Operations Specialist

Overview

Tapco Companies has an immediate opening for an experienced Operations Specialist. This person will play a pivotal role in managing the full product lifecycle within a industrial steel tube manufacturing facility. Balancing both inventory for floor operations, office-based support and shipping logistics, this hybrid role ensures accurate tracking, storage, and movement of raw materials (e.g., steel coils/stock) and finished tube products from initial sourcing to final delivery and disposal.

In addition to core inventory control and logistics management, this professional serves as a crucial link between production and shipping. You will utilize internal service skills to build trust, manage heat numbers and traceability, resolve shipping discrepancies, and advocate for on time delivery to optimize supply chain efficiency and maximize profitability.

Operations Specialist Responsibilities

Inventory Control & System Integrity

• Inventory Accuracy: Perform daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts (coils, finished tube, WIP, and scrap) to reconcile physical stock against ERP records.
• ERP System Management: Maintain real-time tracking of inventory receipts, stock movements, and production consumption in systems such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV.
• Material Traceability: Maintain strict oversight of material heat numbers, lot control, and certification documentation to comply with quality and industry specifications.
• Slow-Moving & Scrap Management: Audit high-value or stagnant inventory to reduce age prioritized stock. Collaborate with leadership to disposition slow-moving tube/coils and align financial records with physical scrap actions.

Logistics, Material Handling & Production Support

• Transport Management: Arrange, manage, and optimize freight carriers and shipping routes while negotiating competitive rates to ensure low-cost and timely deliveries.
• Shipment & Order Tracking: Process client orders, generate shipping documents, track shipments from origin to destination, and resolve shipping delays, damaged goods, or route issues quickly.
• Material Handling & Staging: Safely operate forklifts and overhead cranes to load/unload, move, and store heavy steel materials. Reorder operational supplies as needed.
• Warehouse Organization: Design and maintain an effective space plan and storage layout on the production/warehouse floor to eliminate bottlenecks.

Inside Operations Support

· Order Expediting: Coordinate closely with production teams to prioritize urgent orders and move key shipments to the front of the line to meet client deadlines.

· Problem Resolution: Address and resolve shipping or stock discrepancies with a team-oriented mindset, leveraging strong objection handling and persuasion skills to ensure on time delivery.

Compliance & Reporting

• Documentation & Audit: Verify shipments against purchase orders, generate inventory variance/usage reports, and ensure all shipments strictly follow local and national shipping laws and safety regulations.

Operations Specialist Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Administration is preferred.
• Experience: 2–5 years of inventory control, logistics, or distribution experience
• Certifications: Valid Forklift Operator Certification (or the ability to obtain one upon hire).
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data entry, pivot tables, formulas) and hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics NAV).

Core Competencies & Skills

• Mathematical & Analytical Ability: Strong numerical skills to quickly calculate inventory metrics, percentages and material usage accurately to manufacturing specifications.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to negotiate with carriers and collaborate across departments.
• Organization & Multitasking: Proven ability to manage fast-paced daily schedules, complex shipments, and adapt to shifting daily deadlines.
• Teamwork: A strong collaborative mindset to work seamlessly alongside operations and leadership to hit departmental goals.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment that spans an office setting and a heavy manufacturing floor exposed to noise, industrial equipment, and seasonal temperature fluctuations.

Preferred Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Safety, Quality, Lean Manufacturing principles and 5S Initiatives.
• Background in warehousing and logistics.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Inventory control: 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Meadville, PA 16335 (Required)

Work Location: In person