What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inventory and Logistics Coordinator - Plymouth position at Safety Fresh Foods?
Position Summary
The Inventory & Logistics Coordinator is an hourly, non-exempt role responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records and coordinating daily logistics activities to support production and on-time order fulfillment. This position manages inventory levels for supplies, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods, providing daily/weekly reporting to management and production teams to support workflow scheduling. The role also coordinates inbound and outbound truck activity, including receiving, load verification, and documentation accuracy.
Reporting Relationship
- Reports to: Operations Manager or Associate General Manager
- Direct reports: None
Schedule / Classification
- Hourly, Non-Exempt
- Full-time (typical), with flexibility for early/late coverage based on shipping/receiving schedules as needed
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Control & Reporting
- Maintain accurate inventory records for raw materials/supplies, WIP, and finished goods using inventory systems and physical counts.
- Conduct cycle counts and support scheduled physical inventories; investigate and reconcile variances.
- Track inventory movement (receipts, transfers, consumption, production output, shipments) and ensure transactions are recorded correctly and timely.
- Provide daily and weekly inventory reports to management and production teams to support production planning, workflow scheduling, and fulfillment priorities.
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with purchasing/production to help prevent stockouts, overstocks, and production disruptions, including understanding and factoring proper lead times on key supplies, proactively identifying shortage/excess trends, and communicating risks and mitigation plans to operations and production scheduling teams.
- Inventory planning also includes ongoing communication with management and customers to coordinate inter-plant transfers, align demand with available inventory, and ensure orders are fulfilled on time and in full (OTIF) based on current inventory levels and inbound supply timelines.
Purchasing / PO Support
- Support purchasing and receiving processes by validating that purchase orders (POs) are completed accurately and on time.
- Confirm inbound receipts against POs and packing slips; communicate discrepancies to the appropriate teams for resolution.
- Maintain organized documentation and records related to inventory, receiving, and shipments.
Inbound & Outbound Logistics Coordination
- Schedule and coordinate inbound/outbound trucks daily and weekly to align with production and shipping requirements.
- Communicate schedules and dock appointments with carriers/drivers and internal stakeholders.
- Receive and check in inbound loads; verify quantities, items, lot numbers (if applicable), and condition of materials.
- Coordinate loading and/or unloading of trucks as required and ensure safe material handling practices are followed.
- Verify outbound shipments are accurate against pick lists and bills of lading (BOL); confirm correct labeling and documentation.
- Identify, document, and escalate shipping/receiving issues (shortages, damages, mispicks, incorrect paperwork, late carriers) to the appropriate individuals (e.g., Operations Manager/Associate General Manager, Purchasing, Production, Customer Service, Quality, and/or carrier contacts) for timely resolution and corrective action.
Safety, Compliance, and Team Support
- Follow all safety policies, including dock safety and material handling requirements.
- Maintain clean, organized inventory areas to support safe operations and audit readiness.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with production, purchasing, quality, and shipping teams to resolve issues and improve flow.
- Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, and logistics efficiency.
- Other duties as necessary and assigned
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED (minimum)
- 3–5 years of experience in inventory control, shipping/receiving, logistics coordination, or warehouse operations
- Experience with inventory tracking systems (ERP/WMS) and strong proficiency with basic computer tools (email, spreadsheets)
- Proficient in various computer systems, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word), and able to learn new systems quickly
- Strong attention to detail and ability to reconcile discrepancies with accuracy and urgency
- Ability to communicate clearly with drivers, carriers, production teams, and management
- Forklift certification and/or experience operating forklifts/pallet jacks (or ability to become certified)
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment managing supplies, WIP, and finished goods
- Familiarity with shipping documentation (BOLs), packing slips, POs, and basic freight processes
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize time-sensitive shipping/receiving tasks
- Working knowledge of inventory accuracy practices (cycle counts, FIFO, variance investigation)
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate risks early and propose solutions
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while coordinating across teams
- Professional, service-oriented approach when interacting with carriers and internal stakeholders
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
- Regularly required to work in warehouse/production environments with exposure to noise, equipment, and varying temperatures.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; frequent bending, reaching, and lifting.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (with or without reasonable accommodation).
- Ability to safely operate or assist with operating material handling equipment (as required by site).