Inventory Control Specialist

Inventory Control SpecialistThe Inventory Control Specialist oversees all aspects of inventory accuracy and material flow in a manufacturing and warehouse environment. This role works closely with warehouse, quality, procurement, planning, and production teams to coordinate materials, manage inventory records, lead cycle counts, and document procedures that support efficient operations and regulatory compliance. The specialist serves as the subject matter expert for inventory control and ERP/SAP transactions, driving continuous improvement in waste reduction, traceability, and inventory integrity.ResponsibilitiesMaintain accurate inventory records in SAP or an equivalent ERP system, including receipts, transfers, consumptions, adjustments, and material movements.Plan, coordinate, execute, and reconcile cycle counts and physical inventories across internal and vendor-managed warehouse locations.Use cycle count and usage data to identify potential Bill of Materials (BOM) discrepancies and collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues.Develop, document, and maintain inventory control procedures that support FIFO, lot tracking, traceability, and regulatory compliance.Work directly with warehouse staff to ensure timely and accurate execution of inventory counts and material movements.Quarantine all incoming raw materials and packaging upon receipt and ensure they remain in hold status until formally released by Quality Assurance.Coordinate with Quality Assurance to verify material release status before issuing any material to production and prevent unauthorized use of non-released materials.Act as the subject matter expert on inventory control and SAP/ERP transactions, providing informal training and support to warehouse and cross-functional partners.Leverage data from cycle counts and material loss reporting to lead weekly waste review meetings focused on identifying and addressing sources of waste.Report material waste on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis using SAP, production records, and site-level waste logs.Conduct root cause analysis on inventory variances and losses and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.Collaborate with Procurement, Planning, Quality, and Production to ensure alignment on material availability, usage, and inventory requirements.Track and report inventory metrics such as accuracy, shrink, and inventory turns, identify trends, and recommend process improvements.Assist in routine audits conducted by internal teams, external customers, or regulatory bodies by providing documentation and demonstrating inventory control processes.Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory accuracy, waste reduction, and inventory flow across all storage locations.Essential SkillsBachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field.At least 4 years of direct experience in inventory control or material management within a manufacturing environment.Strong proficiency with ERP systems, preferably SAP, including inventory transactions and reporting.Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting.Deep understanding of inventory control best practices, including cycle counting, FIFO, and traceability for products with shelf life.Demonstrated ability in data entry and document control related to inventory and materials.Experience with materials management, warehouse packing, material handling, shipping and receiving, and labeling.Strong proactive problem-solving skills with a goal-oriented and organized mindset.Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate clearly with warehouse, quality, and operations staff.High level of engagement, curiosity, and willingness to ask questions and learn new systems and processes.Motivation to improve operations and push for continuous improvement in inventory and waste management.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in the food or beverage manufacturing industry.Experience in vendor-managed inventory or vendor management processes.Supervisory experience in a warehouse or inventory control setting.General knowledge of supply chain principles and ERP system configuration or optimization.Strong computer literacy and comfort working with multiple systems and data sources.A positive attitude focused on making processes better and improving overall operational performance.Aptitude to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving inventory control practices.Why Work Here?Employees receive access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with short-term and long-term disability coverage, starting on the first day of the month following their hire date. The organization offers HSA and FSA options to support healthcare and dependent care needs, as well as paid time off eligibility with one week in the first year. Team members work in a stable, day-shift schedule that supports work-life balance, while contributing to a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and professional growth.Work EnvironmentThis role operates within a food and beverage production and warehouse setting, including refrigerated areas for salsa and hummus where temperatures are cold. The position involves a combination of production floor, warehouse, and computer-based work, requiring comfort with both physical and desk-based tasks. Team members fully suit up in appropriate personal protective equipment such as lab coats, hair nets, and beard nets when working in food production areas to maintain safety and product quality. The schedule is a first-shift opening from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no overtime expectations once in a direct role.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ferndale, MI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Ferndale, MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 2026.