Raw Material & Packaging Inventory Specialist

Job Title: Raw Material & Packaging Inventory Specialist

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Department: Warehouse

Job Type: Hourly

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Position Summary

The Raw Material & Packaging Inventory Specialist is responsible for the accurate receipt, storage, movement, and inventory control of raw materials, packaging materials, and production supplies. This position plays a critical role in maintaining inventory integrity by ensuring all materials are properly received, inspected, scanned, stored, counted, and transacted within the ERP system.

Working closely with Production, Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse Operations, and FSQA, this role helps ensure materials are available to support production while maintaining the highest standards of inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, food safety, and operational efficiency.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Receive, unload, inspect, and accurately record all incoming raw materials, packaging materials, and production supplies while maintaining receiving accuracy.
• Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders, bills of lading (BOLs), packing slips, certificates of analysis (COAs), and other receiving documentation.
• Perform incoming material inspections in accordance with FSQA requirements and company specifications.
• Complete scheduled cycle counts of raw materials, packaging materials, and production supplies while researching and resolving inventory discrepancies.
• Accurately process all inventory transactions within the ERP system and ensure all inventory movements are properly documented.
• Utilize handheld RF scanners to complete inventory transactions and maintain complete inventory traceability.
• Maintain organized warehouse locations and accurate inventory storage to support production efficiency.
• Follow First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices while monitoring lot numbers, expiration dates, and inventory rotation.
• Collaborate with Production, Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse Operations, and FSQA to ensure materials are available to meet production schedules.
• Communicate inventory shortages, damaged materials, receiving discrepancies, vendor quality concerns, and inventory variances to leadership.
• Monitor incoming material quality, shipment condition, pallet quality, and vendor performance related to receiving.
• Organize and maintain all receiving documentation, including BOLs, COAs, packing slips, and receiving records.
• Participate in routine cycle counts and annual physical inventories of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe warehouse environment while complying with all safety, food safety, and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement related to inventory accuracy, warehouse organization, receiving processes, and material flow.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of inventory control, warehouse operations, raw materials, packaging materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of ERP systems, warehouse management systems (WMS), and inventory transactions.
• Experience using handheld RF scanners and barcode scanning technology.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify, investigate, and resolve inventory discrepancies.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of FIFO inventory practices, lot traceability, and inventory accuracy principles.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and ERP software.
• Commitment to inventory accuracy, food safety, warehouse organization, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to safely operate stand-up forklifts, sit-down forklifts, electric pallet jacks, and other powered industrial equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb throughout the workday.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other warehouse equipment.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and flexible schedules as business needs require.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of inventory control, warehouse, shipping, receiving, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Experience working with raw material and packaging inventories preferred.
• Forklift operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read and write English, follow written and verbal instructions, and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Experience using ERP systems, warehouse management systems, and handheld RF scanners preferred.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Frequent exposure to varying temperatures, dust, noise, odors, forklifts, and production equipment.
• Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with all company safety, food safety, and quality policies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Our Values in Action:

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.