Inventory Lead

About the Role

Smithey Ironware is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Inventory Lead to join our warehouse operations team in Charleston. This is a lead-level position - the Inventory Lead is responsible for overall warehouse organization and inventory accuracy, working alongside the Fulfillment and Production teams to ensure efficient material movement and timely order fulfillment. The ideal candidate brings warehouse operations expertise, proficiency with inventory management systems, and a strong commitment to accuracy and safety. This role requires someone who can work independently and as part of a collaborative team, troubleshoot inventory discrepancies, and take pride in keeping warehouse operations running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for overall organization and cleanliness of the warehouse with emphasis on inventory receiving, accuracy, and material movement.

• Using mobile devices and laptops, receive, verify, and count inventory of inbound shipments to ensure accuracy against purchase orders.

• Investigate and reconcile inventory discrepancies and prepare reports documenting findings.

• Perform digital entries and proper labeling of assembled finished goods in the inventory management system.

• Utilize pallet jacks, forklifts, and scanning devices to receive, put away, and move inventory within the warehouse.

• Verify accuracy of inbound and outbound shipments.

• Work closely with Fulfillment and Production Leads and Teams to ensure proper inventory levels are monitored and maintained.

• Perform periodic cycle counts.

• Perform light assemblies and kitting.

• Work closely with manufacturing and fulfillment partners to ensure the efficient movement and tracking of inventory outside of the main warehouse.

• Follow all Smithey safety policies and OSHA guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment and safe operation of equipment and machinery.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team with a "how can I help?" attitude.

•  High level of accuracy and attention to detail in inventory verification, labeling, and record-keeping.

• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS), particularly Ship Hero.

• Proficiency in operating forklifts, pallet jacks, scanning devices, and other warehouse equipment.

• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions for inventory processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies.

• Comfort adapting to changing priorities and shifting warehouse needs.

• E-commerce or fulfillment experience is a plus.

• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) are a plus.

• Reliable transportation to work.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• 2+ years of warehouse experience, with emphasis on inventory management and material movement.

• Forklift certification preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and reach throughout a 9–10 hour shift.

• Regularly lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate scanning devices, labeling equipment, and material-handling tools.
• Visual acuity sufficient to verify inventory, read labels, records, and purchase orders accurately.
• Work in a warehouse environment with variable and sometimes extreme temperatures (hot summers, cold winters in unconditioned warehouse space).
• Operate or work in proximity to machinery, forklifts, pallet jacks, and material-handling equipment.

Selection Process and Assessments

As part of our selection process, candidates who move forward after the initial application review will be asked to complete the Predictive Index Behavioral Assessment. This brief, untimed assessment helps Smithey better understand a candidate’s natural work style and how they may collaborate within our team. Assessment results are one of several factors considered alongside experience, qualifications, and interview performance, and are not used as a sole pass/fail screen

Offers of employment may be contingent on successful completion of a pre-employment background check and, where applicable, a drug screen, consistent with Smithey policy and applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Smithey Ironware Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions - including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, discipline, and termination - are made on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Reasonable Accommodation

Smithey Ironware is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees who have sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, or practices. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at hr@smithey.com.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Smithey Ironware participates in E-Verify, the federal program that electronically confirms employment eligibility, as required by South Carolina law.