Inventory Specialist

Walgreens•Federal Way, WA

About The Position

The Inventory Specialist executes, monitors, and trains store-wide inventory best practices and standard operating procedures across the front end and pharmacy. The role supports pharmacy inventory management and is responsible for receiving, counting, ordering, pricing, returns, on-shelf availability, planogram accuracy, inventory records, and other in-store inventory processes. The specialist reviews and coordinates use of reports and system applications that affect inventory balances and pricing, maintains asset-protection practices, and files claims for vendor or warehouse overages, shortages, order errors, and damaged goods, including prescription drugs. In designated stores, the specialist may open or close the store in the absence of store management and perform leader-on-duty responsibilities. These can include preparing systems and the store for business, cash handling, cashier duties, resolving customer issues, communicating assignments, and reporting disciplinary issues or complaints to management. The role coaches team members on inventory procedures, supports customer service, and completes required company training and e-learning. A valid pharmacy license or certification must be obtained and maintained when required by the state. The position requires prior work experience, English fluency (except in Puerto Rico), scheduling flexibility, attention to detail, multitasking, and the ability to identify and address operational issues.

Requirements

Six months of prior Walgreens work experience for internal candidates, or one year of prior retail work experience for external candidates.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English, except in Puerto Rico.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to multitask and manage execution.
Experience identifying operational issues and recommending and implementing strategies to resolve problems.
Obtain and maintain a valid pharmacy license or certification when required by the state.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a shift lead, pharmacy technician, designated hitter, or customer service associate.
Prior Walgreens work experience, with an evaluation on file.

Responsibilities

Execute, monitor, and train team members on store-wide inventory best practices and standard operating procedures for the front end and pharmacy.
Support pharmacy inventory activities, including receiving, counting, ordering, returns, recalls, transfers, audits, and on-hand accuracy under the supervision of the pharmacist-in-charge.
Receive, count, price, and process returns for inventory; champion On-Shelf Availability and validate planogram accuracy.
Review and coordinate the use of reports and system applications that affect inventory balances and pricing.
Execute and maintain front-end and pharmacy asset-protection practices.
File claims for warehouse and vendor overages, shortages, order errors, and damaged goods, including prescription drugs.
In designated stores, open or close the store in the absence of store management, complete required system start-ups and cash handling, and prepare the floor and stockroom for business.
Engage customers, offer assistance, model customer-service practices, and, when serving as leader on duty, resolve customer issues and questions.
Create, review, receive, and scan warehouse, vendor, and other deliveries; take action on undelivered or inaccurate orders and open tickets as needed.
Complete the On-Shelf Availability process, including scan-outs, disposals, call-ins, vendor returns, and returns before expiration.
Complete pricing activities, including price changes, markdowns, markdown deletes, accurate signage, and other required regulatory pricing tasks.
Support front-end and pharmacy ordering, order expense items, monitor pharmacy manual orders for excess, and maintain consigned inventory.
Update on-hands for designated pull-and-quarantine items and place them in the designated holding area.
Maintain accurate inventory counts and on-hand quantities across basic departments, stockroom, overstock locations, and pharmacy; complete pharmacy smart counts.
Ensure inventory compliance with state and local laws for regulated products.
Maintain inventory records and organize invoices, receipts, and return authorizations.
Prepare for physical inventory and support inventory-day activities, including preparation of the sales floor, stockroom, and pharmacy and auditing the third-party team.
Keep counters and shelves clean and well merchandised; remain knowledgeable about store systems and equipment.
Assist and coach the team on package delivery activities, including package scanning, daily inventory functions, and package returns; support the Pickup Program.
When serving as leader on duty in designated stores, operate the point-of-sale system and handle sales records, returns, voids, refunds, cash drops, and change requests.
Comply with company policies and procedures and maintain respectful relationships with coworkers.
Complete additional activities and tasks as assigned.
Attend company training and complete e-learning modules, including safety training.
Obtain and maintain a valid pharmacy license or certification when required by the state.
Coach and develop team members' capabilities with inventory systems; when serving as leader on duty, communicate assigned tasks and report disciplinary issues and customer complaints to management.