Inventory Control I

UNFI; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental

Vision

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Career development

Job summary

UNFI in Iowa City is seeking an Inventory Control specialist to track inventory, research discrepancies, and support warehouse operations. You will monitor product disposition, analyze inventory reports, and collaborate with multiple departments to improve accuracy and safety.

This full-time role offers a Monday–Friday schedule with early shift (5:00 AM to 1:30 PM) and comprehensive benefits. Candidates should have pallet jack certification and 2–3 years in a similar role.

Qualifications

• Experience in warehouse operations and inventory control.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems and RF scanning.
• Ability to read and understand inventory reports.
• Safety guidelines knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance regarding damage and returns for salvage opportunities.
• Pull salvage product using reports from Quality Control.
• Build stable pallets and label with pallet numbers.
• Enter items pulled on an Excel-based pallet log.
• Coordinate salvage pickups with dealers and internal teams.
• Run reports to identify products for pulling and adjustments.

Skills

Inventory analysis

Data entry

Forklift operation

Communication skills

Problem solving

Tools

MS Outlook

Word

Excel

Job description

About UNFI We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

About UNFI We are North America’s premier grocery wholesaler, delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to community grocers and retail chains alike. A pioneer in natural and organic foods, we are growing and transforming to meet the needs of an evolving workplace. Our 29,000+ employees work across America in our 50 Distribution Centers and corporate offices. Learn more: Organic, Natural and Conventional Food | Wholesale Food Distributors | UNFI

Why work for UNFI

• Monday-Friday schedule, guaranteed weekends off
• Excellent benefits that include: Medical (HAS and FSA), Dental, Vision, and more
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Learning and development programs
• Career advancement

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 5:00AM-1:30PM

What does it mean to be a part of our Inventory Control team?

Our Inventory team is responsible for tracking all inventory within our distribution centers. This includes maintaining accurate records and researching any discrepancies with the product. It is imperative to understand the layout of the warehouse to ensure the proper location of the product. Researching any damages/adjustments of product, tracking expiration dates, and alert management of any potential safety concerns that may arise. Within this department, you will ensure proper handling of damaged and/or spoiled merchandise, pulling and processing salvaged product, review and analyze inventory reports to identify trends, and work directly with various departments and local operations leadership to provide recommendations.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide guidance regarding Damage and Returns for products that can be sold to salvage dealers
• Sign and date all pick up documents and return to inventory control coordinator for recorded keeping
• Pull salvage product using reports generated by Quality Control
• Build stable, secure pallets with the pulled product and label with pallet number tag
• Enter items pulled on excel spreadsheet itemizing by pallet
• Pull any product to be salvaged as directed by buying department, inventory control department or by chargeback
• Correctly fill out chargeback paperwork and return to inventory control coordinator
• Make necessary inventory adjustments within the system
• Run appropriate reports to identify and action products that need to be pulled
• Coordinate and load salvage pickups with salvage dealer
• Communicate information as needed with inventory control, reclaim, Quality Control, buying department and warehouse supervision
• Receive, review, and respond to emails regarding salvage product using good communication skills
• Be able to safely operate forklift and pallet jack in conjunction with job duties
• Execute and validate Intercompany Transfers
• Performs other relevant job duties as required

Job Requirements

Experience

• Pallet jack certification required
• 2-3 years of experience as a selector, lift operator preferred
• 1-2 years of data entry experience preferred

Knowledge

• Have an understanding of procedures in other areas of the warehouse for a more global understanding of all processes
• Understanding of safety guidelines
• Understanding of paperwork and reporting methods related to tracking inventory
• Strong knowledge of applicable warehouse management system and RF system
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available

Skills/Abilities

• Strong ability to analyze, interpret, and report financial data
• Ability to partner with a wide variety of people both in person and virtually
• Ability to problem solve and collaborate to seek resolution
• Strong communication skills; both written and oral applications
• Strong interpersonal skills; must be motivated and take initiative
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Ability to be detail oriented and manage multiple tasks
• Proficiency in PC software tools for reports, analysis, and audits.
• MS Outlook, Word and Excel experience required

Physical Environment

• Ability to lift between 40-60 pounds daily and to stand, walk, bend, stoop, twist and turn frequently
• Exposed to temperatures ranging from -20 degrees below zero to 35 degrees Fahrenheit in Perishable Operation and 37 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Grocery Operation
• Ability to do repetitious arm, wrist and hand movements required for maintenance and service procedures
• Must be able to work with hands and arms overhead, and to work in or under the equipment
• Requires manual dexterity, overall coordination and good balance to work both at ground level and in high places to perform job duties. Ability to operate work related equipment
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Moving about the distribution center warehouse floor

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details. Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.