Inventory Associate

Inventory Associate

Full-time, temp-to-hire

Brookshire, TX (onsite)

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, evening shift; overtime and occasional weekends during physical inventory or peak periods

Position Purpose:

The Inventory Associate keeps QTrade's inventory records accurate by counting raw materials, packaging and finished goods on a rotating schedule and reconciling the counts against the inventory system. Accurate counts protect production planning, purchasing, customer orders and lot traceability for our teas, botanicals and blends.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily cycle counts of raw materials (teas, botanicals, spices, specialty ingredients), packaging supplies and finished goods according to the assigned count schedule.
• Verify item number, lot number, quantity, unit of measure and expiration or best-by date for every location counted.
• Compare physical counts to system quantities, recount discrepancies and research root causes (mis-picks, unrecorded receipts or transfers, unit-of-measure errors, mislabeled lots).
• Enter count results and approved adjustments into the inventory system accurately and on time.
• Prepare variance reports and escalate significant discrepancies to the Warehouse Manager.
• Confirm bin and rack locations are labeled correctly and that product is stored in its assigned location.
• Support lot traceability, mock recalls and audits (SQF, SMETA, customer) by locating product and providing count records.
• Identify and report damaged, expired, held or nonconforming product to Quality for disposition.
• Assist with year-end and periodic full physical inventories.
• Coordinate with Receiving, Shipping, Production and Purchasing to resolve inventory issues.
• Operate pallet jacks and, once trained and certified, forklifts to access product safely.
• Keep count areas clean and organized following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and 5S standards.
• Perform other warehouse duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1 year of warehouse, inventory or distribution experience.
• Strong attention to detail and basic math skills (counting, unit conversions, percentages).
• Basic computer skills; able to enter data accurately and use handheld scanners.
• Able to read and follow written procedures, labels and lot codes.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work independently.

Preferred

• Cycle counting or inventory control experience in a food, beverage or ingredient warehouse.
• Experience with a warehouse management or ERP system.
• Forklift certification.
• Familiarity with GMPs, SQF or food safety standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
• Bilingual English/Spanish.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Stand and walk for most of an 8–10 hour shift.
• Regularly lift, carry and move up to 50 lbs; occasionally up to 75 lbs with assistance or equipment.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead and climb ladders to access upper rack locations.
• Read small print on labels and lot codes.
• Work in a warehouse that may be warm in summer and cool in winter, with exposure to dust, aromas and fine particulates from teas, herbs and spices.

Wear required PPE (safety shoes, hairnet, gloves, high-visibility vest) and follow all safety rules.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Food Safety and Compliance

All QTrade employees share responsibility for food safety and quality. The Inventory Associate must follow SQF requirements, GMPs, allergen controls and company policies, including the Human Rights Policy and Business Ethics Policy. Employees must report any food safety, quality or safety concern to their supervisor or Quality immediately.

Equal Opportunity Employer

QTrade Teas & Botanicals is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected status under applicable law.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

QTrade is the nation's most prominent importer of organic teas and botanicals, boasting a distinguished history of over three decades in the industry. We are one of the few full-service manufacturers, overseeing every aspect from direct sourcing to master tea blending, in-house production, and order fulfillment. This comprehensive approach enables QTrade to offer an all-encompassing partnership model within the industry while maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Watch Our Journey and Capabilities: https://vimeo.com/750531733
Visit our website: www.qtradeteas.com to learn more