Inventory Specialist

Overview This role is responsible for executing, monitoring, and training inventory best practices and standard operating procedures for the entire store, including front end and pharmacy. It supports pharmacy inventory management activities such as receiving, counting, ordering, and facilitating returns. The role champions On-Shelf Availability and manages receiving, counting, pricing, returns, and all in-store inventory processes, and validates planograms. Responsibilities Review and coordinate the proper use of reports and system applications affecting front end and pharmacy on-hand balances and pricing. Execute and maintain front end and pharmacy asset protection techniques, and file claims for warehouse and vendor overages, shortages, order errors, or damaged goods including prescription drugs. In designated stores, open and close the store in the absence of store management, including system start-ups, cash handling, cashier responsibilities, and ensuring the floor and stock room are ready for the business day. Engage customers by greeting them and offering assistance with products and services. When serving as the leader on duty, resolve customer issues and answer questions to ensure a positive customer experience. Model and share customer service best practices with all team members to deliver a distinctive and delightful customer experience. Execute and coach team members on warehouse and vendor inventory management processes, including creating, reviewing, and receiving orders. Scan and receive deliveries in-store, including common carrier deliveries, focusing on One Box receiving, mark deliveries as received when appropriate, contact vendors for undelivered items, and open tickets to correct inaccuracies. Under pharmacist-in-charge supervision, verify postings of all pharmacy shipments and complete postings for pharmacy warehouse orders, prescription and OTC orders, secondary vendor orders, flu and dropship orders with tote audits and reporting of shortages or damaged products. Complete On-Shelf Availability (OSA) end-to-end processes for planogrammed departments, including disposals, call-ins, and vendor returns before expiration, and perform scan outs/scan outs returns for all subscribed departments including pharmacy. Under pharmacist-in-charge supervision, complete pharmacy inventory activities including recalls per Pharmacy Hazardous Waste Policy, vendor returns, non-controlled and damaged salvage returns, facilitate excess inventory returns or interstore pharmacy transfers where applicable, and verify pharmacy/posting of claims. Execute all pricing activities including price changes, markdowns, and deletes; manage basic department pricing with accurate signage and timely completion of regulatory pricing tasks. Support front end and pharmacy ordering by placing expense item orders; monitor pharmacy manual orders for excesses; maintain consigned inventory and orders as required. Ensure designated pull and quarantine items on-hands are updated and placed in the holding area; maintain accurate inventory counts across departments, stockroom, and overstock locations; monitor pharmacy counts and perform pharmacy smart counts under pharmacist-in-charge supervision. Ensure store inventory compliance with state and local laws regarding regulated products (e.g., alcoholic beverages and tobacco). Assist in inventory record maintenance, including receiving and posting all products in inventory systems; organize files and retain invoices/receipts/return authorizations for inventory activities. Prepare for physical inventory and support physical inventory day activities, including preparing sales floor, stockroom, and pharmacy for inventory and coordinating with third-party auditors. Support keeping counters and shelves clean and well merchandised; be knowledgeable of store systems and equipment. Assist and coach the team on all package delivery activities, including scanning in/out, daily inventory functions, package returns, and support Pickup Program. In designated stores, lead on-duty responsibilities include registering all related sales on the POS system (including recording scanning errors, price verifications, items not on file, price modifications, and voids), completing product returns, order voids, customer refunds, cash drops, and providing change as requested. Comply with all company policies and maintain respectful relationships with coworkers; complete additional activities and tasks as assigned. Training & Personal Development Attend company-based trainings for continuous development and complete all e-learning modules including safety training requirements. Obtain and maintain a valid pharmacy license/certification as required by the state. Communications Serve as a liaison between management and non-management team members by coaching and developing capabilities with inventory systems. When leading on duty, communicate tasks to team members and report disciplinary issues and customer complaints to management. Basic Qualifications Six months of prior work experience with Walgreens (internal candidates) or one year of prior retail work experience (external candidates). Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English (except in Puerto Rico). Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends. “Achieving expectations” rating on last performance review and no written disciplinary actions in the previous 12 months (internal candidates only). Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to multi-task and manage execution. Experience in identifying operational issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems. Preferred Qualifications Prefer previous experience as a shift lead, pharmacy technician, designated hitter, or customer service associate. Prefer prior work experience with Walgreens, with an evaluation on file. EEO & Additional We will consider employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. The actual compensation that you will be offered will depend on geography, skills, and experience. This role will remain open until filled. Salary Range: $17 - $20 / Hourly #J-18808-Ljbffr