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Inventory Manager Interview Questions

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Inventory Manager interview questions and answers.

  1. Describe cycle counting. How would you use it? See answer
  2. What is ABC analysis? Have you used it in your career? See answer
  3. Describe your process for creating company inventory forecasts. See answer
  4. Have you ever discovered an inventory error? What happened, and how did you manage this situation? See answer
  5. Have you ever implemented strategies that improved inventory processes? See answer
  6. Why do you want to be an inventory manager? See answer
  7. How do you determine the amount of stock a company requires? See answer
  8. Which inventory management software have you used in the past? See answer
  9. How do you deal with a lack of motivation at work? See answer
  10. What has been your biggest achievement as an inventory manager? See answer
  11. How do you calculate the market value of your inventory? See answer
  12. How do you avoid making mistakes at work? See answer
  13. What do you do when your inventory is full but no delivery trucks are available?
  14. How do you navigate conversations with disgruntled colleagues?
  15. What experience do you have with material requirements planning systems?
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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

15 Inventory Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Describe cycle counting. How would you use it?

This question tests whether the candidate has the technical skills required to be an inventory manager. The ideal candidate knows how to navigate high-value inventories with cycle counting. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to navigate cycle counting
  • Inventory management skills
  • Understands technical terms and tools

Example:

"Cycle counting is a process that requires counting small portions of large inventories every day. This allows inventory managers to keep track of larger inventories. Personally, I like to use this technique when I have specific items that are ordered often. When this happens, my inventory fluctuates frequently and cycle counting allows me to keep track."

What is ABC analysis? Have you used it in your career?

By asking this question, you can determine whether candidates require additional training to learn this system. The candidate's answer identifies whether they know how to choose which items to monitor more closely. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of ABC analysis 
  • Ability to use logistics tools
  • Ability to apply theory to practise

Example:

"ABC analysis is an inventory management tool that groups inventory into priority levels. This allows an inventory manager to navigate which items need to be monitored. I've used this tool in the past to build my cycle counts each quarter." 

Describe your process for creating company inventory forecasts.

The answer to this question gives you insight into the candidate's organisational skills and strategy. Inventory managers should also know how to articulate their strategies. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of inventory management
  • Ability to solve problems quickly
  • Understands reporting requirements

Example:

"To create an inventory forecast, I go through previous orders and analyse the data to identify industry trends. I use the data I've analysed to determine how much inventory I need moving forward and to develop sales projections."

Have you ever discovered an inventory error? What happened, and how did you manage this situation?

Inventory managers maintain records of all items that are out of or low in stock. Inventory managers should know how to find errors when they occur to prevent production delays, delivery delays, or other inventory-related issues that may impact customers. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Ability to manage day-to-day operations
  • Promotes customer satisfaction

Example:

 "I've discovered inventory errors before. Over the years, I've learned several procedures that prevent inventory errors from impacting my customers. This typically requires me to contact our suppliers and the delivery company we use to determine the best way to solve the errors."

Have you ever implemented strategies that improved inventory processes?

Inventory managers should work constantly to improve their efficiency and productivity. The right candidates have real-life experiences and examples they can share. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Real-life examples and strategies
  • Ability to develop strategies and processes
  • Understands the correlation between past and present experiences

Example:

"At my previous job, they put me in charge of our inventory systems. While working there, I implemented a more efficient cycle count routine that the company hadn't tried before. By the end of that year, we had 150% more inventory, and we no longer had any items that were out of stock."

What do you do when your inventory is full but no delivery trucks are available?

Inventory managers should know how to work under pressure and manage last-minute changes. By asking this question, you can better understand a candidate's creativity skills as well as their ability to  handle stressful situations. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Creative-thinking skills
  • Verbal communication skills
  • Remains calm in fast-paced environments

Example:

Example:

" First, I call my manager or supervisor to outline what the problem is. I ask whether any warehouses can divert shipments that day. If none can, I contact my sales staff to find out whether any retail locations can take on the extra inventory. Finally, I contact my vendors to recall products until I can find the space for them."

Why do you want to be an inventory manager?

This question provides you with insight into the candidate's priorities. It also provides you with a better idea of how you will assign them tasks and whether they're a good fit for your team. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Real-life experiences
  • Enthusiasm for the open position
  • Communication skills

Example: 

Example:

"I want to be an inventory manager because I have good organisational and interpersonal skills. I've worked in a variety of management and administrative positions, however, only inventory management provides me with the organisation and structure I crave. I also love communicating with vendors, team members, and customers."

How do you determine the amount of stock a company requires?

This question serves to determine the candidate's previous experience in inventory management. It also provides you with insight into their organisational and technical skills. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Process for determining inventory requirements
  • Technical skills
  • Ability to use previous data to make future predictions

Example:

"I typically have inventory forecasts prepared well in advance. If I don't have one available or if last-minute changes require me to order more inventory, I do so by looking at previous data. I also collabourate with our sales and marketing departments to discuss new ideas or new inventory requirements."

Which inventory management software have you used in the past?

This question tests the candidate's proficiency in inventory management tools. By knowing this information, you can reduce training time. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Ability to assess inventory needs
  • Ability to choose software depending on the situation
  • Previous experience with software your company prefers

Example:

"The software I use most often is Excel because I haven't needed anything more complex. However, I have experience with inFlow Inventory and Square, as these were the types of software preferred in some of my previous jobs."

How do you navigate conversations with disgruntled colleagues?

This question informs you of the candidate's communication skills. It also identifies their conflict management strategies. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Conflict management strategies
  • Ability to prioritise company needs

Example: 

Example:

"A few weeks ago, two of my employees were having an argument about kitchen cleaning duties and maintenance responsibilities. I solved the issue by actively listening to both parties to ensure they felt heard and then developing a cleaning and maintenance schedule that everyone agreed to."

How do you deal with a lack of motivation at work?

Inventory managers typically have large workloads, which is why it's important that they stay motivated. The answer to this question will provide you with insight into how the candidate fits into your team and how well they work. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Enthusiasm toward career
  • Strategy to stay motivated
  • Ability to motivate coworkers and employees

Example:

"I'm generally good at staying motivated. I do frequent self-audits during my shifts to determine whether I'm motivated and how I can increase motivation. For my coworkers and employees, I do team-building activities. Sometimes I'll buy everyone lunch or coffee. Other times, I plan fun events because helping those around me and motivating my employees also keeps me motivated."

What has been your biggest achievement as an inventory manager?

This question provides you with insight into the candidate's priorities and what they consider an achievement. It can help you identify how you'll assign tasks. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Professional work experience
  • Discusses hard and soft skills
  • Problem-solving skills

Example:

"My biggest achievement in my career was when I solved a big inventory issue at my previous place of employment. When I took over for the previous inventory manager, they'd accidentally doubled the inventory orders for almost every product. I fixed the issue by contacting our suppliers and determining which products were already shipped. From there, I consulted my employees to find out how we could store any overstock and increase sales for those products."

How do you calculate the market value of your inventory?

This question determines the candidate's technical knowledge in the field. It also provides you with an overview of their work strategy and how they calculate an inventory's value. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Strategy for evaluating the market value
  • Knowledge of markets
  • Previous work experience

Example:

"The way I calculate market value is by considering the amount for which my competition is selling their inventory. I also look at how much it costs to make our products and their value history to make a complete decision."

How do you avoid making mistakes at work?

Inventory managers have a lot of responsibilities. That's why it's important for them to have a solid strategy for managing mistakes. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Transparency about previous errors
  • Strategy for avoiding errors
  • Ability to find solutions when errors occur

Example:

"When I make mistakes, I fix them by creating checklists that are separated by priority levels. During my shift, I go back through completed tasks to make sure they've been done properly. I do the same at the end of my shift."

What experience do you have with material requirements planning systems?

Material requirements planning (MRP) systems calculate the materials required to complete a project. The candidate's answer to this question will identify their technical skills and knowledge. Here is what to look for in a successful answer:

  • Knowledge of MRPs
  • Enthusiasms for technical programmes
  • Understands when to use MRPs

Example:

"I have some experience with these systems. I've used them in the past to improve my overall productivity and to keep track of my inventory needs."

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