Inventory Coordinator

Avantor • Santa Clara, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will report to the site services supervisor and will work closely with the Avantor’s Lab and Production Services professionals to serve our customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science. Avantor’s Lab and Production Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• 3+ years of experience in inventory management, material handling, warehouse operations, or supply chain in a laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotech, or regulated environment
• Microsoft Teams experience
• Proficient use of inventory management technology/software
• Experience with barcode scanning, warehouse management systems and handheld data collection devices
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data filtering) and Outlook
• Understanding of FIFO, FEFO, lot tracking and expiration management principles
• Familiarity with cycle counting methodologies, variance investigation and root cause analysis

Nice To Haves

• Project management or leadership experience preferred
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma tools (5S, value stream mapping, root cause analysis)
• Familiarity with CAPA processes and quality management system requirements

Responsibilities

• Conduct and lead cycle counting activities across assigned stockrooms and storage areas
• Investigate inventory discrepancies by tracing transactions, verifying physical locations and identifying root causes
• Analyze patterns in variances to determine whether issues stem from miscounts, misplaced items, data entry errors, or process gaps
• Recommend and implement corrective actions for recurring variance issues, including process adjustments and retraining
• Reconcile system records with physical stock and resolve differences within established timelines
• Prepare variance reports with root cause analysis and corrective action summaries for supervisors and customers
• Support internal and customer-led inventory audits by preparing documentation and escorting auditors
• Manage the storage, handling, inventory control and distribution of consumables, chemicals, solvents and reagents
• Receive, inspect and process complex or high-value shipments including hazardous materials and controlled items
• Verify received goods against purchase orders, packing lists and quality specifications
• Manage receipt of temperature-sensitive shipments including cold chain validation and documentation
• Prioritize distribution of critical materials to ensure laboratory and production operations are not interrupted
• Process urgent and ad hoc material requests, applying judgment to balance competing priorities
• Oversee outbound shipments of hazardous materials ensuring government and carrier compliance
• Enforce chemical storage, handling and labelling compliance per government and site-specific regulations
• Conduct periodic safety inspections of stockrooms, storage areas and material handling equipment
• Lead or support investigation of safety incidents, near-misses and spills related to inventory operations
• Ensure GMP and GLP compliance in material handling, documentation and storage activities where applicable
• Participate in CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) activities related to inventory or material management findings
• Maintain training records and verify that all team members have current required certifications
• Serve as a safety resource for across bands Associates, reinforcing proper PPE use and hazard awareness
• Execute complex inventory transactions including transfers, adjustments, reclassifications and write-offs in the ERP system
• Generate and analyze inventory reports including aging, slow-moving stock, expiration and usage trend analyses
• Troubleshoot intermediate system issues and coordinate with IT support for escalated problems
• Configure and maintain barcode labels, bin locations and item master data within established guidelines
• Support system upgrades, patches and testing activities as needed
• Communicate inventory-related information, activity records, service level metrics and operational data to customers
• Provide information requiring explanation or interpretation, including variance findings and corrective action plans
• Participate in customer operational meetings, presenting inventory performance data and improvement initiatives
• Respond to customer inquiries about material availability, lead times and sourcing alternatives
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with customer laboratory, procurement and quality contacts
• Escalate service delivery concerns or customer relationship issues to the Coordinator or Supervisor promptly
• Identify process inefficiencies in inventory control, storage management and distribution workflows
• Propose and implement improvements using Lean principles and root cause analysis techniques
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on training to associates on procedures and best practices
• Document and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as processes change or improve
• Participate in cross-functional improvement projects and site optimization initiatives
• Maintain current knowledge of inventory management best practices, regulatory changes, and technology updates
• Act as liaison between onsite end users and customer contacts
• May be asked to provide coverage of other roles and responsibilities on as need basis

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellness programs (eligible for medical coverage on day 1)
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid holidays
• Choice holidays
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• Tuition assistance
• Employee stock purchase plan discount
• Critical illness coverage
• Hospital indemnity coverage
• Accident coverage
• Legal assistance
• Identity theft protection
• Pet insurance
• Auto insurance
• Home insurance
• Recognition program to redeem points on gifts and products

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED