tool availability, equipment maintenance, and workflow execution.
• Ensure strict adherence to lab safety protocols, compliance standards, and cleanroom/storage organization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional R&D mechanical, electrical, and V&V teams to align material availability with project delivery schedules.

5. Leadership & Team Development

• Direct, lead, and mentor a team of technicians and inventory assistants in stock accuracy and lab discipline.
• Identify training needs across safety, SAP transactions, and material handling techniques.
• Demonstrate strong, authoritative leadership to maintain operational discipline across fast-paced prototyping cycles.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience: 10 to 15 years of proven experience in inventory control, R&D store management, or prototype lab operations (preferably within Drone/UAV, Aerospace, Automotive, or Robotics industries).
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in SAP (MM/WM modules), inventory auditing techniques, and MS Excel/analytics tools.
• Leadership Style: Strong, influential personality capable of maintaining high accountability and operational efficiency under tight timelines

Skills