Inventory Control Associate: (Forklift Certified)

Conexus Food Solutions•Chicago, IL

1d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The ICQA Associate is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, identifying and resolving discrepancies, and ensuring product integrity within the warehouse. This role requires hands-on experience with ERP/WMS systems, gap reporting, FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation, and certified forklift operation. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of two years of direct warehouse experience in each core area and is detail-oriented, solutions-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred
Minimum 2 years of experience in a warehouse environment
Minimum 2 years hands-on experience conducting cycle counts and reconciling inventory within a warehouse setting
Minimum 2 years experience locating, investigating, and resolving inventory discrepancies
Minimum 2 years of working experience with ERP or Warehouse Management System (WMS) software; must be proficient in reporting discrepancies and processing adjustments within the system
Minimum 2 years experience reading, interpreting, and creating inventory gap reports; must be able to explain findings and recommend corrective actions
Minimum 2 years experience applying First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory rotation principles in a warehouse or distribution environment
Minimum 2 years of certified forklift experience in a warehouse setting; valid forklift certification required at time of hire
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Experience in food distribution, cold chain logistics, or perishable goods warehousing
Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, or FSMA food safety frameworks
Experience supporting SQF, BRC, or similar third-party audits
Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for variance tracking and reporting

Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Cycle Counts
Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts and full physical inventories
Identify and locate discrepancies between physical counts and ERP/WMS system records
Systematically investigate root causes of variances using system data and floor audits
Determine whether discrepancies are due to receiving errors, mis-picks, damage, theft, or system entry issues
Take appropriate corrective action upon finding a discrepancy — including inventory adjustments, transfers, and write-offs — following standard operating procedures
Report all discrepancies accurately and in a timely manner within the ERP system, ensuring proper documentation for audit trails
Generate, interpret, and present gap reports to identify patterns and recurring variances
Create gap reports from scratch when required, summarizing findings and recommended actions for management review
Resolve discrepancies end-to-end: from identification and investigation through correction and verification in the system
Maintain accurate records of lot numbers, expiration dates, and FIFO/FEFO rotation
Monitor and manage slow-moving, near-expiry, and damaged inventory
FIFO / FEFO Inventory Rotation
Demonstrate working knowledge of FIFO (First In, First Out) ; ensuring that the oldest received product is always picked, shipped, or consumed first
Apply FIFO principles consistently across all storage locations to minimize waste and product expiration
Identify and flag product that is out of FIFO rotation sequence and take corrective action
Support receiving and picking teams in maintaining proper rotation at the point of putaway and selection
Forklift Operation
Operate sit-down and/or reach forklifts safely in a warehouse environment
Use forklift equipment to support cycle counts, inventory moves, and putaway/retrieval operations
Comply with all forklift safety protocols, pre-shift inspections, and site-specific operating procedures
Valid forklift certification required; minimum 2 years of hands-on forklift experience in a warehouse setting
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain complete and accurate inventory records, inspection logs, and discrepancy reports
Generate daily and weekly inventory variance and shrinkage reports for management review
Document and track corrective actions (CAPAs) resulting from inventory investigations
Prepare traceability records to support internal audits and regulatory inquiries
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Coordinate with receiving, picking, and shipping teams to ensure inventory accuracy throughout the facility
Communicate inventory holds, product releases, and discrepancy findings to warehouse supervisors
Participate in root cause analysis for recurring inventory issues
Support onboarding and training of new associates on inventory procedures and ERP system use