What are the responsibilities and job description for the INTERNAL - DC and Warehouse Inventory Specialist position at Nature's Way?
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8am - 4pm
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented DC/WH Inventory Specialist to take ownership of cycle counting and inventory reconciliation across our Distribution Center and Warehouse operations. This hourly lead role acts as the first point of contact for day-to-day inventory count activities - organizing and prioritizing count schedules, guiding and training fellow associates in proper counting and reconciliation procedures, and driving inventory accuracy in partnership with the Distribution & Warehouse Leadership.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on subject matter expert (SME) in our SAP/SAP EWM systems who is comfortable both performing counts personally and coordinating the work of others. This role combines floor-level warehouse operations with analytical inventory management, and serves as a key liaison across Manufacturing, Warehouse/Distribution, Production Planning, Quality, and Finance teams.
This is a working lead position. The Lead directs daily count activity, training, and workflow for hourly associates but does not have formal supervisory authority (e.g., hiring, termination, formal discipline, or performance reviews), which remains with the Sr. Mgr. Distribution & Warehouse.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Coordination
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented DC/WH Inventory Specialist to take ownership of cycle counting and inventory reconciliation across our Distribution Center and Warehouse operations. This hourly lead role acts as the first point of contact for day-to-day inventory count activities - organizing and prioritizing count schedules, guiding and training fellow associates in proper counting and reconciliation procedures, and driving inventory accuracy in partnership with the Distribution & Warehouse Leadership.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on subject matter expert (SME) in our SAP/SAP EWM systems who is comfortable both performing counts personally and coordinating the work of others. This role combines floor-level warehouse operations with analytical inventory management, and serves as a key liaison across Manufacturing, Warehouse/Distribution, Production Planning, Quality, and Finance teams.
This is a working lead position. The Lead directs daily count activity, training, and workflow for hourly associates but does not have formal supervisory authority (e.g., hiring, termination, formal discipline, or performance reviews), which remains with the Sr. Mgr. Distribution & Warehouse.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Coordination
- Organize, prioritize, and assign daily/weekly cycle count schedules across the DC and Warehouse in partnership with the Sr. Mgr. Distribution & Warehouse
- Serve as the go-to resource and first-line point of escalation for cycle count and inventory questions from warehouse associates
- Train new and existing associates on proper cycle counting, reconciliation, and SAP/SAP EWM transaction procedures
- Review and spot-check counts completed by other associates to confirm accuracy and adherence to procedure before sign-off
- Track count completion status and communicate progress, roadblocks, and staffing needs to the Supervisor/Manager
- Help onboard new hires and cross-train associates to build a flexible, capable inventory count team
- Lead and personally perform regular cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation of inventory discrepancies
- Monitor and maintain accurate inventory records in the Warehouse Management System (SAP EWM) and SAP
- Investigate inventory variances, identify root causes, and implement or recommend corrective actions
- Monitor consumption zone inventories, perform physical counts, and reconcile system-to-floor inventory
- Coordinate and lead cycle counts with warehouse personnel for coating materials, seals, desiccants, and other components
- Generate and analyze inventory reports to identify trends, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement
- Monitor Days on Hand daily to help reduce backorders and improve Fill Rate
- Prepare and review the Open Order Report daily, where applicable
- Support projected out-of-stock analysis and reporting
- Support FIFO movement of materials via expiry reports, partnering with the Production Planning team to reduce future write-offs
- Coordinate with Receiving, Shipping, and Production teams to ensure inventory accuracy
- Collaborate with QA and process disposal notifications for damaged, expired, or discontinued materials
- Act as a liaison between Manufacturing/Packaging, Warehouse/Distribution, Production Planning, Quality, and Finance
- Partner with cross-functional teams to drive supply chain initiatives and continuous process improvement
- Operate forklifts and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently
- Travel between and support cycle count operations at multiple warehouse/distribution sites as needed
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with company policies
Required Qualifications
- Current, valid Forklift Certification
- High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred
- 3 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or a manufacturing/distribution environment
- 1 year of experience performing cycle count reconciliation, inventory adjustments, and variance analysis
- Prior experience informally leading, training, or coordinating the work of other associates (lead, trainer, or similar capacity) preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and warehouse management systems (WMS)
- Demonstrated familiarity with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to instruct and coach others clearly
- Strong analytical and data management skills
- Ability to lead daily activities and make sound decisions with minimal direct supervision
- Flexibility to work various shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require
- Ability to travel to and work at multiple site locations
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
- Ability to operate a vehicle on behalf of the company, possessing a valid driver's license and meeting the driving standards of the Company's insurance carrier
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on SAP/SAP EWM system experience
- Knowledge of Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Demonstrated experience training or leading peers in a warehouse/DC setting
- Proven ability to identify process improvement opportunities and develop recommendations
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)