Inventory Control Specialist

Summary:

The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, supporting cycle count programs, and ensuring the integrity of stock levels within a high-volume distribution facility. This role works closely with warehouse operations, receiving, and shipping teams to identify and resolve discrepancies, optimize inventory accuracy, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate brings 2–4 years of hands-on inventory or warehouse experience and is proficient with warehouse management systems (WMS).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts; reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and WMS/ERP records.
• Investigate root causes of inventory variances and recommend corrective actions; maintain accurate location assignments and SKU slotting.
• Process inventory adjustments, transfers, and transactions in the WMS in a timely and accurate manner.
• Verify inbound shipments against purchase orders and packing slips; coordinate resolution of over/short/damaged (OS&D) claims with the receiving team.
• Support outbound accuracy by auditing picks, verifying order completeness, and resolving short-ship or mis-ship issues; assist with FIFO/FEFO compliance and lot traceability.
• Generate and distribute daily inventory accuracy reports, variance summaries, and KPI dashboards; identify slow-moving or excess inventory and escalate findings to management.
• Participate in annual physical inventory counts; adhere to all safety, quality, and compliance standards; recommend process improvements to reduce shrinkage and enhance operational efficiency.
• Assist in other warehouse departments including receiving, shipping, and outbound operations during peak periods, special projects, or staffing fluctuations to ensure continuous operational flow.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management in support of overall distribution center objectives.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree or coursework in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of inventory control, warehouse operations, or related experience in a distribution, 3PL, or fulfillment environment.
• Proficiency with WMS software (e.g., Manhattan, SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, or similar); experience with ERP systems a plus.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data filtering); RF scanning equipment experience preferred.
• Forklift / reach truck certification, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.

Knowledge and Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies accurately and efficiently.
• Effective cross-functional communicator; able to collaborate with receiving, shipping, and operations teams to resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset; proficient in generating reports and using data to surface trends and drive inventory accuracy improvements.
• Self-motivated and organized; able to manage multiple active priorities simultaneously while maintaining documentation accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset; familiarity with Lean, 5S, or similar warehouse efficiency methodologies is a plus.