Inventory Control Specialist

Location: Lawrence, MA Department: Procurement Reports To: Director of Procurement Classification: Full-Time, Hourly

Position Summary

The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records of all raw materials, packaging, and finished goods within the facility. This position plays a key role in ensuring inventory accuracy, supporting production planning, and acting as a gatekeeper for all material movement in and out of the plant. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of experience in inventory control or materials management within a manufacturing environment and is comfortable working across departments to improve processes and data accuracy.

This role will also serve as a key contributor in the implementation and ongoing management of the Fishbowl Inventory system, helping to establish best practices, train team members, and optimize system utilization.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory levels for all raw materials, packaging, and finished goods through regular cycle counts and reconciliations.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, ensuring all adjustments are properly documented and approved.
• Function as the gatekeeper for all material movement in receiving, transfers, consumption, and returns to ensure timely and accurate system updates.
• Support implementation, configuration, and daily operation of the Fishbowl Inventory system; assist with data migration, item setup, and system audits.
• Collaborate with production, purchasing, and finance teams to ensure real-time inventory visibility and accurate costing.
• Partner with warehouse and production leads to develop standardized material handling and labeling procedures.
• Analyze inventory trends and variances; provide reporting and insights to management.
• Maintain cycle count schedules, develop count sheets, and reconcile variances to the ERP/Fishbowl system.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, quality standards, and food safety protocols (e.g., lot tracking, traceability, and FIFO practices).
• Assist in training employees in inventory control processes and proper use of Fishbowl.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing waste, improving accuracy, and streamlining workflows.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in inventory control, materials management, or warehouse operations (manufacturing experience strongly preferred).
• Proficiency with inventory management systems; experience with Fishbowl or similar ERP/WMS software (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, etc.) is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with data analysis and reporting.
• Solid understanding of cycle counting, reconciliation, and lot traceability principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (production, finance, QA, purchasing).
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally at all levels of the organization.
• Food manufacturing or CPG experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move between warehouse and production areas for extended periods.
• Capable of lifting to 50 lbs occasionally and operating standard warehouse equipment (e.g., pallet jack, scale, scanner).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay range depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, company incentive / bonus program, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and life insurance.
• Opportunity to be part of a growing company and play a key role in shaping inventory management systems and processes.