Operations Specialist

Overview

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition,  Where Tradition Meets Innovation , we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

The Operations Specialist supports inventory optimization and drives operational improvements across the organization, helping reduce excess inventory and improve overall efficiency. This role partners cross-functionally to analyze inventory trends, resolve discrepancies, and support data-driven decision-making that enhances service levels. #SupplyYourFuture

Responsibilities

Inventory Optimization

• Execute inventory redeployment activities across the network to improve inventory utilization and reduce excess inventory.
• Support inventory disposition activities including redeployment, vendor returns, liquidation, and write-off initiatives.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and resolve inventory-related system issues.
• Coordinate consolidated vendor return programs and maintain supporting documentation.
• Track vendor return activity and ensure accurate inventory and financial transactions.
• Support reverse logistics processes and inventory recovery initiatives.

Reporting & Analysis

• Support inventory-related KPI reporting and data validation efforts.
• Research operational issues and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Assist with reporting related to inventory aging, redeployment opportunities, vendor returns, inventory accuracy, and inventory health.
• Analyze inventory trends and identify opportunities to improve inventory utilization and reduce excess inventory investment.

Systems & Data Management

• Assist with item maintenance, stock status updates, item conversions, and inventory cleanup activities.
• Validate inventory transactions and ensure accurate inventory records across systems.

Operational Improvement

• Support inventory and operational improvement projects.
• Assist with development and maintenance of inventory-related procedures and documentation.
• Collaborate with branches, distribution center, buyers, and operational teams to improve inventory performance and process effectiveness.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives that enhance inventory management, operational efficiency, and service levels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, or related field preferred
• 1-3 years of experience in Supply Chain, Transportation/Logistics, Material Handling or Operations roles required
• Demonstrated understanding of inventory management principles including inventory accuracy, inventory aging, inventory disposition, stock transfers, reverse logistics, and inventory lifecycle management.
• High attention to detail with a commitment for maintaining data integrity within inventory systems
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and maintaining data integrity within inventory systems
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and report discrepancies
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, lookups, data analysis)

About First Supply

First Supply ® is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER® Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles—from contemporary to traditional—along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today’s 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.