Inventory Control Specialist

Overview Position Summary The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for improving inventory accuracy, strengthening inventory controls, and reducing operational and compliance risk across pharmacy locations. This role partners directly with pharmacy leaders and staff to assess current inventory practices, identify gaps, and implement process improvements that enhance tracking, accountability, and security. The position is highly field‑focused and requires extensive travel to pharmacy locations. The specialist will also coordinate with external inventory service vendors to support physical inventory counts, audits, and security initiatives. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Inventory Accuracy & Control Partner with pharmacy leadership and purchasing teams to evaluate inventory accuracy, identify variances, and determine root causes. Review inventory practices related to receiving, storage, dispensing, transfers, adjustments, and returns. Identify opportunities to tighten inventory controls, improve documentation, and reduce shrink, waste, and obsolescence. Support consistent application of inventory policies, SOPs, and internal control standards across locations. Process Improvement & Risk Reduction Assess end‑to‑end inventory workflows and recommend process changes to improve visibility, tracking, and accountability. Collaborate with operations, finance, compliance, and internal audit to address inventory‑related risks and audit findings. Assist with implementation of standardized best practices for inventory management and control execution. Support remediation plans tied to internal audits, external audits, or regulatory reviews. Physical Inventory & Vendor Coordination Coordinate and work directly with external inventory service providers to plan and execute physical inventory counts. Ensure pharmacies are properly prepared for physical inventories, audits, and inspections. Review inventory count results, identify discrepancies, and support follow‑up investigations and corrective actions. Partner with pharmacy leaders to ensure timely resolution of inventory variances and documentation issues. Audit, Compliance & Security Support inventory‑related audits, including internal audit, SOX‑related controls (as applicable), and regulatory reviews. Evaluate inventory security practices, including access controls, storage, and monitoring. Recommend enhancements to inventory security and loss‑prevention controls, including controlled substance handling where applicable. Serve as a field resource for inventory compliance questions and escalations. Training & Collaboration Educate pharmacy staff and leadership on inventory control expectations, best practices, and process changes. Provide hands‑on guidance during site visits to reinforce proper inventory procedures. Partner with centralized inventory management, purchasing, finance, and compliance teams to ensure alignment. Key Competencies Inventory accuracy & reconciliation Process improvement & risk mitigation Audit & compliance support Vendor coordination Field‑based problem solving Communication and influence Operational discipline and follow‑through Work Environment Field‑based role requiring frequent travel to pharmacy locations nationwide. Combination of on‑site operational work and remote analysis/documentation. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to support physical inventories. Qualifications Required Bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, operations, pharmacy‑related field, or equivalent experience. 3–5+ years of experience in inventory management, pharmacy operations, supply chain, audit, or operational controls. Experience working directly with field operations or multi‑site environments. Willingness and ability to travel up to 75% of the time. Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate discrepancies and identify root causes. High attention to detail and strong documentation skills. Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, field‑based role. Preferred Experience in long‑term care, specialty, or institutional pharmacy environments. Familiarity with physical inventory processes and third‑party inventory service vendors. Experience supporting audits, compliance initiatives, or internal controls. Knowledge of pharmacy inventory systems and ERP platforms. Prior exposure to loss prevention, inventory security, or controlled substance processes. #J-18808-Ljbffr