Inventory Lead

Inventory Lead

Job Title:

Inventory Lead

Location:

Durango, CO (Factory)

Department:

Warehouse/Shipping

Status:

Regular, Full-Time

Reports To:

Warehouse Shipping Supervisor

FLSA Category:

Non-Exempt

Direct Reports:

0

Level:

Mid

Relevant Experience:

1+ years Warehouse & Inventory

Pay Range:

$21-22 hourly

Position Summary

The Inventory Lead directs the daily work of Receiving and Warehouse/Order Fulfillment and supports the supervisor's overall ownership of inventory accuracy. This position coordinates workload, training, discrepancy investigation, Production related inventory activity, receiving support, and established inventory control procedures while keeping Warehouse leadership aligned through timely communication.

Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm with Overtime as required.

Key Responsibilities

The Inventory Lead will be expected to consistently deliver outstanding outcomes in the following areas:

• Direct and coordinate the daily activities of employees engaged in Inventory, Receiving, and Warehouse/Order Fulfillment, including assignments, coverage, work priorities, training, and workflow.
• Receive, review, and prioritize instructions for the delivery, movement, staging, and distribution of materials and supplies to expedite flow between departments and meet Production, Shipping, and Receiving schedules.
• Confer with the Warehouse/Shipping Manager, supervisor, Production supervisors and Leads, Shipping leadership, Quality, Purchasing, and other departments to coordinate work, address concerns, and eliminate delays.
• Review Production schedules, work orders, open orders, staffing needs, inventory reports, and related data to determine material priorities, personnel requirements, and upcoming inventory needs.
• Maintain and communicate Pull BIN inventory levels and material availability needed to support Production and Shipping; identify shortages, low-stock conditions, and replenishment risks before they interrupt operations.
• Direct stock rotation, storage, and LOT-control practices to maintain proper utilization of products, materials, and supplies and support accurate FIFO practices.
• Review, investigate, and correct BIN exceptions, inventory discrepancies, transaction errors, and data inconsistencies by comparing physical inventory, Business Central records, movement history, Production activity, and supporting documentation.
• Troubleshoot inventory-related issues using critical thinking and available data, including incorrect or missed transfers, UOM problems, LOT or BIN errors, Production movement discrepancies, and recurring system or process failures; coordinate resolution with the supervisor, IT, or affected departments as needed.
• Analyze inventory data, count results, adjustment history, and recurring discrepancy patterns to identify likely root causes, recommend corrective actions, and assist with process improvements that reduce repeat errors and unnecessary adjustments.
• Oversee the cycle-count program and maintain accurate count records, investigation notes, and supporting documentation needed for internal controls and external audit requirements.
• Use Business Central, handheld scanners, Microsoft Office, and other available computer tools to research transactions, maintain records, analyze inventory information, document findings, and communicate accurate status updates.
• Coordinate inventory-adjustment investigations and provide complete, accurate supporting information to the supervisor for approval; ensure approved corrections reflect actual physical inventory and system activity.
• Oversee Receiving and Warehouse/Order Fulfillment processes that affect inventory accuracy, including receiving, put-away, Production pulls and returns, physical counts, system transfers, and related documentation.
• Maintain clear inventory-related communication and documentation, escalate significant or recurring issues, and keep the supervisor and applicable Warehouse leadership informed of open concerns, corrective actions, and material risks.
• Train, coach, and direct employees in approved Inventory and Receiving procedures, Business Central and scanner use, inventory accuracy, troubleshooting, safety, and process compliance; determine readiness for independent work.
• Handle routine employee and policy matters within the Lead role, coordinate temporary labor and overtime within established authority, support Quality and Purchasing requirements, and perform other work-related duties as assigned.
• Support Receiving coordination with Quality and Purchasing while recognizing Quality's full stop, hold, and release authority.
• Support department safety, housekeeping, food-safety, hazard correction.
• Keep the supervisor informed of recurring discrepancy patterns, significant adjustments, process failures, and corrective-action needs.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

The supervisor retains overall ownership of inventory accuracy and is the primary authority for inventory adjustments and approvals. The inventory lead owns the daily investigation, documentation, communication, employee direction, and execution of approved inventory procedures. Significant, recurring, high-value, or high-quality issues are escalated by the supervisor to the Warehouse/Shipping Manager and Finance as appropriate.

Education, Experience & Skills

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent preferred.
• Prior warehouse, shipping, receiving, order fulfillment, manufacturing, or team-lead experience required.
• Basic math, reading, and communication skills required.
• Ability to use computers, scanners, or shipping software.
• Working knowledge of Business Central or similar ERP, inventory storage process, item and LOT identification, handheld scanners, and warehouse documentation [Microsoft excel, word, outlook, teams].
• Demonstrate understanding of receiving, Production-order fulfillment, physical inventory flow, stock rotation, holds, adjustments, and discrepancy investigation.
• Ability to direct employees, assign work, coach and train staff, and maintain accountability across multiple inventory functions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and critical-thinking skills with consistent attention to physical and system accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to maintain complete, professional email documentation.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with Shipping, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, IT, and Warehouse leadership.
• Ability to recognize significant or recurring inventory issues and escalate them appropriately to the supervisor and manager.
• Working knowledge of attendance, conduct, performance, safety, food-safety, and documentation requirements.
• Reliable attendance and demonstrated judgment, follow-through, and integrity in inventory matters.
• Ability to operate forklift, manual and electric pallet-jack, or other material-handling certification as required; training may be provided.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with employees, leadership, and internal departments and calmy deal with difficult people and situations.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; lift, carry, push and pull materials up to fifty (50) pounds (with or without assistance); bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and twist frequently; use hands and arms for grasping, handling, and operating shipping equipment; perform repetitive motions; climb ladders or stairs as needed; read labels and shipping documents; and work in varying warehouse temperatures, noise levels, and fast-paced conditions while maintaining safe work practices.
• Work may occur around moving equipment, loading docks, varying temperatures, noise, and food allergen operations.
• Frequent use of computers, handheld scanners, phones, and standard office or warehouse equipment.