Temporary Inventory Systems & Warehouse Optimization Specialist (Contract)

Position Overview

Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Inventory Systems & Warehouse Optimization Specialist to assess, correct, and optimize our inventory management system and warehouse operations.

This contractor will take ownership of cleaning up our current inventory data, reconciling physical counts with system records, implementing best-practice inventory processes, and establishing sustainable controls and reporting tools to ensure long-term operational efficiency.

We currently utilize SOS Inventory; however, the selected contractor should bring a strong working knowledge of general inventory management principles, including purchasing, sales order processing, invoicing, builds/production, reconciliation, and reporting.

This role is ideal for a systems-minded operations professional who thrives in fast-moving, mission-driven environments and can both diagnose root issues and implement practical, scalable solutions.

Classification: Temporary Contract (Estimated 8–12 Weeks, with potential extension)
Reports To: Operations Director

Key Objectives

The primary goal of this engagement is to leave ADRN with:

• Accurate, reconciled inventory counts
• A clean and optimized inventory system
• Clearly documented processes and SOPs
• Organized and logically structured warehouse storage
• Reliable dashboards and reporting tools
• Sustainable inventory controls and accountability systems

Core Responsibilities

1. Inventory Audit & Reconciliation

• Conduct a comprehensive physical inventory count of warehouse stock
• Reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and system data
• Investigate root causes of variances
• Correct system records to reflect accurate on-hand quantities
• Establish cycle counting procedures and controls

2. System Cleanup & Optimization

• Audit and clean up existing item records (SKUs, naming conventions, categories, units of measure)
• Correct duplicate, inactive, or improperly configured inventory items
• Review purchasing, invoicing, and build/production workflows
• Optimize item builds, bundles, and kits where applicable
• Improve data integrity and system structure for scalability

3. Multiple Warehouse Organization & Structure

• Assess current warehouse layout and storage methods
• Redesign and implement logical bin/location systems
• Improve labeling, signage, and product categorization
• Implement best practices for receiving, staging, and distribution
• Establish clear material flow processes
• Review and recommend best practices for maintaining multiple warehouse sites in a single system.

4. Inventory Process Development

• Review and improve documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for:
  • Receiving and intake
  • Inventory adjustments
  • Purchasing and vendor receiving
  • Order fulfillment and distribution
  • Builds/production
  • Returns and damaged goods
  • Cycle counting and reconciliations
• Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) if needed
• Define roles, controls, and accountability checkpoints
• Recommend internal controls to reduce shrinkage and errors

5. Reporting & Dashboard Setup

• Build meaningful inventory dashboards and KPI tracking tools
• Establish reporting for:
  • Inventory valuation
  • Turnover and usage trends
  • Reorder levels and stock alerts
  • Aged inventory
  • Variance reporting
• Train staff on interpreting and maintaining reports

6. Strategic Recommendations

• Identify process gaps and risk areas
• Provide written recommendations for long-term system improvements
• Suggest automation or workflow enhancements where appropriate
• Advise on staffing, controls, and governance improvements

Deliverables

By the conclusion of the contract, the contractor will provide:

• Fully reconciled and accurate inventory counts
• Clean, organized, and optimized inventory database
• Documented SOP manual
• Warehouse layout plan and implemented organization system
• Operational reporting dashboard suite
• Final summary report with recommendations and next steps

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain optimization
• Demonstrated success in cleaning up and rebuilding inventory systems
• Strong understanding of inventory accounting fundamentals (COGS, valuation methods, reconciliation)
• Experience with ERP or inventory systems (SOS Inventory experience preferred)
• Proven ability to implement process controls and operational best practices
• Advanced Excel or reporting tool proficiency
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and drive results

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit, disaster relief, or mission-driven organizations
• Experience managing high-volume SKU environments
• Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence training
• Experience building KPI dashboards

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• Detail-oriented and systems-driven
• Comfortable in warehouse environments
• Direct, organized, and execution-focused
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementation
• Passionate about operational excellence in support of community impact

Contract Details

• Temporary contractor role (8–12 weeks estimated)
• On-site presence required for physical inventory and warehouse organization
• Competitive contract rate based on experience
• Immediate start preferred