Company Overview:
Hickory Farms has been bringing delight to every occasion since our founding in 1951. With on-trend design, expertly curated flavors, and premium ingredients, our gifts are the perfect way to celebrate birthdays, corporate events, and special moments deliciously. Founded in Toledo, Hickory Farms relocated to Chicago in 2017 to be closer to our dedicated suppliers and distribution center. Now, our gourmet food gifts are found in a variety of pop-up stores and kiosks throughout North America during the holiday season, as well as in leading mass merchants, supermarkets, and on hickoryfarms.com year-round. In 2021, Wicked Good Cupcakes joined our family, bringing the Shark Tank sensation into even more celebrations nationwide. The original cupcake in a jar has decadent flavors and a unique presentation, making these treats perfect for weddings, events, and birthdays. We're proud to bring people together with our gifts of great taste.
Our Values lead the way. They are: The customer is our focus. Integrity and respect. We own it. Everyone has a place at the table. We embrace change. We savor the journey together.
Requirements
Position Overview: The Inventory and Administrative Support Associate will be responsible for ensuring inventory is processed, organized, and stored in order to efficiently service our business partners. The ideal candidate is someone who can multitask, troubleshoot, focused, detail-oriented, and a team player who can work cross-functionally with other departments within the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - include but are not limited to the following:

• Examine the levels of raw materials and supplies using Excel spreadsheets and software tools to track inventory levels accurately.
• Purchase order management for packaging and supplies.
• Ensure packaging materials are available for co-packers.
• Collaborate with various internal departments to ensure alignment to mitigate service interruptions (transportation, operations, purchasing, etc.)
• Properly order materials avoiding excessive surplus.
• Collaborate with management to plan forecasting models.
• Serve as a liaison when the manager is absent.
• Responsible for the accuracy of inventory transactions and the establishment of proper controls within the department.
• Support other departments as necessary to support the organization.

Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Proficient in the Microsoft Windows Environment and Microsoft Suite, including Outlook (heavy email) and Excel Expertise
• Knowledge of Sales
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively.
• Must have strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent follow-through and ability to execute.
• Strong analytical, computer, and data entry skills.
• Must possess great attention to detail, accuracy, ability to multitask, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be flexible to accommodate the needs of the business within our distribution center during the season.
• Must be agile, and able to work within high volume capacity where situations are rapidly changing and evolving within the organization.
• Be willing to cross-train in other departments as necessary
• Transportation administrative experiences (ASNS, Pallet labels, BOL, Customer portals, etc.)

Educational and/or Work Experience Qualifications:

• Associate degree or related work experience preferred.
• Supply chain experience a plus
• Related professional certifications are a plus

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Must be able to complete the "essential job functions" with "reasonable accommodations" and meet all the mandatory qualifications under the ADA guidelines.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to perform essential physical activities such as lifting, climbing, standing, stooping, or typing for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to talk, listen, and speak clearly on the telephone.

Hickory Farms is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture, that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.