Inventory and Research Operations Lead

Why RTI RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems. We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. About The Hiring Group RTI International’s Data Collection & Systems department is seeking an Inventory and Research Operations Lead to manage the systems, supplies, equipment, and quality processes that support complex, multi-site research studies and data collection activities. This role serves as a central operational partner to field, warehouse, fulfillment, data capture, laboratory, biospecimen, programming, and project teams. The successful candidate will translate operational needs into inventory system requirements, coordinate purchasing, fulfillment, and production workflows, monitor equipment readiness and quality indicators, train staff, and drive timely follow-through on issues and corrective actions. The position will support a portfolio of projects as organizational needs evolve. This position is based at RTI’s headquarters in Research Triangle Park, NC. What You'll Do Key Responsibilities: Inventory Systems and Controls Lead inventory management processes for materials, supplies, and equipment used across field data collection sites and RTI warehouse operations. Partner with programming staff to define and document business requirements, specifications, workflows, and enhancements for the Inventory Management System (IMS). Plan and conduct user acceptance testing for IMS enhancements; document results, identify defects, confirm resolutions, and support implementation. Train staff on IMS processes and direct field staff in completing scheduled inventories throughout data collection cycles. Monitor inventory records, usage, and discrepancies; anticipate needs and coordinate resolution to maintain operational readiness. Purchasing, Warehousing, and Fulfillment Manage ordering of project materials, supplies, and equipment, including obtaining vendor quotes, coordinating client purchase approvals, and tracking orders through receipt and distribution. Train and monitor fulfillment staff responsible for receiving, inspecting, stocking, and organizing materials in RTI warehouse space and processing orders from field teams. Coordinate with vendors and internal partners to resolve shortages, substitutions, delivery issues, and other supply risks. Coordinate respondent and staff mailings across divisions, including schedules, inventory, fulfillment, and quality requirements. Equipment and Quality Oversight Coordinate with physical operations staff to monitor equipment maintenance, calibration schedules, documentation, and associated budgets. Monitor quality indicators related to equipment and supplies, data collection, and biospecimen processing and shipping. Escalate potential quality or operational issues to project leadership and assist in identifying, documenting, implementing, and tracking corrective actions. Conduct quality-control checks to verify compliance with project-specific quality management plans and edit and proofread technical and nontechnical materials for accuracy and consistency. Cross-Functional Research Operations Coordinate regularly with data collection, production, fulfillment, data capture, biospecimen, laboratory, field, warehouse, programming, and project staff to address inventory an…

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