Job Description
Position Title: Inventory Control & Logistics Manager
Location: Arcola, IL
Starting Pay for position: $80K - $110K
JOIN OUR TEAM!
About Herff Jones:
Indianapolis-based Herff Jones is the leading provider of graduation and educational products and services designed to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for students. Herff Jones’ products include class rings and jewelry, caps and gowns, diplomas and announcements as well as motivation and recognition programs. Focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of over 1,400 employees and sales partners, the professionals at Herff Jones have been helping elevate the student experience throughout the lifelong journey of education for more than 100 years. For more information about Herff Jones, please visit www.herffjones.com.
Your Opportunity:
• The Herff Jones Cap & Gown division is looking for an Inventory and logistics leader to join our operations team. This position would oversee the strategic execution of the inventory and logistic functions in our Arcola IL plant.
• As the Manager of Inventory Control and Logistics, you will be responsible for the overall accuracy, integrity, and control of all physical inventory assets across the plant. This role oversees inventory levels for all SKUs in alignment with sales forecasts, inventory stocking strategies, and production plans to support Procurement, Supply Chain, and Master Scheduling objectives. You will also be responsible for coordinating and managing all inbound and outbound transfers to and from the Arcola facility, ensuring accurate inventory movement, timely execution, and cross-functional alignment. Serving as a critical link between Operations, Finance, and Sales, this position drives inventory visibility, transactional accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Direct Reports: 3-4 employees
What You’ll Be Doing On A Daily Basis:
• Lead and develop the Inventory Control and Logistics team to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operations across the facility.
• Oversee inventory management processes to maintain inventory accuracy, integrity, and proper stock levels across all SKUs.
• Manage inbound and outbound shipments, including all transfers to and from the Arcola facility, to support operational and customer requirements.
• Monitor inventory transactions, deliveries, shipments, and stock movements within the inventory tracking system to ensure accuracy and traceability.
• Analyze inventory trends, product demand, and supply levels to proactively identify shortages, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Customer Service, and Finance to support business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, warehouse flow, transportation efficiency, and overall supply chain performance.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce costs, improve logistics procedures, and optimize inventory utilization.
• Manage employee scheduling, workflow prioritization, and departmental resources to maximize operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders.
• Lead, coach, and develop team members through training, performance management, and ongoing accountability.
• Prepare and communicate reports on inventory accuracy, logistics performance, operational metrics, and departmental initiatives to leadership.
• Support a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the department.
• Contribute to overall business success by supporting additional operational and supply chain initiatives as needed.
What You’ll Bring to the Table: (make sure you include years of experience and skills needed)
• Experience in inventory control, logistics, warehouse operations, supply chain, or related operational leadership roles.
• Experience working within ERP and/or MRP systems preferred
• Working knowledge of S&OP, MRP, and Master Production Scheduling (MPS) processes preferred.
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, high-volume, and highly seasonal manufacturing or distribution environment preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to lead teams, drive accountability, and build strong cross-functional relationships.
• Ability to align inventory and logistics operations to overall business objectives.
• Ability to effectively interface and collaborate with all departments
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools preferred.
Physical Requirements:
• Daily activity includes but is not limited to lifting, carrying, sitting, grasping, reaching, standing, kneeling, walking, bending, twisting.
• Reading, communication, math.
• Working at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 50lbs.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to above
Herff Jones, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and maintain affirmative action plans to recruit, retain, develop, and promote qualified individuals without unlawful consideration of race, gender, gender identity, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Herff Jones strives to maintain a work environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, where associates are treated with respect and dignity.
Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Herff Jones. Herff Jones will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.
