Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of Physical Plant (OPP) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist to support its supply chain function. The role identifies materials and parts for facilities and assets across Penn State campuses and serves as a buyer for OPP. The specialist works closely with Central Procurement to help ensure RFPs and RFQs meet Physical Plant needs, and identifies appropriate products, quality, lead times, and stocking decisions. The position offers a flexible work arrangement combining remote and on-campus work; approval of remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed. The specialist works with technicians, engineers, administrators, management, vendors, and customers to source and manage products, inventory, orders, and deliveries. The position requires successful background checks, including a credit history check and a motor vehicle records check, and requires operating a motor vehicle as part of the job. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Successful completion of required background checks, including a credit history check.
A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check; operating a motor vehicle is part of the job duties.
Authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Identify and source materials and parts for different facilities and assets.
Assist technicians, engineers, and administrators with order placement.
Facilitate the Primary Vending Program, working with fewer vendors committed to supplying commonly needed materials.
Monitor organizational product and resource inventories and coordinate with management to ensure inventories meet customer requirements.
Add new inventory items, delete obsolete items, and monitor and adjust stock levels to meet seasonal and overall product and material needs.
Maintain an electronic database and record and update product nomenclature, pricing, codes, and related information.
Conduct spot checks, oversee physical inventories, and address and resolve inconsistencies.
Process supply, equipment, product, and material requests; track orders and invoices; ensure timely shipping and delivery; and prepare and maintain contracts, transaction records, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Address and resolve order, inventory, shipping, delivery, and stock issuance discrepancies, referring issues to management as needed.
Help ensure product availability by forecasting and communicating inventory demands to vendors and suppliers and alerting management to shortfall concerns.
Keep customers informed of product line extensions, recalls, phase-outs, and new product launches.
Research, identify, and propose alternative product solutions, including biodegradable, non-toxic, or other environmentally friendly items where available.
Assist with quality assurance; monitor and document vendor and carrier performance; provide feedback and suggest improvements.
Identify and recommend new vendors to management and customers as needed.
May validate and pay invoices.