Inventory Control & Quality Assurance Manager
Thrive Market
The Inventory Control & Quality Assurance (ICQA) Manager is a key leadership role within our Fulfillment Center (FC) network, responsible for the strategic oversight, accuracy, and integrity of all inventory processes. This position leads multiple teams—including Inventory Control, Replenishment, Slotting, and Quality Assurance—to ensure precise inventory management, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement in product handling and placement.
The ICQA Manager will play a critical role in developing and enforcing best practices, implementing system-driven improvements, and partnering cross-functionally with Operations, Procurement, and Engineering teams to drive accuracy, efficiency, and accountability across the network.
This leader will also act as a strategic thought partner to site and network leadership, helping to identify and execute process enhancements that strengthen operational flow, reduce waste, and optimize space utilization.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of ICQA, Replenishment, and Slotting Supervisors and Associates to ensure operational excellence, employee engagement, and adherence to company standards.
- Own and continuously improve the FC’s inventory accuracy strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and financial reporting standards.
- Establish and track KPIs for inventory accuracy, cycle count completion, slotting efficiency, and quality compliance; analyze trends to drive proactive decision-making.
- Act as a cross-functional liaison between fulfillment operations, procurement, merchandising, and corporate inventory teams to align product availability, storage optimization, and demand forecasting.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory control and quality assurance, ensuring compliance across all departments.
- Manage and oversee all physical and systemic inventory movement, including receipts, transfers, adjustments, and returns.
- Direct cycle count programs and variance analysis; identify root causes of discrepancies and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Lead process improvement projects focused on inventory accuracy, slotting optimization, and replenishment efficiency using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Oversee space planning and cube utilization strategies that improve productivity and throughput while ensuring safety and quality standards are met.
- Partner with Quality teams to ensure proper handling of damaged, expired, or recalled products, maintaining compliance with regulatory and company standards.
- Partner with the IT and Engineering teams to enhance WMS functionality (HighJump) and reporting accuracy; support the implementation of system upgrades and automation initiatives.
- Utilize data analytics to monitor trends, identify gaps, and propose strategic solutions that reduce errors, improve quality metrics, and optimize operational performance.
- Collaborate with Finance and Corporate Inventory teams to reconcile financial inventory reports and ensure accurate valuation and accounting.
- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and safety within the ICQA teams.
- Lead by example—driving Thrive Market’s core values of Authenticity and Tenacity in all aspects of leadership and decision-making.
- Champion innovation by encouraging team-driven problem-solving and the use of data to guide process improvements.
- Partner with other site leaders to ensure best practices are shared and consistently applied across the network.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Operations Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in inventory management, distribution, or fulfillment center operations.
- Strong understanding of WMS platforms (High Jump preferred), ERP systems, and data analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, or equivalent).
- Proven success managing and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to use data to drive results.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence cross-functional partners and frontline teams alike.
- Deep knowledge of warehouse slotting, replenishment, and quality control processes.
- Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to lift, bend, reach, push, pull, squat, and walk throughout a shift.
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods (8+ hours per day).
- Work within a warehouse environment for the duration of the shift.
BELONG TO A BETTER COMPANY
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
- Competitive pay + equity
- 401k match
- Multiple work schedules available
- Opportunities for advancement. We have programs that will start you on a path and train you along the way
- Coverage for Life Coaching & Therapy Sessions on our holistic mental health and well-being platform
- Free Thrive Market membership and discount on private label products
- Casual atmosphere and great people to work with
JOB INFORMATION
- Compensation Description - The base salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000/Per Year.
- Rate of pay may increase over time based upon: skill, level of responsibility, additional duties, seniority, quantity or quality of production or other legitimate, business-related factors.
- Total Compensation includes Base Salary, Stock Options, Health and Wellness Benefits, Accrued PTO, and more!