Inventory Manager in Waunakee, Wisconsin at Octopi Brewing

Inventory Manager
Waunakee, WI (Octopi) | Supply Chain | Full-Time

About Asahi Beer USA

Asahi Beer USA is a premium beverage business headquartered in the U.S., with a focus on building and expanding a portfolio of super premium brands including Asahi Super Dry and Twisted Shotz. As part of Asahi Europe & International, the global arm of Asahi Group Holdings, the U.S. team plays a strategic role in shaping the future of Asahi's international portfolio through consumer-led innovation and agile market execution. Backed by global brands, insights, and capabilities, and supported by Octopi Brewing — a leading production facility in Wisconsin — Asahi Beer USA combines local agility with global scale.

About the Role

This is a high-visibility role for someone who treats inventory accuracy like it's mission-critical — because it is. The Inventory Manager owns end-to-end inventory management across raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and staging stock, ensuring product is always available for production and customer fulfillment without tying up unnecessary working capital.

You'll lead a team of 4-5, drive FIFO discipline and warehouse controls, and partner closely with Finance, Production, and Logistics to keep inventory data accurate and decision-ready. If you love digging into the "why" behind a variance and building processes that prevent the next one, this role is built for you.

This role reports to the Warehousing & Distribution Director.

What You'll Do

• Own inventory accuracy across raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and brewery staging stock
• Drive and enforce FIFO principles across all warehouse and brewery storage areas
• Lead cycle counts, stock takes, reconciliations, and variance investigations
• Monitor stock levels to ensure uninterrupted production supply while avoiding excess working capital
• Coordinate staging of materials and products to support line supply and operational continuity
• Review inventory aging, slow-moving, and obsolete stock, and lead actions to reduce related costs and risk
• Maintain accurate inventory transactions in ERP/WMS systems and prepare reporting for Finance and Operations
• Monitor and report key inventory KPIs — accuracy, variance, aging, write-offs, service levels, and turns
• Partner with Finance on month-end close, stock valuation, and audit support
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 4-5 inventory and warehouse support team members
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities through improved stock management and process control
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Brewing, Packaging, Logistics, Procurement, and Customer Service

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business, or related field preferred
• Proven experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain roles within manufacturing, food and beverage, FMCG, or brewery operations
• Strong understanding of inventory control, stock reconciliation, cycle counting, and FIFO management
• Experience supporting Finance through inventory reporting, variance analysis, and stock valuation
• Experience with ERP and warehouse management systems with strong data accuracy discipline
• Previous people management or team leadership experience preferred
• Experience with continuous improvement and cost reduction initiatives highly desirable

Skills & Experience That Set You Apart

• Inventory control and FIFO discipline at scale
• Cycle counting, stock takes, and variance root-cause analysis
• Cross-functional collaboration with Finance, Production, and Supply Chain
• ERP systems and advanced Excel/reporting proficiency
• Team leadership and coaching
• Cost-saving and process optimization initiatives
• Strong analytical and data presentation skills

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: Based on Experience
• Eligible for annual performance-based bonus program
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off & 9 paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• And more

We are an equal opportunity employer. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Asahi Beer USA celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can show up as their authentic self.