Specialist, Inventory

CAPITAL AREA FOOD BANK•Newington, VA

12d•$56,700 - $69,300•Onsite

About The Position

The Inventory Specialist – NOVA is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, organization, and traceability of inventory at the Capital Area Food Bank’s NOVA distribution facility. This position serves as the primary day-to-day inventory control resource for the NOVA warehouse and is responsible for ensuring physical inventory accurately aligns with system inventory. The Inventory Specialist performs cycle counts, researches and resolves discrepancies, monitors inventory transactions and warehouse locations, supports receiving and put-away accuracy, coordinates replenishment, and ensures inventory is properly identified and controlled throughout the warehouse. The Inventory Specialist works closely with NOVA Warehouse Operations leadership and employees, Receiving, Order Fulfillment, Food Resources, Programs, ERP/Systems, and other internal partners to identify and resolve inventory issues before they impact order fulfillment or distribution. This is a hands-on warehouse position requiring regular physical inventory verification and direct engagement on the warehouse floor. The Inventory Specialist is expected to proactively identify inventory risks, investigate root causes, recommend corrective actions, and maintain continuous audit readiness.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, distribution, or a related supply chain environment.
Experience with ERP/WMS systems, cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, and discrepancy resolution required
Strong knowledge of cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, lot/expiration tracking, discrepancy research, and inventory control best practices.
Proficiency with ERP/WMS systems, inventory reporting, and Microsoft Excel; ability to accurately enter, analyze, and maintain inventory data.
Ability to identify inventory variances, investigate transactional or process issues, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accurate documentation and meeting deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively partner with Receiving, Warehouse Operations, Programs, Food Resources, and other cross-functional teams.
Takes ownership of inventory integrity, follows established procedures, identifies process gaps, and supports improvements that strengthen accuracy, and efficiency, and compliance.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
NetSuite and food distribution experience preferred.
3+ years of inventory control or warehouse operations experience, preferably in food distribution, high-volume warehousing, or a regulated environment.
Experience with ERP/WMS systems and inventory reporting, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel; NetSuite experience strongly preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated experience conducting cycle counts, researching inventory discrepancies, maintaining high inventory accuracy, and supporting audit/compliance requirements.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work across Warehouse Operations, Programs, Food Resources, and other internal teams to resolve inventory issues.
Ability to work independently, identify discrepancies, determine root causes, and take appropriate action while escalating issues when necessary.

Responsibilities

Maintain inventory records and warehouse conditions in a state of continuous audit readiness.
Support internal, external, program, food safety, AIB, and other inventory-related audits.
Provide requested inventory documentation and physical verification.
Assist with corrective actions resulting from audit findings.
Follow all applicable food safety, inventory control, warehouse, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain clear documentation and traceability of inventory transactions.
Immediately escalate inventory conditions that could create food safety, compliance, financial, or operational risk.
Provide guidance regarding inventory locations, product status, replenishment, and inventory control procedures.
Coordinate with DC Inventory, Food Resources, Programs, Finance, Compliance, ERP/System support, and other teams when cross-functional resolution is required.
Support training of warehouse employees in inventory control procedures and system transactions.
Safely operate forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment as required to perform inventory verification, product movement, pulling orders, replenishment and put away tasks.
Follow all CAFB warehouse, food safety, sanitation, and equipment safety requirements.