Inventory Control Specialist

Description:

Job Summary

The Inventory Control Specialist maintains accurate inventory records and supports the efficient flow, storage, and availability of food products throughout the distribution operation. This position researches inventory discrepancies, performs cycle counts, monitors product rotation and shelf life, and partners with warehouse, purchasing, receiving, quality assurance, and customer service teams to protect product integrity, reduce shrink, and support accurate order fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled cycle counts and physical inventory activities across ambient, refrigerated, and frozen storage areas.
• Research and resolve inventory discrepancies involving quantities, locations, lot numbers, product codes, weights, and units of measure.
• Maintain accurate inventory transactions in the warehouse management or enterprise resource planning system, including adjustments, transfers, holds, and releases.
• Monitor product rotation using first-expired, first-out (FEFO) or first-in, first-out (FIFO) practices and identify short-dated, expired, damaged, or nonconforming product.
• Review receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, and shipping activity to identify root causes of inventory errors and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with warehouse operations, purchasing, receiving, quality assurance, customer service, and other departments to resolve inventory issues promptly.
• Support product recalls, traceability exercises, lot tracking, and inventory holds in accordance with food-safety and company procedures.
• Prepare and maintain inventory reports, discrepancy documentation, count records, and audit support materials.
• Monitor inventory accuracy, shrink, slotting, and adjustment trends; escalate recurring issues and assist with process improvements.
• Follow food-safety, sanitation, cold-chain, security, and workplace-safety requirements at all times.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree in supply chain, logistics, business, or a related field preferred.
• At least two years of inventory control, warehouse, or distribution experience required; food distribution experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, lot and date-code tracking, product rotation, and warehouse processes.
• Experience using a warehouse management system, enterprise resource planning system, barcode scanner, and Microsoft Excel or similar reporting tools.
• Ability to analyze transaction history, identify discrepancies, document findings, and complete accurate inventory adjustments.
• Strong basic math, data-entry, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work flexible hours as operational needs require, including occasional early mornings, evenings, weekends, or inventory events.
• Ability to enter refrigerated and frozen areas and comply with applicable food-safety, sanitation, and personal protective equipment requirements.

Core Competencies

• Inventory Accuracy: Maintains precise records, validates counts, and completes transactions carefully to protect inventory integrity.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Uses system data, physical observations, and process knowledge to identify root causes and resolve discrepancies.
• Attention to Detail: Consistently verifies product codes, lot numbers, dates, quantities, units of measure, and storage locations.
• Food Safety and Quality Awareness: Protects product integrity by following rotation, traceability, sanitation, temperature-control, and hold procedures.
• Communication and Collaboration: Shares clear, timely information and works constructively across departments to resolve issues and support customers.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of assigned counts, research, documentation, and follow-through while meeting established deadlines.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies recurring errors, recommends practical improvements, and supports more accurate and efficient inventory processes.
• Adaptability and Prioritization: Adjusts effectively to changing operational priorities, urgent investigations, and time-sensitive inventory needs.