Inventory Control Lead - WMS & Cold Chain (Food-Grade)

Southport Distribution; Gloucester City (NJ); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Southport Distribution is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to manage accurate records across warehouse, terminal, and refrigerated storage. You will develop and enforce inventory procedures, lead cycle counts, investigate discrepancies, and ensure compliant, timely transactions in WMS and related tools.

Role requires strong Excel skills, data analysis, leadership in supervising inventory staff, and collaboration with operations, transportation, customer service, and finance to

Qualifications

• Experience managing inventory within warehouse, distribution, transportation, or marine terminal environments.
• Strong understanding of inventory control principles, cycle counting, and reconciliation processes.
• Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and inventory control software.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reporting, and inventory tracking.
• Ability to analyze inventory data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all organizational levels.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or supervising inventory control personnel.
• Knowledge of import/export operations, cargo handling, and supply chain logistics preferred.
• Experience working with refrigerated, perishable, or food-grade inventory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain accurate inventory records across warehouse, terminal, and refrigerated storage operations.
• Develop, implement, and enforce inventory control procedures to ensure inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Lead cycle count programs, physical inventories, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor inventory levels, storage utilization, and cargo movements to support customer and operational requirements.
• Ensure all inventory transactions are accurately processed within Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and related inventory software.
• Generate inventory reports, performance metrics, and operational dashboards for management review.
• Coordinate with warehouse operations, transportation, customer service, and finance teams to resolve inventory-related issues.
• Support customer audits and provide inventory documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Supervise and develop inventory control staff, providing guidance, training, and performance support.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements that enhance inventory accuracy, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Assist with operational planning related to cargo flow, warehouse capacity, and peak volume periods.
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure adherence to OSHA and company safety standards.

Skills

Inventory control

Cycle counting

WMS proficiency

Excel data analysis

Data analysis

Organizational

Communication

Leadership experience

Import/export knowledge

Refrigerated/food-grade inventory

Tools

WMS

Job description

Southport Distribution is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to manage accurate records across warehouse, terminal, and refrigerated storage. You will develop and enforce inventory procedures, lead cycle counts, investigate discrepancies, and ensure compliant, timely transactions in WMS and related tools.

Role requires strong Excel skills, data analysis, leadership in supervising inventory staff, and collaboration with operations, transportation, customer service, and finance to