Material & Inventory Control Specialist
Department: Procurement & Supply Chain
Location: Vonore, TN
About the Role
The Material & Inventory Control Specialist plays a critical role in keeping operations running by managing short-term inventory needs, both within and outside the ERP system. This position ensures the plant always has the vital supplies, consumables, and materials necessary for continuous production.
Working under the Procurement group, this specialist maintains accurate ERP data, coordinates short-term material requirements, supports vendor and shipment activities, and performs on-the-ground inventory checks. This role works closely with Procurement, Warehouse, and Production on a daily basis.
Key Responsibilities
Short-Term Inventory Management (Primary Function)
- Monitor daily and weekly inventory levels for vital supplies, consumables, PPE, adhesives, tapes, corrugated, MRO items, and production support materials.
- Identify low-stock risks and escalate replenishment needs promptly to the Procurement team.
- Track real-time shortages and immediate operational material needs.
- Maintain short-term inventory trackers and visual management boards outside the ERP system.
- Perform physical inventory checks and reconcile system discrepancies.
ERP & Data Accuracy (NetSuite)
- Execute inventory transfers, adjustments, and bin/location updates.
- Support item master accuracy for vendor data, lead times, costing, and replenishment settings.
- Ensure short-term material changes are reflected accurately in the system.
- Assist with resolving receiving issues, quantity mismatches, and data errors.
Vendor & Supply Coordination
- Assist with new vendor setups, document collection (W-9, COI, SDS, food safety documentation), and internal routing.
- Communicate with suppliers regarding urgent needs, confirmations, delays, or documentation requirements.
- Maintain vital supplies lists and support the Procurement team in improving reorder accuracy.
Inbound Shipment Tracking
- Track critical inbound shipments and communicate status updates to Procurement, Warehouse, and Production.
- Work with carriers to resolve delays, missed appointments, or routing issues.
- Partner with Receiving to ensure deliveries are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
Operational & Administrative Support
- Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly inventory logs, dashboards, and trackers.
- Support cycle counts and reconciliation work.
- Assist Buyers with quoting, PO follow-up, and expediting tasks.
- Maintain organized digital and physical documentation for Procurement.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
- 1-3 years of experience in inventory control, supply chain, warehousing, purchasing, or manufacturing support.
- Valid fork truck (forklift) operator license required.
- Experience using ERP systems; NetSuite experience preferred.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (filters, lookups, pivot tables preferred).
- Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable with strong follow-up skills.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Full-time hourly position
- Standard Monday-Friday day shift
- Occasional overtime during peak production or urgent operational needs
- Office environment with regular time spent in the warehouse and production areas
Why This Role Matters
This role ensures short-term inventory decisions are accurate and timely, helping prevent downtime and supporting efficient operations. The Material & Inventory Control Specialist plays a key role in strengthening procurement execution and material readiness across the organization.