Inventory Control Analyst

Manufacturing Floor Observer

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.

Job Summary

This role is a hands-on, operations-facing position focused on how materials move on the manufacturing floor—from receipt through shipment—and how those transactions are reflected in our systems. The role directly supports transactional accuracy, operator training, and inventory accuracy by identifying gaps between physical flow and system logic. Success in this role requires someone who is comfortable spending significant time on the manufacturing floor, asking questions, observing processes, and validating that system transactions reflect reality. This is not a desk-only role and is ideal for someone curious, detail-oriented, and willing to learn the end-to-end materials process.

Key Responsibilities

Floor Execution & Process Understanding Spend regular time on the manufacturing floor observing and learning end-to-end material flow (receiving, put-away, issuing, WIP movement, and shipping). Develop a deep understanding of how materials are physically handled versus how transactions are executed in the system. Partner with operators, leads, and supervisors to understand real-world constraints and workarounds. Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or risks between physical processes and system transactions.

Transactional Accuracy & Inventory Control Validate that material movements are being transacted correctly and consistently in ERP/MRP systems. Support root cause analysis of inventory discrepancies, shortages, or accuracy issues. Assist with cycle count execution, investigation, and corrective actions. Help reinforce standard work related to material transactions and inventory controls. Training & Standard Work Support Support training of operations and materials personnel on proper material transactions and inventory best practices. Help document and update standard work instructions tied to material movement and system usage. Act as a day-to-day resource for questions related to material transactions and inventory processes.

Systems & Process Benchmarking Compare floor execution against system logic, policies, and intended process design. Flag inefficiencies, recurring errors, or high-risk transactions that impact inventory accuracy. Provide practical, floor-tested feedback to inventory control, planning, and operations teams.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration Partner closely with Inventory Control, Materials, Operations, Planning, and Quality teams. Support improvement initiatives focused on reducing errors, rework, and manual fixes. Escalate systemic issues with clear examples and data-based observations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and being present on the production floor. Strong attention to detail with a curiosity-driven mindset—willing to ask questions and challenge assumptions. Basic to intermediate Excel skills; comfortable working with data to validate findings. Ability to learn ERP/MRP transactions and understand how system logic connects to physical flow. Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with hourly and salaried teams. Organized, reliable, and willing to follow issues through to resolution.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 0–2 years of experience in manufacturing, materials, inventory, or operations support roles preferred—but not required.
• Prior exposure to inventory transactions, warehouses, or production environments is required.
• Willingness to learn and spend time on the floor is more important than years of experience.

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

• Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Short-term and Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k) Contributions
• Vacation and Paid Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement

Pay Range (Applicable to Illinois) $56,500.00 USD - $77,700.00 USD Annual

Job Category

Global Procurement & Supply Chain

Is Sponsorship Available?

No

Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email View email address on click.appcast.io and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).