Inventory Control Analyst

Crest Foods Co.; Illinois; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Crest Foods Co. is seeking an Inventory Control Analyst in Illinois. In this role, you will maintain accurate inventory records, monitor inventory movements, and ensure compliance with safety standards. You will also support production planning and collaborate with various teams to optimize inventory levels.

The ideal candidate should have over 4 years of experience in inventory control and food manufacturing environments and possess strong analytical skills and proficiency in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of inventory control, warehouse, or supply chain experience preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory records and monitor movements.
• Support production planning and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Prepare inventory reports including shrinkage and aging trends.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Knowledge of inventory control procedures

Understanding of FIFO/FEFO inventory management

Knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements

Strong attention to detail

Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Tools

ERP systems (SAP, QAD, AS/400)

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Job description

Wage Range Based on Experience - $60-85k

Position Summary

The Inventory Control Analyst is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, monitoring inventory movements, supporting production planning, and ensuring compliance with food safety and traceability standards in a food manufacturing environment. This role works closely with production, warehouse, procurement, quality assurance, scheduling and finance teams to optimize inventory levels, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory Management & Accuracy

• Monitor daily inventory transactions including raw materials, packaging, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods.
• Perform cycle counts and coordinate physical inventory audits.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, variances, and shortages.
• Maintain accurate inventory records in ERP/WMS systems.
• Analyze inventory trends and identify opportunities for inventory reduction and improved accuracy.

Production & Warehouse Support

• Coordinate inventory availability to support production schedules.
• Monitor material usage and consumption rates.
• Verify proper receiving, storage, rotation, and issuing of materials using FIFO/FEFO practices.
• Assist warehouse operations with inventory organization and location control.
• Support shipping and receiving reconciliation activities.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain lot tracking, traceability, and expiration date controls.
• Support recall readiness and audit preparation activities.
• Document inventory procedures and maintain compliance records.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Prepare inventory reports including shrinkage, aging inventory, usage trends, and KPI metrics.
• Analyze root causes of inventory variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Support forecasting and inventory planning initiatives.
• Collaborate with finance on inventory valuation and month-end reconciliation.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify process improvement opportunities within inventory and warehouse operations.
• Assist with ERP/WMS implementation or optimization projects.
• Participate in lean manufacturing and cost reduction initiatives.
• Recommend controls to minimize product loss, spoilage, and obsolescence.

Qualifications

Experience

• 4+ years of inventory control, warehouse, or supply chain experience preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or regulated manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP, QAD, or AS/400.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures and warehouse operations.
• Understanding of FIFO/FEFO inventory management.
• Knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with barcode scanning and warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Experience with cycle counting programs and inventory audits.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing/warehouse environment.
• May require standing, walking, and lifting up to 25–50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to work flexible hours or overtime during inventory counts or production demands.
• Ability to obtain a forklift license

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive environment and diverse workforce.