Inventory Clerk at Medtronic

A Day in the Life

This field-based role is responsible for the execution of Customer Care Supply Chain field inventory strategies and initiatives to achieve Customer Service excellence, Inventory Targets goals, while minimizing Scrap, Obsolescence, Gains and Losses (SOGL) and Freight costs. This position acts as a liaison for inventory topics between field-based employees (Sales Reps, Territory Managers), Customers and the Internal teams (Supply Chain, Distribution, Customer Care, Marketing and Logistics) while reporting directly to the Field Inventory Operations Organization.

This individual must be analytical, results oriented and highly organized with the ability to multi-task and adapt to changes in field and Departmental needs.

Field Inventory Management

• Daily engagement with multiple internal and external business partners to coordinate inventory strategies.
• Monitor and manage short UBD (use by date) inventory to ensure stock is rotated timeously to prevent risk of expired stock in any customer location.
• Use initiative to recommend changes / improved methods to reach optimal inventory while minimizing inventory costs and exposure.
• Proactively monitor and maintain inventory levels at customer accounts.
• Proactively look for methods to improve Inventory Health by eliminating or reducing unhealthy, phased out and excess inventory from consignment accounts.
• Partner with Hub Leaders, Territory Managers, Sales Reps and Product Managers to ensure that we have the right product at the right place at the right.
• Rotate inventory to mitigate supply constraints.
• Manage the Consignment Stock Count process to ensure that all locations are counted and reconciled within the prescribed time frames to ensure system stock balances are aligned to physical to support invoicing and stock replacement requirements.
• Use initiative and be proactive in resolving all queries promptly.
• Ensure expired and short-dated units are identified, segregated, returned, and exchanged for longer-dated units in alignment with internal processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with internal teams - Customer Care Agents, Supply Chain Analysts and Field Inventory Program Managers to accelerate shared business objectives focused on inventory management.
• Build credibility, trust, and respect from internal and external customers.
• Looks for win-win solutions to meet O/U needs while also driving the Field Inventory strategies.
• Takes initiative identifying opportunities and threats and develop business cases and alternatives.
• Communicate and facilitate the execution of inventory management initiatives with sales teams.
• Maintain effective relationships with Customer Care and Supply Chain operations to insure effective fulfilment of customer orders.
• Assist sales field with obtaining signed Consignment Agreements (CA) and Inventory Cycle Count Schedules (IS).

Other

• Provide regular on-call support for after hours and weekends when critical business needs arise.
• Remote position that travels regularly including additional overnight and/or flight travel if needed.
• Understands and adheres to Medical Regulations, quality and training requirements, SOPs, and Work Instructions—continually looking for opportunities to improve quality.
• Stay current and up to date with internal training requirements and product knowledge.
• Proactively propose ideas for process improvement and takes action to drive implementation and completion
• Meet deadlines and drives results
• Proactively communicate and reset expectations when timeline are not achievable
• Able to work flexible schedule as business needs dictate
• Able to support overnight/long distance travel when required (40-60%)

Must Have: Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualification in Logistic, Supply Chain and Inventory Management related degree required

• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, or advanced degree with 2 years of experience
• Ability to Travel

Nice to Have

• High aptitude for problem solving and troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills
• Experience with inventory management within supply chain or distribution environment.
• Self-motivated; can work with minimal supervision remotely traveling to key customers.
• Ability to participate in numerous tasks and work multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Systems knowledge: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Visio, SAP
• Preferred to have Six Sigma Yellow, Green or Black Belt Certification
• Must have valid driver’s license with clean record and subject to regular driver’s license review to meet compliance
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated negotiation/influence management skills--positively resolving conflict
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and professionally (written and verbal)
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills; Highly flexible to changing business needs
• Proven ability to produce consistent, detail oriented, high-quality work
• Ability to make sound decisions and drive action independently
• Ability to execute logically, calmly and efficiently in a chaotic and stressful environment
• Strong knowledge and understanding of supply chain-related regulatory requirements and ability to assess current procedures and resolve gaps
• Experience working in a regulated environment--ideally the medical device industry
• Proactively drives results