Inventory Control, Quality Assurance & Returns Lead

Our Employees are the Foundation of our Success. At pewag, we’re focused on leveraging the full potential of our talentedemployees. Our culture is key! Our goal is to create a skilled, inclusive and diverse workplace where every employee feels empowered and respected. We know that our success depends on our ability develop talent and allow our workforce to continuously improve. Do you think of yourself as someone who is driven to succeed? Are you an open-minded team player? A results-oriented worker? An authentic and transparent person who takes pride in honouring your commitments? That’s great! We want to hear from you! Position: Inventory Control, Quality Assurance & Returns Lead Location: Bolingbrook, IL Job Id: 128 # of Openings: 1 Inventory Control, Quality Assurance

DEPARTMENT

Operations / Warehouse

REPORTS TO

Warehouse Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Full-Time, Non-Union

DIRECT REPORTS

None Initially

WORK SCHEDULE

On-Site; Business Needs

FLSA CLASSIFICATION

Salary Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE

07/24/2026

SALARY

$50,000-$62,000 Annually

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory Control, Quality Assurance & Returns Lead is responsible for protecting inventory integrity across the warehouse and leading the day-to-day processes for cycle counting, inventory research, operational quality audits, product returns, quarantine, and disposition. The role ensures that inventory records in Prophet 21 (P21) and RF warehouse systems accurately reflect physical inventory and that discrepancies are investigated to root cause rather than corrected through adjustment alone. This is a hands-on, non-union lead position that works closely with the Warehouse Manager, Operations, Customer Service, Accounting, Purchasing, Sales, Engineering, and Quality resources. The Lead provides process direction, training, and audit oversight to warehouse employees while the Warehouse Manager retains formal labor scheduling, performance management, discipline, and labor-relations authority.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Maintain reliable inventory, prevent repeat errors, process returns promptly, and create clear ownership for inventory-related controls across receiving, putaway, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and reverse logistics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Inventory Control and Cycle Count Management Own and administer the cycle-count program, including annual count plans, weekly schedules, ABC frequency, high-value and high-risk items, repeat-error locations, and special counts requested by management or auditors. Ensure cycle counts and recounts are completed accurately, on time, and through approved RF/P21 processes whenever system functionality is available. Research count variances using transaction history, allocations, transfers, receipts, picks, shipments, adjustments, units of measure, lot information, and location activity before recommending an adjustment. Prepare complete adjustment documentation and route material inventory adjustments or write-offs for the required approval. Verify that inventory reductions or RF deallocations do not leave customer orders stranded; coordinate timely reallocation or escalation when available stock changes. Monitor and resolve negative inventory, zero-on-hand discrepancies, inventory in non-pickable or staging locations, unidentified material, duplicate locations, and inventory with questionable status. Maintain cycle-count records, recount notes, adjustment support, approvals, and audit evidence in the designated shared repository. Support physical inventories, external audits, financial-control testing, and targeted counts based on value, quantity, or business risk. 2. Returns, RMA and Reverse Logistics Own the warehouse returns process from receipt through final disposition, including customer returns, refused shipments, carrier returns, internal returns, vendor returns, and damaged or nonconforming material. Verify item number, quantity, unit of measure, condition, packaging, lot or traceability information, customer authorization, and stated return reason before inventory is moved or credited. Maintain controlled, clearly identified return and quarantine locations so returned or suspect material cannot be picked or shipped before inspection and disposition. Coordinate with Customer Service, Sales, Accounting, Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality resources to determine disposition: return to available stock, repackage, rework, hold, return to vendor, claim with carrier, or scrap. Ensure approved inventory transactions and customer/vendor credits are completed accurately and supported by documentation. Track open returns and quarantine aging; elevate items that exceed established service-level targets or lack a clear owner or disposition. Analyze return reasons and trends to distinguish customer-caused returns from picking, packing, product, documentation, packaging, carrier, supplier, or internal process failures. 3. Operational Quality Assurance and Process Audits Conduct routine and targeted audits of receiving, putaway, replenishment, location control, picking, packing, shipping, staging, labeling, and return transactions. Verify adherence to applicable FIFO, lot-control, product-identification, unit-of-measure, case-quantity, packaging, and traceability requirements. Review picking and packing errors, shipment discrepancies, receiving variances, customer complaints, and inventory exceptions to identify patterns and control failures. Quarantine questionable material and stop an inventory-related transaction when product identity, quantity, condition, traceability, or system status cannot be verified. Create and maintain inventory-control and returns standard work, SOPs, work instructions, forms, checklists, and revision-controlled training materials. Validate that corrective actions remain effective through follow-up audits instead of closing actions based only on stated completion. 4. Root Cause, Data Integrity and Continuous Improvement Lead root-cause investigations using transaction data, physical observation, employee interviews, and process review; document both immediate containment and permanent corrective action. Categorize inventory discrepancies and returns by root-cause, process step, item, location, employee, customer, supplier, carrier, and system issue to identify recurring trends. Partner with Operations and system resources to correct P21, RF, item-master, location, unit-of-measure, label, and workflow issues that create inventory risk. Recommend improvements to slotting, location design, replenishment, staging, product identification, audit points, and transaction controls. Participate in cross-functional projects involving warehouse systems, inventory governance, process automation, data cleanup, and operational readiness. 5. Lead Responsibilities, Training and Communication Prioritize and coordinate daily ICQA and returns work in alignment with the Warehouse Manager’s staffing plan and operating priorities. Provide day-to-day process direction to warehouse employees performing counts, audits, returns handling, research support, or corrective work. Train and coach employees on inventory-related procedures, RF/P21 transactions, documentation standards, quarantine controls, and error-prevention practices. Document process noncompliance, training gaps, and repeat errors; recommend retraining or corrective action to the Warehouse Manager. Provide concise weekly reporting on inventory health, count completion, significant variances, open returns, quarantine aging, repeat errors, corrective actions, and required management decisions. Serve as the warehouse subject-matter expert for inventory transactions and maintain backup procedures so critical knowledge is not held by one person.

DECISION RIGHTS AND ROLE BOUNDARIES

AUTHORIZED TO

REQUIRES MANAGER / FUNCTIONAL APPROVAL

Final approval of significant adjustments, write-offs, or scrap. Require a recount or additional verification. Employee discipline, performance ratings, attendance actions, or grievance responses. Pause an inventory-related transaction that cannot be validated. Permanent staffing, scheduling, or bargaining-unit work assignments. Direct daily ICQA and returns workflow. Customer credits, vendor chargebacks, or financial settlements outside established authority. Recommend inventory adjustments and corrective actions. Engineering, product-conformance, or warranty decisions requiring technical approval. Require retraining on approved procedures. Changes to policy, system configuration, or accounting controls. Escalate repeat noncompliance or unresolved inventory risk. Labor boundary: This is a non-union lead role. The position provides process direction, training, audit oversight, and work coordination. The Warehouse Manager and Human Resources retain formal disciplinary and labor-relations authority. Work assignments and any hands-on performance of bargaining-unit work must remain consistent with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and company practice.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASURE

EXPECTED FOCUS

Cycle-count completion Counts and required recounts completed on schedule. Inventory accuracy Accuracy by bin, item, value, and root-cause category. Gross and net adjustments Controlled adjustments with complete research and approval. Reduction in recurring errors at the same item, location, or process. Returns processing time Timely receipt, inspection, disposition, transaction, and credit support. Clear ownership and escalation of aging material. Receiving, pick and pack accuracy Audited error rates and corrective-action effectiveness. RF / P21 process compliance Approved system transactions used consistently with traceable records. Corrective-action closure Actions completed on time and verified through follow-up audit. Unidentified / misplaced inventory Prompt resolution and downward trend in uncontrolled material. Performance should not be evaluated on inventory accuracy alone. The role is expected to reduce repeat discrepancies and eliminate root causes, not simply improve reported accuracy through inventory adjustments.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required High school diploma or equivalent. Three or more years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, cycle counting, returns, quality auditing, or a related distribution/manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to research inventory transactions, identify root causes, and document findings clearly. Working knowledge of ERP and warehouse-management transactions; ability to learn and use P21, RF devices, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office applications. Strong attention to detail, organization, follow-through, and comfort holding others accountable to established processes. Ability to communicate professionally with hourly employees, supervisors, customer-facing teams, accounting, purchasing, and technical functions. Ability to work independently on the warehouse floor and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision. Preferred Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, operations, business, quality, or a related field. Experience with Epicor Prophet 21, wireless warehouse/RF systems, return material authorization processes, lot control, or industrial distribution. Prior lead, trainer, inventory analyst, ICQA, quality, or returns coordination experience. Experience with root-cause analysis, corrective action, Lean, Six Sigma, or structured problem-solving methods. Forklift or powered-industrial-truck certification, or ability to obtain certification as required.

COMPETENCIES COMPETENCY

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR

Protects transactional accuracy and does not bypass controls for convenience. Analytical Problem Solving Uses evidence and process observation to separate symptoms from root causes. Ownership and Follow-Through Drives exceptions to closure and escalates stalled decisions. Constructive Accountability Addresses process failures directly, consistently, and professionally. Cross-Functional Communication Explains operational issues clearly to warehouse, commercial, technical, and financial teams. Builds practical controls that prevent errors without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regularly works in a warehouse and light industrial environment with exposure to moving equipment, varying temperatures, noise, dust, packaging materials, and routine operational hazards. Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods; bend, reach, climb approved steps or ladders, and access inventory at floor and rack locations. Must be able to lift and handle materials within company policy and established safe-lifting limits, with mechanical assistance used when required. Must be able to use computers, handheld RF devices, printers, scanners, and standard office and warehouse equipment. Must comply with all safety rules, required personal protective equipment, equipment-certification requirements, and inventory-control procedures.

ROLE EXCLUSIONS

Unless specifically assigned through a separate responsibility statement, this position does not own purchasing, demand planning, supplier negotiation, sales commissions, pricing administration, sales territories, product engineering, customer backlog management, or final financial authorization of inventory write-offs. The Lead supplies inventory information and process support to those functions but does not become the default owner of unrelated administrative work.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified based on business needs, provided changes remain consistent with applicable law, company policy, and labor agreements.

BENEFITS

Our benefits program includes a medical health plan, plus dental and vision insurance, as well as disability and travel accident insurance. pewag offers PTO plus a 401k retirement plan with a 3% company contribution. pewag also provides the employee with a free standard single membership to Life Time. #J-18808-Ljbffr pewag International GmbH