Job Description:
Job: Inventory Control & Planning Specialist
Segment: Royal Canin (Mars, Incorporated)
Location: Fremont, NE
Shift: Day Shift (Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM)
Job Type: Full-Time
Reporting To: Inventory & Logistics Manager
At Royal Canin, our purpose is to make a better world for pets by providing precise health nutrition. The Inventory Control & Planning Specialist is a vital link in this mission, working as part of a dynamic team to manage overall stock levels within our main manufacturing facility and third-party logistics (3PL) partners to ensure 100% of customer orders are fulfilled.
In this hybrid coordination and analytical role, you will be responsible for maintaining precise, real-time inventory records for raw materials, packaging elements, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods. By combining daily physical cycle counts with advanced digital systems tracking (SAP, 1Nav, RCLMS, I-track), you will resolve discrepancies, optimize stock levels, prevent production downtime, and foster excellent relationships with both internal operations teams and external warehousing partners.
Key Responsibilities
Stock Management & Production Support
Inventory Availability: Ensure adequate stock levels across various packaging elements, raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to fully support day-to-day manufacturing schedules and prevent line downtime.
3PL and Warehouse Alignment: Coordinate physical stock levels, conversion operations, and materials packaging elements across our internal warehouse and primary 3PL partner facilities.
Material Transitions: Manage physical transfers of materials between storage areas and the production floor, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and adherence to First-In, First-Out (FIFO) standards.
Discrepancy Reconciliation & Systems Tracking
Daily Cycle Counting: Conduct and oversee routine physical cycle counts and actively support formal annual physical inventory audits.
Discrepancy Investigation: Promptly investigate inventory variances, identify root causes of errors, and reconcile system data to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy.
Digital Inventory Administration: Ensure all receipts, issues, adjustments, and transfers are recorded with strict accuracy in 1Nav, RCLMS, I-track, and SAP systems.
Analytics, Reporting, & KPIs
Performance Dashboards: Compile, analyze, and distribute standard inventory reports to plant management.
KPI Tracking: Track key performance indicators (KPI targets vs. actuals) and identify process bottlenecks or materials-handling improvements.
Supplier Collaboration: Communicate inventory replenishment needs and variance trends with Purchasing and Quality assurance teams.
What We Are Looking For (Job Specifications)
Experience & Education
Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
Industry Experience: 2+ years of inventory control, materials planning, or warehouse logistics experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment. Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or food-manufacturing sector is highly preferred.
Technical Systems: Hands-on proficiency with SAP, 1Nav, RCLMS, or I-track systems is highly desirable.
Analytical Skills: Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (formulas, data organization) and general Microsoft Office applications.
Key Skills & Competencies
Customer Focus & Communication: Exceptional communication and customer service skills to build trust, resolve logistical issues, and collaborate with multi-functional teams.
Problem Solving: A structured approach to troubleshooting discrepancies with high attention to detail.
Project & Process Management: Early-stage project management experience, with a process-oriented mindset.
Continuous Improvement: Basic familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or ISO 9001 Quality Management systems is preferred.
Certifications: Forklift certification (or the capability and willingness to obtain certification) is a plus.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb for extended periods within warehouse environments.
Ability to lift, push, pull, and move materials up to 50 lbs.
Comfort working in active manufacturing, production, and temperature-varied warehouse spaces.
What You Can Expect from Mars & Royal Canin
Our Five Principles: Work in an environment where our daily decisions are guided by Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
A Purpose-Driven Business: Join a team that is genuinely striving to build a better world for pets and the people who love them.
Continuous Learning: Receive support from day one, including access to world-class training programs through our in-house Mars University.
Competitive Compensation: An industry-competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and eligibility for an annual company performance bonus.
| Location | Fremont, NE |