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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Temporary Inventory Associate

💰 $ - $

LogisticsWarehouseInventorySupply ChainTemporary

🎯 Role Definition

As a Temporary Inventory Associate, you will perform time-sensitive inventory control tasks that keep the warehouse or distribution center accurate and operational. This role focuses on cycle counts, physical inventory execution, receipting and inspection of inbound goods, stock replenishment, discrepancy reconciliation, and data entry into Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or ERP platforms. The Temporary Inventory Associate works closely with inventory control leads, warehouse supervisors, receiving/shipping teams, and purchasing to minimize shrink, ensure product availability, and support audit readiness. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented, safety-focused, comfortable with RF scanners and barcode technology, and able to work quickly and accurately in fast-paced warehouse environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / Material Handler
  • Receiving Clerk / Stockroom Clerk
  • Shipping & Receiving Technician

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Specialist / Inventory Analyst
  • Lead Inventory Technician / Team Lead
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

  • Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Purchasing Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct scheduled cycle counts across assigned zones using RF scanners or handheld devices, accurately recording count data in the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and documenting any variances for supervisor review.
  • Execute full physical inventory activities during planned shutdowns or weekend counts, coordinating with operations to stage areas, freeze transactions, and complete reconciliation within the required timeframe.
  • Investigate and reconcile inventory discrepancies by tracing transaction history, auditing pick/putaway records, and coordinating with receiving and shipping to identify root causes.
  • Perform inbound receiving inspections: verify quantities, check for damage, confirm product codes and lot numbers, and update receiving records in the ERP/WMS.
  • Process returns and restock items into inventory with accurate disposition codes and locations, ensuring RMA items are documented and handled per company policy.
  • Scan, label, and bin items using barcode printers and label standards to maintain SKU traceability and minimize mis-picks.
  • Pick, stage and pack outbound orders for secondary counts or shipment, ensuring accurate SKU, quantity, and proper packaging to reduce freight damage and returns.
  • Execute put-away and replenishment tasks to maintain bin and shelf levels, following bin locations, putaway rules, and FIFO/LIFO rotation policies.
  • Operate material handling equipment safely—powered pallet jacks, hand trucks, and forklifts (if certified)—to move pallets and heavy items during inventory activities.
  • Update and maintain accurate inventory master data records, including unit of measure, packaging configuration, and storage location attributes.
  • Create and validate inventory adjustment requests in the WMS/ERP when physical counts differ from system counts, with supporting documentation for audit trails.
  • Collaborate with procurement and demand planning teams to highlight low stock or potential stock-outs discovered during counts, supporting timely reorder decisions.
  • Prepare and deliver daily/weekly inventory reports, count tallies, and variance logs to inventory control leads and warehouse managers.
  • Support cycle count program improvements by documenting recurring variance patterns and recommending corrective actions to minimize future discrepancies.
  • Maintain clean, organized, and compliant storage areas, ensuring all inventory is stored according to safety, temperature, and hazardous-materials protocols.
  • Assist auditors and internal controls teams during scheduled and surprise audits by providing count documentation, transaction history, and location verification.
  • Verify expiration dates, lot numbers, and serial numbers as applicable, executing product quarantines and holds for expired/damaged inventory items.
  • Implement and document corrective actions for shrink reduction initiatives including root cause analysis and process change follow-ups.
  • Facilitate cross-training with pickers, packers, and receiving staff to build redundancy and maintain continuity during peak seasons or staff turnover.
  • Adhere strictly to company safety policies, PPE requirements, and OSHA standards while performing inventory-related tasks.
  • Accurately complete data entry tasks for inventory transactions, ensuring minimal typos and consistent formatting for downstream reporting.
  • Coordinate with shipping carriers and yard personnel during inventory staging for large outbound loads, verifying pallets and manifests for accuracy.
  • Support special projects such as SKU rationalization, bin optimization, slotting studies, and cycle count schedule redesigns, providing hands-on count and validation.
  • Track and report damaged goods, perform root-cause tracing for packaging or supplier issues, and assist in vendor chargeback or claims processes.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with ad-hoc inventory data pulls and spreadsheets for inventory audits, returns processing, and corrective action planning.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce count time and increase first-pass accuracy within the inventory program.
  • Help maintain inventory supplies—labels, tags, sealers, and scanners—and report equipment needs or malfunctions to warehouse maintenance.
  • Serve as a temporary point-of-contact for small inventory projects, coordinating stakeholders and escalating issues to the Inventory Control Supervisor.
  • Provide input on the optimization of bin locations, labeling standards, and cycle count frequency for improved inventory accuracy.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as SAP EWM, Oracle WMS, Manhattan, or Blue Yonder.
  • Hands-on experience with RF barcode scanners, handheld mobile computers, and barcode label printers.
  • Basic ERP familiarity — receiving, putaway, adjusting inventory, and transaction history lookups.
  • Strong Excel skills: VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, basic formulas, and ability to reconcile lists and produce reports.
  • Knowledge of cycle count methodologies (ABC cycle counting, blind counts, and full physical inventory procedures).
  • Experience with barcode labeling standards, SKU/lot/serial-number tracking, and lot control procedures.
  • Forklift and powered pallet jack operation (certified), safe palletizing and shrink-wrapping techniques.
  • Understanding of FIFO/LIFO product rotation, expiration-date management, and quarantine procedures.
  • Ability to create inventory adjustment records, variance logs, and supporting documentation for audits.
  • Familiarity with shipping/receiving documentation (BOLs, packing lists, manifests) and vendor return procedures.
  • Basic knowledge of OSHA safety standards, PPE usage, and warehouse safety protocols.
  • Comfortable using handheld devices and mobile apps for real-time inventory updates and scanning workflows.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and high accuracy under time constraints.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple count tasks and deadlines.
  • Effective verbal and written communication to document issues and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
  • Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic suitable for temporary/seasonal assignments.
  • Problem-solving mindset to identify root causes of discrepancies and suggest practical fixes.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to support variable schedules, overtime, or shift changes during inventory events.
  • Team-oriented collaborator who works well with receiving, shipping, procurement, and quality teams.
  • Ability to maintain composure and deliver quality work in fast-paced warehouse environments.
  • Dependable physical stamina and manual dexterity for lifting, bending, and repetitive scanning tasks.
  • Integrity and respect for confidentiality when handling sensitive inventory data and shrink-related investigations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or vocational certificate in supply chain, logistics, or related industrial discipline.
  • Certifications such as OSHA-10, Forklift Operator Certification, or Inventory Management coursework are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Distribution
  • Business Administration
  • Industrial Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0 to 2 years for entry-level temporary assignments; 1+ years preferred for roles requiring WMS or equipment operation.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of warehouse or inventory control experience, including cycle counts, physical inventories, and WMS data entry.
  • Prior temporary/seasonal inventory experience and demonstrated ability to learn quickly and produce accurate results.
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