Inventory Associate - 1st Shift

Inventory Associate

The Inventory Associate is responsible for accurately receiving, storing, tracking, and staging both packaging supplies (boxes, materials) and raw/finished meat products in designated areas, including the Box Room and Cooler Room. This role ensures timely availability of materials, proper inventory control, compliance with food safety standards, and efficient support of production and shipping operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Receive, count, and verify incoming products, packaging supplies, and materials.
• Accurately record product and material quantities, lot numbers, expiration dates, and storage locations in the inventory system.
• Conduct daily cycle counts, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Organize, store, and rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Stage and deliver products, boxes, and supplies to production lines and shipping as needed.
• Monitor stock levels, report low inventory, and assist with replenishment needs.
• Maintain Box Room and Cooler Room cleanliness, orderliness, and compliance with company safety standards, USDA, HACCP, and food safety guidelines.
• Safely operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or other equipment to move products and supplies.
• Monitor cooler temperatures and report any deviations to ensure product quality and safety.
• Communicate effectively with production, warehouse, and quality assurance teams regarding inventory availability, discrepancies, and movement.
• Support scheduled physical inventory counts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Experience)

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior inventory, warehouse, or food processing experience preferred
• Basic math and computer skills (inventory software experience is a plus).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a cold environment while performing repetitive tasks.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance (e.g., HACCP, FDA, USDA) is a plus.
• Forklift certification or ability to be trained and certified.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate in English with strong verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to stack and lift heavy boxes, crates, or meat products, which can range from 50 pounds or more (unassisted). The job typically involves standing and walking for extended periods to move around the warehouse, inspecting inventory, and fulfill orders. The employee may involve repetitive motions, such as scanning barcodes, sorting products, packaging items, and bending, stoop, and kneel to access products on lower shelves. The employee may operate machinery like forklifts or pallet jacks, requiring physical coordination and the ability to handle heavy equipment.

Due to noise levels in the work environment, the use of hearing protection is required. The employee must have good, corrected vision to see details at close range or at a distance. The employee will be working in a cold storage environment and may be exposed to heat when working outside the warehouse area. The employee may be exposed to strong odors such as raw meat and marinades from seasoned meat.

While in the production area, the employee is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to include hair and beard nets, rubber soled shoes, smocks, hearing protection and hard hats.

7:00 am - 3:30 pm