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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Inventory Control Specialist

💰 $45,000 - $70,000

OperationsSupply ChainInventory ManagementLogisticsWarehousing

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking an experienced Inventory Control Specialist who will own inventory accuracy, stock reconciliation, and process improvements across distribution centers and stores. The ideal candidate combines hands-on warehouse experience with strong analytical and ERP/WMS skills to reduce shrinkage, improve turns, and ensure the right inventory is in the right place at the right time. This role requires collaboration with purchasing, operations, finance and quality teams to maintain inventory integrity and support business growth.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Inventory Clerk / Inventory Analyst
  • Logistics Coordinator / Receiving Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Supervisor / Lead
  • Inventory Manager / Materials Manager
  • Supply Chain Analyst / Demand Planning Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Procurement / Buyer
  • Quality Assurance / Compliance Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Maintain day-to-day ownership of inventory accuracy by planning and executing cycle counts, physical inventories, and targeted spot checks across multiple locations; investigate and resolve variances through root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Lead reconciliation of inventory ledger to physical stock, coordinate adjustments in the ERP/WMS (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite), document justification for inventory movements, and communicate financial impacts to accounting and finance teams.
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve inventory control procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions to reduce shrinkage, minimize stock loss, and increase counting efficiency.
  • Monitor inventory KPIs including inventory accuracy, days of inventory on hand (DOH), turnover, fill rate, backorder levels, and shrinkage; prepare weekly and monthly reports and present insights to operations and leadership to drive data-driven decisions.
  • Coordinate inbound receipts and put-away processes to ensure SKU location accuracy, proper lot/serial tracking, and compliance with FIFO/FEFO policies for serialized and perishable inventory.
  • Manage cycle count schedules using risk-based and ABC classification methodologies; prioritize high-value and high-velocity SKUs and adjust cadence based on performance and seasonality.
  • Investigate inventory discrepancies by tracing transaction histories, reviewing receiving documents, counting records, and interviewing frontline staff; create and track corrective action plans and prevent recurrence.
  • Administer inventory adjustments, returns to vendor (RTV), scrap and disposition processes, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and cost accounting treatment.
  • Partner with purchasing and demand planning to identify obsolete or slow-moving inventory, recommend SKU rationalization, and support markdown/disposition strategies to free working capital.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party logistics (3PL) providers and internal warehouses on inventory queries, stock transfers, and cycle count coordination to maintain consistent accuracy across networks.
  • Oversee barcode labeling, RFID tagging, lot and serial number assignments, and maintain accurate master data for SKUs including units of measure, reorder points, minimum order quantities, and location hierarchies.
  • Configure and optimize WMS workflows for picking/packing/put-away logic, replenishment rules, and put-away strategies to reduce travel time and picking errors while improving order accuracy.
  • Execute root-cause analyses for recurring inventory issues, lead cross-functional continuous improvement projects (Lean, Kaizen), and implement preventative controls such as process changes, training, or system enhancements.
  • Support monthly and quarterly inventory close processes by validating physical counts, reconciling adjustments, and providing required documentation for audit and financial close activities.
  • Train, coach, and audit warehouse staff and inventory clerks on best practices for receiving, labeling, counting, cycle count methodology, and system transactions to improve compliance and performance.
  • Maintain regulatory and safety compliance for inventory management, including handling of hazardous materials, temperature-controlled products, expiration date management, and traceability requirements.
  • Maintain and improve inventory forecasting inputs by validating historical usage, exceptions, and shrinkage assumptions to support planners and procurement for more accurate replenishment.
  • Manage emergency replenishment and allocation actions during stockouts or high-demand events, coordinating with operations, purchasing, and sales to prioritize critical orders and shipments.
  • Implement and maintain batch/lot control and expiration management programs for perishable or regulated products, including recalls support and quarantine processes for suspect stock.
  • Support system implementation, upgrades, and integrations involving inventory modules, barcode systems, and handheld RF devices; participate in user acceptance testing and end-user training.
  • Drive cost-saving initiatives by analyzing excess inventory, returns, and obsolete stock; recommend inventory valuation impacts and propose disposition strategies that minimize write-offs.
  • Conduct periodic audits and compliance checks on vendor-managed inventory (VMI), consignment stocks, and intercompany transfers to ensure contractual and balance accuracy.
  • Manage vendor returns, warranty inventory, and field returns processes including inspection, disposition, restocking, or scrapping with clear documentation and financial reconciliation.
  • Coordinate with sales, marketing, and fulfillment teams on product launches, promotional events, and seasonal peaks to ensure inventory readiness, correct allocation, and minimized disruption to service levels.
  • Maintain clear and timely communication to stakeholders on inventory issues, expected recoveries, and action plans, ensuring transparency and alignment across finance, operations, and executive leadership.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory inventory analysis to inform buying decisions, promotional planning, and capacity allocation.
  • Contribute to the organization's inventory data strategy and roadmap by identifying master data corrections, taxonomy improvements, and system reporting needs.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate inventory accuracy and reporting needs into ERP/WMS configuration requirements and process changes.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies for system and process improvement projects affecting inventory control and warehouse operations.
  • Assist quality and regulatory teams with documentation and traceability evidence during audits, inspections, and product recalls.
  • Provide cross-training and backup coverage for receiving, returns, and shipping functions during peak volumes or team absences.
  • Maintain vendor and SKU documentation library, including spec sheets, handling instructions, and warranty information to support accurate receiving and storage.
  • Participate in cross-functional task forces for space utilization, slotting optimization, and capacity planning initiatives to improve throughput and reduce storage costs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Inventory management and control techniques (cycle counts, physical inventory, ABC analysis, stock reconciliation).
  • ERP/WMS proficiency (experience with systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Manhattan, Blue Yonder or equivalent).
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, conditional formatting and data analysis.
  • Experience with barcode/RF scanner systems, RFID fundamentals, label printing, and handheld inventory devices.
  • Strong knowledge of lot, batch and serial number tracking, FIFO/FEFO compliance, and expiration date management.
  • Data analysis and reporting skills, including creating dashboards, KPI tracking and translating data into actionable recommendations.
  • Familiarity with inventory valuation methods and financial impact of adjustments (COGS, write-offs, accruals).
  • Working knowledge of lean inventory concepts, Kanban, JIT, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Basic SQL or data query skills for extracting inventory data are highly desirable.
  • Experience managing returns, scrap, disposition, and vendor return workflows.
  • Ability to configure WMS workflows and support system UAT, integrations, and rollouts.
  • Strong understanding of supply chain processes: receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, packing and shipping.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical thinking with a focus on root cause analysis and process improvement.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present inventory issues and solutions clearly to stakeholders across functions.
  • High attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and compliance.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple competing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally (purchasing, operations, finance, quality).
  • Problem-solving orientation with persistence to follow issues through to resolution.
  • Leadership and training skills to influence frontline teams and drive behavior change without direct authority.
  • Adaptability to changing business needs, seasonal volumes, and system/process updates.
  • Customer-service orientation when supporting internal stakeholders and external 3PL partners.
  • Ethical mindset and accountability for safeguarding company assets.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or Industrial Engineering preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management
  • Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of progressive inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain experience.

Preferred: 3–5+ years managing inventory programs in a distribution, manufacturing, retail or 3PL environment with demonstrated experience in ERP/WMS usage, cycle counting programs, and inventory reconciliation.

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