Inventory Specialist

The Inventory Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory counts of live goods located at retail store locations. This Full-Time and Benefit Eligible position travels to assigned stores to physically count plants and other live goods, reconcile inventory information, identify discrepancies, and provide timely and accurate inventory data to the company.


The Inventory Specialist plays an important role in maintaining inventory integrity across the retail network. Because live goods inventory can change rapidly due to sales, shrink, plant condition, markdowns, disposals, transfers, and seasonal activity, this position requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, computer proficiency, and the ability to work independently in a retail environment.


Measures of Success:

• Travel to assigned retail store locations according to established schedules and routes.
• Perform accurate physical counts of live goods, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, tropical plants, indoor plants, and other assigned product categories.
• Identify plants and products by item number, SKU, UPC, variety, size, container size, or other company-established identification methods.
• Enter inventory counts accurately into company-provided handheld devices, tablets, spreadsheets, inventory systems, or other technology.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel to enter, organize, review, reconcile, and analyze inventory information.
• Prepare and maintain inventory spreadsheets and reports using Microsoft Office applications.
• Compare physical inventory to system inventory and identify significant discrepancies.
• Research potential causes of inventory discrepancies when requested.
• Identify products that may have been sold, transferred, marked down, damaged, disposed of, or otherwise removed from available inventory.
• Verify that live goods are located in the correct store, department, display area, or inventory location.
• Communicate inventory discrepancies and unusual conditions to the Inventory Manager, Account Manager, Operations team, or other appropriate personnel.
• Work cooperatively with store management and merchandising personnel while completing inventory counts.
• Follow established inventory counting procedures to ensure consistency between stores.
• Recount inventory when discrepancies or unusual variances are identified.
• Maintain accurate records of completed store visits, inventory counts, discrepancies, and corrections.
• Meet established deadlines for completing assigned store inventories.
• Assist with seasonal inventory audits, cycle counts, physical inventories, and special inventory projects.
• Identify recurring inventory accuracy issues and communicate trends to management.
• Protect confidential company, customer, pricing, and inventory information.
• Follow all company safety policies and customer/store safety requirements.
• Perform other inventory, merchandising, or operational duties as assigned.

Because live goods inventory is perishable and constantly changing, the Inventory Specialist may also be responsible for identifying and reporting:

• Dead, damaged, distressed, or unsellable plant material.
• Product that should potentially be removed from active inventory.
• Plant material located in incorrect displays or departments.
• Unidentified or improperly labeled plant material.
• Significant differences between physical counts and reported inventory.
• Potential shrink or unexplained inventory loss.
• Duplicate or incorrect SKUs.
• Product transfers between stores or locations that may not have been properly recorded.
• Inventory conditions that could affect replenishment, ordering, forecasting, or billing.

The Inventory Specialist should report inventory or plant-condition issues according to company procedures and should not independently adjust inventory records, dispose of product, or authorize markdowns unless specifically authorized to do so.

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to inventory accuracy.
• Basic math and counting skills.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel .
• Ability to create, maintain, organize, and accurately update Excel spreadsheets.
• Ability to work with inventory data, including sorting, filtering, basic formulas, data entry, and reconciliation within Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to accurately enter information into a tablet, smartphone, handheld scanner, computer, or inventory management system.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to follow established routes, schedules, and inventory procedures.
• Professional communication skills when interacting with store personnel and company employees.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record when driving is an essential function of the position.
• Reliable transportation if a personal vehicle is required for store travel.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including some weekends, particularly during peak seasonal periods and physical inventory activities.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in inventory control, cycle counting, retail merchandising, nursery operations, garden centers, or live goods.
• Familiarity with plant varieties and common live goods SKUs.
• Experience working within large retail or home-improvement store environments.
• Experience using inventory management systems, handheld scanners, tablets, or mobile inventory applications.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills and experience working with inventory-related spreadsheets and reports.

Physical Demands:

This position requires frequent activity within retail garden centers and live goods departments. The employee must be able to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Frequently bend, stoop, squat, reach, and move throughout plant displays.
• Work around racks, tables, pallets, carts, and other merchandising equipment.
• Lift and move plants or containers as necessary to complete accurate counts.
• Regularly lift approximately 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier items consistent with company policy.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Safely navigate wet floors, watering areas, uneven surfaces, parking lots, loading areas, and outdoor garden centers.