Inventory Control Specialist

Description

The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for managing, monitoring, and maintaining accurate inventory levels of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods within a fast-paced manufacturing plant. This role ensures that inventory practices support production efficiency, quality, and customer delivery commitments across industries including wire and cable, automotive, and other sectors. This position is hourly non-exempt and reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• Track and maintain accurate records of raw materials, packaging, WIP, and finished goods.
• Track and maintain inventory located at remote assembly and manufacturing operations.
• Perform regular cycle counts and full physical inventories to ensure data integrity.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies in coordination with production, purchasing, and shipping teams.
• Monitor material usage to ensure continuous supply for production lines.
• Collaborate with procurement to forecast material needs based on demand and production schedules.
• Work with production teams to minimize material waste and optimize usage.
• Develop and maintain standardized processes for inventory handling, storage, and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry regulations.
• Recommend and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Maintain accurate data in ERP/MRP systems.
• Generate inventory reports for management and highlight trends or risks.
• Support audits and provide documentation as needed.
• Partner with quality, logistics, and operations teams to ensure seamless material flow.
• Communicate inventory issues or shortages proactively to minimize production downtime. 
• Exhibits willingness to continue to learn and develop while encouraging others to do the same. 
• Shares knowledge with others to support the culture of growth within the team.
• Exhibits regular and predictable attendance.
• Other duties as assigned that may be required.

Pm21

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of inventory management practices, ERP/MRP systems, and cycle counting.
• Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read production schedules and anticipate material needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other reporting tools.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be able to work independently on new process development as well as troubleshoot current production issues.
• Proves to be a self-starter and works with little direction and a high level of self-motivation.
• Possesses the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent computer skills, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Displays creativity and recommends possibilities.

Education And/Or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or materials management in a manufacturing environment (plastics or automotive preferred).

Language Skills:

• Has ability to read, comprehend and write the English language as it relates to safety, job responsibilities and other essential communication. 
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills.

Reasoning Ability:

• Possesses strong reasoning skills, including the ability to forward think, analyze problems, and identify, implement, and rationalize solutions (communicating the logic behind the decision to others).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be able to withstand prolonged periods sitting at a desk, working on a computer. 
• Must be able to position self to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. 
• Must have ability to observe details at close range. 
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting, with regular visits to the manufacturing floor. 
• Works within a fast-paced manufacturing environment that is not temperature regulated.
• The environment may be loud requiring hearing protection in some areas.
• Personal protective equipment is required as defined within the hazard analysis sheet defined for this position.