Inventory Planner & Logistics Controller

Job Title: Inventory Planner & Logistics Controller

Reports To: Operations/Logistics Manager or General Manager

Location: Al Jarsh Metal Sections Mfg. Co. LLC, UAQ

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Metal Fabrication / Manufacturing (SME)

Role Overview

We are looking for a technically minded Inventory Planner & Logistics Coordinator with a strong engineering background and hands-on experience in SME manufacturing or metal fabrication environments. This role goes well beyond stock counting — you will be the architect of our inventory and logistics infrastructure, designing and implementing lean systems, racking layouts, part-coding schemes, and data-driven ordering frameworks from the ground up.

You will own the full materials lifecycle: from establishing reorder triggers and safety stock models to coordinating inbound and outbound logistics — ensuring the factory floor is never starved of material and that capital is not tied up in excess stock.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lean Systems Design & Implementation

• Design and implement a fit-for-purpose inventory management system (IMS) suited to an SME metal fabrication environment — including software selection/configuration, manual back-up processes, and integration with production planning.
• Develop a comprehensive part-coding and classification system (e.g. alphanumeric SKU logic, material type, section size, grade) for all raw materials, consumables, hardware, and finished goods.
• Create and install a racking, zoning, and bin-location system across the warehouse — clearly labelled and logic-driven to minimise handling time and picking errors.
• Establish Kanban, min/max, or reorder-point (ROP) stock control models tailored to item criticality, lead times, and consumption patterns.
• Drive a lean culture: eliminate waste in storage, movement, and ordering processes; implement 5S principles across all warehouse and storage areas.

2. Inventory Planning & Stock Control

• Define and maintain ordering levels (reorder points, safety stock, economic order quantities) for all stocked items based on usage data and supplier lead times.
• Monitor stock levels continuously; flag and resolve shortages, overstock, and slow-moving items proactively.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials (sections, plate, profiles), work-in-progress, consumables, and finished goods.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and full physical audits; reconcile variances and implement root-cause corrective actions.
• Produce weekly and monthly stock performance reports — variance analysis, stock turns, obsolescence, and coverage days — for management review.

3. Ordering & Procurement Support

• Generate and manage purchase requisitions based on system-driven reorder triggers; liaise with procurement to ensure timely placement of orders.
• Track open purchase orders and expedite deliveries to prevent production stoppages.
• Evaluate supplier lead time performance and flag unreliable patterns to management.
• Maintain an up-to-date approved supplier list and material specification register.

4. Warehouse & Logistics Coordination

• Supervise the receipt, inspection, and put-away of all incoming materials — ensuring GRN accuracy and system updates in real time.
• Coordinate outbound logistics: loading of finished goods and part shipments, documentation (delivery notes, packing lists), and carrier/driver scheduling.
• Ensure safe handling, correct storage methods, and compliance with material-specific requirements (e.g. long-length steel sections, heavy bundles).
• Maintain housekeeping standards; enforce safe and organised warehouse operations in line with H&S requirements.

5. Process Improvement & Training

• Continuously identify and eliminate inefficiencies in stock flow, storage utilisation, and documentation processes.
• Train warehouse staff and data-entry personnel on all inventory procedures, coding conventions, and system usage.
• Provide accurate, real-time inventory data to production and procurement teams to support planning and scheduling decisions.
• Report on lean improvement initiatives: document baseline metrics, changes made, and measurable outcomes.

Skills & Qualifications

Education

• Degree or diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Structural) — strongly preferred.
• Additional qualification in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Operations Management is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years in an inventory planning, logistics, or materials control role within a manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing inventory systems or lean processes from scratch in an SME setting.
• Experience with metal sections, structural steel, or similar industrial materials is a strong advantage.

Technical Skills

• Practical knowledge of inventory management software (ERP, WMS, or similar); ability to evaluate and implement a new system if required.
• Advanced MS Excel skills — able to build stock models, reorder calculators, and variance dashboards.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles: 5S, Kanban, Just-in-Time, value stream mapping.
• Ability to design racking layouts and bin-location systems; familiarity with warehouse layout optimisation.
• Sound engineering literacy — able to read technical drawings and understand material specifications.

Personal Attributes

• Systems thinker — driven to build structure, process, and order where none currently exists.
• Hands-on and practical; comfortable working on the shop floor as well as at a desk.
• High attention to detail with a strong bias for data accuracy.
• Self-starter who can work independently and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced SME.
• Clear communicator — able to train, influence, and align cross-functional teams including production, procurement, and management.

Core KPIs

Metric

Target

Inventory Record Accuracy

≥ 98%

Stock Replenishment On-Time Rate

≥ 95%

Reorder Level Adherence

100%

System / Coding Accuracy

≥ 99%

Audit Cycle Frequency

Monthly

Variance Resolution Turnaround

≤ 3 days

Lean Improvement Initiatives Delivered

≥ 2 per quarter

Racking & Storage Utilisation

≥ 90%

This is a foundational role — the right candidate will have a genuine opportunity to build the systems and standards that will shape how this business manages materials for years to come.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED4,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person