Inventory Specialist / Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $54,000- $58,000 per year

About Higgins Premium Pet Foods

Higgins Premium Pet Foods has been a trusted name in premium companion bird nutrition for more than 40 years. As part of theVersele-Laga Group, a global leader in premium animal nutrition, we combine the agility of a small company with the strength, resources, and long-term vision of an international organization.

At Higgins, every employee has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. We value initiative, ownership, and continuous improvement. If you enjoy working in an environment where your ideas are heard, your contributions matter, and you can help shape the future of our operations, you'll fit right in.

About the Role

We are looking for a highly analytical and detail-orientedInventory & Operations Analystto join our team. While maintaining accurate inventory across our facilities will be a key responsibility, this role goes well beyond inventory management.

You will play an important role in improving operational processes, supporting data-driven decision-making, and helping lead the implementation of a new Warehouse Management System (WMS). This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, improving systems, and making a measurable impact on a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory accuracy across three warehouse locations.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies through root cause analysis.
• Produce weekly and monthly inventory performance reports.
• Ensure inventory records accurately reflect physical stock to support purchasing and production planning.
• Monitor FIFO compliance for raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Generate reports on slow-moving, expired, and soon-to-expire inventory.
• Monitor bulk ingredient silo inventories.
• Lead cycle counts, physical inventories, and inventory audits.
• Work closely with warehouse, purchasing, production, and quality teams to maintain accurate inventory.

Process Improvement & Business Analysis

• Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
• Analyze operational data and recommend process improvements.
• Develop reports, dashboards, and KPIs that support management decisions.
• Document and improve inventory and warehouse processes.
• Participate in cross-functional continuous improvement projects.
• Support operational improvement initiatives beyond inventory, helping optimize workflows and business processes across the organization.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

• Support the implementation of a new Warehouse Management System.
• Assist with process mapping, system testing, user training, and implementation.
• Help optimize warehouse processes through the new system.
• Become a key user and contribute to future system enhancements.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Analytics, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 25 years of experience in inventory control, supply chain, operations, or business analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, lookups, formulas, and data analysis).
• Experience working with ERP or inventory management software.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish

Preferred

• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Experience in food manufacturing or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of FIFO, cycle counting, and inventory control best practices.
• Experience with Power BI or other reporting tools.
  

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Is naturally curious and enjoys solving complex operational problems.
• Thinks analytically and uses data to drive decisions.
• Takes initiative and identifies opportunities for improvement rather than waiting to be asked.
• Enjoys working across departments and building strong relationships.
• Is excited by the opportunity to help modernize our warehouse operations through a new WMS implementation.
• Wants to grow into a broader operations and business improvement role.

Why Join Higgins?

• Be part of a company where your work has a visible impact.
• Take ownership of projects and contribute ideas that improve the business.
• Play a key role in implementing a new Warehouse Management System.
• Enjoy the flexibility, autonomy, and entrepreneurial culture of a small company backed by the stability, resources, and opportunities of an international market leader.
• Grow your career in an organization that values initiative, continuous improvement, and professional development.