Inventory Control Specialist

Job Overview We are seeking a dynamic and detail-oriented Inventory Control Specialist to join our supply chain and warehouse operations team. The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy, traceability, and compliance across all company-controlled and vendor-managed inventory locations, including raw materials, packaging, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role that collaborates closely with warehouse staff, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Planning, and Production. The Inventory Control Specialist plays a key role in inventory reporting, waste analysis, root cause investigation, and continuous improvement to support operational effectiveness and compliance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Inventory Control & Data Integrity Maintain accurate inventory records in SAP (or equivalent ERP system), including receipts, transfers, consumptions, adjustments, and movements. Personally plan, coordinate, and reconcile cycle counts and physical inventories across all internal and vendor-managed warehouse locations. Use cycle count and usage data to identify potential BOM (Bill of Materials) discrepancies and collaborate with cross-functional teams on resolution. Develop, document, and uphold inventory control procedures that support FIFO, lot tracking, traceability, and regulatory compliance. Collaboration with Warehouse & QA Work directly with warehouse staff to ensure timely and accurate execution of counts and material movements. Quarantine all incoming raw materials and packaging upon receipt; ensure they remain in hold status until formally released by Quality Assurance. Coordinate with QA to verify release status prior to issuing any material to production; prevent unauthorized use of non-released inventory. Serve as the subject matter expert on inventory control and SAP transactions; provide informal training and support to warehouse and cross-functional partners. Waste Reporting & Loss Prevention Leverage data from cycle counts and material loss reporting to lead weekly waste review meetings focused on identifying and addressing sources of waste. Report on material waste daily, weekly, and monthly using SAP, production records, and site-level waste logs. Conduct root cause analysis on inventory variances and losses; implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Cross-Functional Support & Continuous Improvement Collaborate with Procurement, Planning, Quality, and Production to ensure alignment on material availability, usage, and timing. Analyze and report on inventory metrics such as accuracy, shrink, and inventory turns; identify trends and recommend improvements. Assist in routine audits conducted by internal teams, external customers, or regulatory bodies by providing documentation and demonstrating inventory control processes. Drive continuous improvement in inventory accuracy, waste reduction, and inventory flow across all storage locations. QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 3+ years of experience in inventory control, materials management, or warehouse operations; food manufacturing or regulated industry experience highly preferred. Experience managing inventory across multiple sites, including vendor-managed locations, is a plus. Strong working knowledge of ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, vlookups, etc.). Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail. Effective communicator and collaborator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners without direct authority. Familiarity with inventory control best practices (FIFO, traceability, cycle counts) and food safety/quality systems (e.g., SQF, FDA, USDA) is preferred. COMPETENCIES: Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond g…

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