Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist

Penn State University

University Park (TX)

Hybrid

USD 49,000 - 71,000

Full time

18 hours ago

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Job summary

Penn State University in University Park, PA, is seeking an Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist to manage materials for campus facilities. The role partners with Central Procurement to align RFP/RFQ needs with Physical Plant requirements.

The position emphasizes identifying right products, lead times, and stocking strategies, with a flexible remote/on-campus work arrangement.

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience.
Experience in inventory management and procurement processes.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and audits.
Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel for data analysis.

Responsibilities

Identify and source materials and parts for facilities and assets.
Assist technicians, engineers, and administrators with orders.
Coordinate the Primary Vending Program to reduce costs.
Monitor inventories; adjust stock levels to meet seasonal needs.
Maintain electronic databases; update nomenclature and codes.
Process supply requests; track orders and invoices; ensure timely delivery.
Resolve discrepancies in orders, inventory, and shipments.
Forecast inventory demands and alert vendors as needed.
Inform customers of product line changes and new launches.
Support quality assurance and vendor performance initiatives.

Skills

Inventory management

Vendor relations

Forecasting

Data entry

Logistics coordination

Invoices processing

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

3+ years relevant experience

Tools

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

The Office of Physical Plant (OPP) at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist candidate to join the team!!!

The Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist position is critical to maintaining the Supply Chain Function of the Office of Physical Plant at Penn State. This position helps identify materials and parts for various facilities and assets across the Penn State campuses. The Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist is truly a buyer for the Office of Physical Plant. The Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist works closely with Central Procurement to ensure the RFP/RFQ meets the needs of the Physical Plant.

The Inventory Control and Distribution Specialist position is key at OPP to identify the right products, the right quality, the right lead times, and what items will be stocked vs Non-Stocked.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement that combines remote and on-campus work. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Key Responsibilities

Identify and source materials and parts for different facilities and assets.
Assist Technicians, Engineers, and Administrators with order placement.
Facilitate the Primary Vending Program that allows us to lower our material cost by working through fewer vendors who are committed to providing the materials most commonly needed.
Monitor organizational product and resource inventories; coordinate with management to ensure inventories fulfill customer requirements; add new items and delete obsolete items; monitor and adjust stock levels to meet seasonal and overall product and material needs.
Maintain electronic database; record and update product nomenclature, pricing, codes, etc.; conduct spot checks and oversee physical inventories; address and resolve inconsistencies.
Process supply, equipment, product, and material requests; track orders and invoices; ensure timely shipping and delivery; prepare and maintain contracts, transactions, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Address and resolve order, inventory, shipping, delivery, and stock issuance discrepancies; refer issues to management as needed.
Help ensure product availability; forecast and communicate inventory demands to vendors/suppliers; alert management of short-fall concerns.
Keep customers informed of product line extensions, recalls, phase-outs, or new product launches; research, identify, and propose alternative product solutions including biodegradable, non-toxic, or other environmentally friendly items where available.
Assist with quality assurance, monitor and document vendor and carrier performance, provide feedback, and suggest improvements. Identify and recommend new vendors to management and customers as needed.
May validate and pay invoices.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Due to the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will be required in addition to standard background checks. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $49,188.00 - $71,340.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.