Vendor Managed Inventory Manager

Job Responsibility:

Winpak Division is seeking a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) Manager to join the team based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

We are looking for a data-driven, strategic, and collaborative VMI Manager with a proven track record in inventory optimization. Reporting to the Sales Inventory Operational Planning Director , you will be responsible for designing and implementing a best-in-class VMI program from the ground up.

In this key leadership role, you will work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Planning, and Commercial leadership, as well as directly with customers, to develop predictive inventory models, reduce aged inventory, and increase VMI program utilization. Your ability to combine analytics, communication, and cross-functional collaboration will be critical in supporting Winpak Division's inventory performance and operational excellence.

Join us and be at the forefront of transforming legacy inventory systems into a dynamic, insight-driven platform that supports both our customers' needs and Winpak's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage a Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) program from the ground up.
• Monitor inventory levels and trends to predict potential shortages and recommend replenishment strategies.
• Build and maintain data-driven inventory models to support product availability, lead time forecasting, and utilization.
• Analyze vendor performance, ensuring alignment with OTIF and Winpak service standards.
• Generate detailed reports on inventory KPIs (turnover, stockouts, aged inventory) and present improvement plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to streamline inventory operations.
• Communicate directly with customers under VMI programs regarding inventory status and forecasting.
• Lead and mentor direct reports while driving performance and accountability within the team.
• Support Winpak's vision of operational excellence and continuous improvement through data insights and strategic decision-making.
• Drive key performance indicators (KPI) such as onboarding new VMI customers, increasing utilization, and reducing inventory inefficiencies.

Professional Relationships

Internal:

• Frequent collaboration with Sales teams, Customer Service Coordinators, Planning, and Commercial Leadership.
• Responsible for ensuring communication flows clearly between internal teams regarding VMI performance and customer needs.

External:

• Direct communication with VMI customers regarding inventory levels, replenishment needs, and performance tracking.

Main Challenge

• This is a newly created position, requiring leadership in both strategy development and tactical execution to establish a scalable VMI program from scratch.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, data analytics, business operations, or a related field
• 7+ years of proven inventory management (VMI) experience
• 5+ years of experience managing, coaching and leading direct reports
• 3+ years of experience managing full cycle projects from concept to execution
• 3+ years of experience proficiently using SAS, Python, SQL, Power BI
• 3+ years of experience using predictive modeling, time series analysis, anomaly detection
• Advanced analytics capabilities and inventory modeling expertise

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in data analytics, supply chain management or related field
• SAS Certified Advanced Programmer
• Experience partnering and supporting cross functional teams
• Experience in food packaging or related manufacturing environments

Additional Information:

• This position is 100% remote, with the option of working onsite

Why Winpak?

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental and financial well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following 100% employer paid benefits:

• Medical & prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Travel
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

Additionally, you can choose to enroll in additional voluntary life insurance for yourself. If you become injured or ill, you will also be able to apply for salary continuance and long-term disability benefit coverage.

Winpak's vision is to provide the best packaging solutions for people and planet. We are a leading supplier of innovative packaging solutions, known for providing high-quality products that meet the needs of a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence, Winpak continues to grow as a global leader in the packaging industry.

At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values. We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.