Inventory Specialist

About Us

At the Fresh Factory, we’ve built a platform to accelerate the growth of emerging food and beverage brands. We are vertically integrated from the farm to the shelf and offer services above and beyond traditional manufacturing, becoming a trusted growth partner for leading brands. Our industry-leading benefits package shows our commitment to the safety and well-being of our employees. The Fresh Factory contributes generously to the cost of medical, dental, and vision insurance for our employees and their family members

Position Summary

The Inventory Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, investigating and resolving inventory discrepancies, and supporting inventory control processes throughout the facility. This position requires strong mathematical and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in multiple environments, including freezer, cooler, warehouse, and production areas. The Inventory Specialist will collaborate with operations, production, shipping, and receiving teams to ensure inventory accuracy for raw materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.

Locations: Primary: Bolingbrook; Secondary: Downers Grove

Schedule: Monday–Friday; occasional Saturdays as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve inventory discrepancies involving raw materials, packaging materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
• Utilize the Plex ERP to monitor, track, and maintain inventory records.
• Clearly document and communicate inventory findings, discrepancies, root causes, and corrective actions.
• Verify inventory transactions, including receipts, transfers, adjustments, and shipments.
• Identify and dispose of obsolete, expired, or damaged inventory in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Prepare detailed reports on inventory operations, stock levels, inventory adjustments, and audit findings.
• Address and resolve shipment-related and inventory-related issues in a timely manner.
• Accurately operate and read industrial scales, including measurements in both pounds and kilograms.
• Safely operate material handling equipment, including stand-up forklifts, sit-down forklifts, and scissor lifts, in accordance with company safety policies.
• Assist with inventory movements, storage organization, and location verification using powered industrial equipment.
• Support inventory control activities across freezer, cooler, warehouse, and production environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Maintain organized inventory storage locations and ensure proper product rotation practices.
• Follow all food safety, quality, and workplace safety requirements.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience as an Inventory Specialist, Inventory Control Associate, Warehouse Inventory Coordinator, or similar role.
• Exceptional mathematical skills and the ability to perform inventory-related calculations accurately.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS); experience with Plex is highly preferred.
• Ability to operate and read scales accurately in pounds and kilograms.
• Strong analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise inventory reports and documentation.
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating stand-up forklifts, sit-down forklifts, and scissor lifts.
• Current forklift certification or the ability to become certified.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (Spanish preferred).
• Additional education, certifications, or training in inventory management, supply chain, logistics, or related fields.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to walk long distances within the facility.
• Ability to work in varying temperature environments, including freezer, cooler, warehouse, and production areas.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials as required, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts, scissor lifts, inventory counting equipment, and scales.
• Ability to work at elevated heights when necessary while using approved safety equipment.

Key Competencies

• Inventory Accuracy
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Data Analysis
• Communication Skills
• Organization and Time Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Accountability and Reliability

Work Environment

This position requires working in multiple facility environments, including freezer, cooler, warehouse, and food production areas. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required. The role may require the operation of powered industrial vehicles and equipment, including stand-up forklifts, sit-down forklifts, and scissor lifts.