Inventory Manager

About Valiram:

Valiram was established in 1935 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, originally specializing in the textile trade. Today, Valiram is Southeast Asia’s leading luxury goods and 360° retail specialist with presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Operating more than 500 stores, a number which continues to grow, the group represents in excess of 200 brands across various categories, from fashion and accessories, timepieces and jewelry, perfume and cosmetics to confectionery and dining concepts.

Learn more about us at www.valiram.com

Position Summary:

The Inventory Manager is responsible for end-to-end inventory accuracy, governance, and optimisation across warehouses, distribution centres, and retail stores. Reporting to the VP of Inventory Control & Finance Reporting, this role ensures strong inventory controls, timely and accurate financial closing, audit readiness, and reliable inventory data to support management reporting and business decision-making.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Inventory Governance & Control

• As gatekeeper for inventory control, SOPs, and approval matrices across stores, warehouses, 3PLs.
• Review, and validate inventory adjustments, write-offs, and reclassifications prior to committee submission.
• Ensure system transactions consistently reflect physical stock movement and financial impact.

Inventory Operations Oversight

• Oversee and govern:
• PO GRN confirmations within agreed SLA
• Goods receiving and system updates
• Shipment movements from warehouses to stores / Principles
• Corporate sales inventory transactions
• In-charge & Review of Group Stock Count Plan with team member
• Act as escalation point for inventory-related issues from warehouse, logistics, store operations, and corporate sales teams.

Loss Prevention (LP) & Compliance

• Shrinkage Reduction: Enforce strategies to reduce inventory loss caused by internal theft, shoplifting, and administrative errors highlighted by Loss Prevention.
• Process Compliance: Ensure Stores and team members adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding waste disposal, damages, and adjustment.

System & Data Integrity (M3)

• Review and validate inventory data integrity, transaction discipline, and period controls within the M3 system .
• Partner with IT to improve controls, automation, and reporting capability.
• Ensure inventory data supports accurate financial statements and management reporting.

Financial Closing & Audit

• Lead inventory month-end closing activities and deliver inventory results within agreed timelines.
• Manage inventory components of financial year-end closing.
• Act as primary inventory liaison with internal and external auditors.
• Resolve audit queries, implement corrective actions, and track closure of audit findings.

Stock Take Reconciliation

• Analyse variances, identify root causes, and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor recurring discrepancies and work with Operations to close control gaps.

Reporting, Analysis & Optimisation

• Analyse inventory KPIs including accuracy, aging, shrinkage, and stock turns.
• Preparation on inventory stock loss reports and insights for management review.
• Support working capital optimisation, forecasting, and budgeting initiatives.

Stakeholder & People Management

• Lead, coach, and supervise the team.
• Partner closely with Finance Reporting, Warehouse, Logistics, Store Operations, and Merchandising teams.

Requirements & Qualifications :

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or related discipline.

Experience

• 6–10 years of experience in inventory management, inventory accounting, or inventory control roles, preferably in retail or multi-location environments.

Strong exposure to:

• Inventory controls and reconciliation
• Month-end and year-end closing on Inventory Closing Stock Report
• Audit and compliance in Processes and Financial Reporting
• ERP systems (M3 preferred)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong control and governance mindset with solid operational understanding.
• High attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Confident communicator able to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Able to operate under pressure during closing and audit cycles.
• Hands-on, yet able to think systemically and strategically.