1st Shift Inventory Lead

Urban Farmer LLC•Manteno, IL

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Inventory Lead is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, supporting material flow to production, and ensuring system discipline across all warehouse inventory transactions. This role serves as the point person for inventory accuracy on the floor, supporting cycle counts, reconciliations, ERP execution, and documentation while partnering closely with Warehouse, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams. The Inventory Lead plays a critical role in preventing production disruptions, supporting food safety and traceability requirements, and ensuring inventory integrity through strong attention to detail, system accuracy, and hands-on execution.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, or related field preferred.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or material handling, preferably within food manufacturing or a regulated environment.
Hands-on experience with ERP or WMS systems, including inventory transactions, scanning, transfers, and adjustments.
Strong working knowledge of FIFO, lot control, expiration dating, and traceability requirements.
Familiarity with GMP, Food Safety, and OSHA standards.
Ability to investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and support corrective actions.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally with Warehouse, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
At least one year experience operating Sit-down, Stand-up Forklift / PIT in hot and cold enviroments.
Proficient with computers, including use of scanners, Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook) and WMS (SAP, BC, NetSuite, etc). ability to learn new systems quickly.

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate inventory records through daily cycle counts, spot checks, and reconciliations.
Investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and escalate issues to Warehouse Management.
Ensure inventory accuracy for raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and WIP.
Support inventory adjustments in ERP in accordance with approval and documentation requirements.
Maintain strict adherence to FIFO, lot control, expiration dating, and allergen segregation.
Execute inventory-related transactions in the ERP system including receipts, transfers, staging, and adjustments.
Verify that all material movements are scanned and recorded accurately and in real time.
Ensure proper labeling, lot assignment, and system traceability for all inventory movements.
Support system audits and data validation activities.
Coordinate with Production and Warehouse teams to ensure materials are staged accurately and on time.
Monitor material availability and proactively flag shortages, discrepancies, or risks to production schedules.
Support receiving activities by verifying quantities, lot numbers, and documentation accuracy.
Assist with outbound order verification to ensure correct SKU, lot, and quantities prior to shipment.
Lead and coordinate cycle counts and assist with physical inventories as required.
Prepare documentation and support internal and external audits related to inventory, food safety, and traceability.
Participate in mock recalls, trace exercises, and root cause investigations.
Maintain inventory documentation and records in compliance with GMP, food safety, and customer requirements.
Follow and enforce OSHA, GMP, and Food Safety policies while performing inventory activities.
Maintain organized, clean, and audit-ready inventory storage areas.
Report unsafe conditions, damaged product, or non-conforming materials immediately.
Ensure compliance with PPE requirements and safe material handling practices.
Serve as a floor-level leader for inventory accuracy and standard work.
Train and support warehouse team members on inventory processes, scanning requirements, and FIFO practices.
Reinforce accountability for accurate scanning, labeling, and material handling.
Support onboarding and training of new warehouse team members as assigned.
Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, storage efficiency, and system usage.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory control and warehouse processes.
Support implementation of new procedures, system enhancements, or standard work.