Inventory Specialist

The Inventory Specialist is responsible for tracking and managing warehouse inventory to ensure data accuracy, proper stock rotation, and product availability. This role involves maintaining records in the Warehouse Management System (WMS), conducting inventory counts, and supporting inbound and outbound operations. It plays a vital role in upholding inventory accuracy and supporting supply chain effectiveness through detailed monitoring and reporting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Inventory Accuracy & Control: Maintain accurate, real-time inventory records in the WMS; track product movements and stock levels; initiate and document inventory adjustments when discrepancies arise.

• Physical Inventory: Participate in or lead cycle counts and full physical inventory counts; investigate and resolve discrepancies caused by miscounts, damage, or data entry errors.

• Receiving & Putaway Verification: Ensure incoming products are correctly labeled, documented, and stored; partner with receiving teams to address quantity, quality, or labeling issues.

• Order Fulfillment Support: Ensure inventory availability to support outbound operations; monitor low-stock items and assist in initiating restocking processes.

• Inventory Reporting: Generate and share regular inventory reports, including stock levels, turnover rates, and aging inventory; provide insights to assist purchasing, planning, and demand forecasting.

• Process Improvement & Compliance: Recommend and help implement improvements to inventory procedures and practices; ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory guidelines.

• System & Technology Use: Operate scanners, tablets, computers, and WMS tools; assist with maintaining item master data and troubleshooting inventory-related system issues.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Work closely with warehouse, purchasing, planning, and customer service teams; communicate inventory concerns promptly and train team members as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of inventory management principles (FIFO, LIFO, FEFO) and best practices

• Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and barcode scanning tools

• Basic understanding of supply chain operations (receiving, storage, shipping)

• Data analysis skills using Excel or Google Sheets

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Basic math and analytical problem-solving abilities

• Effective communication and teamwork

Education & Experience

• Degree Required: Not required

• Experience: 1–3 years in inventory control, warehouse operations, or logistics

• Technical Skills: Basic analytics and data tracking; operation of handheld scanners and tablets

Licenses/Certifications

• None required

Job Scope

• Supervisory Responsibilities: None

• Decision-Making: Contributes to key operational decisions affecting departmental inventory management

• Problem-Solving: Resolves varied inventory-related issues through interpretation and application of best practices

• Independence: Operates with autonomy under broad direction; sets personal goals and determines methods

• Fiscal Responsibility: None

• Internal/External Contact: Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams and occasional external coordination

Physical & Work Requirements

• Physical Requirements: Seeing, color perception, listening, lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 40 lbs

• Environment: Warehouse setting; exposure to dirt, dust, mechanical and electrical equipment, and moving objects; team-focused atmosphere; high noise levels

• Mental Requirements: Basic reading and math, analytical thinking, decision-making

Available Shifts

• 1st Shift: Morning start – afternoon finish

• 2nd Shift: Afternoon start – evening finish

• 3rd Shift: Evening start – morning finish