Inventory Control Specialist

Operation Food Search; Missouri; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Operation Food Search is seeking an Inventory Control Specialist to assist with implementing a new inventory database and ensuring accurate tracking of goods. This role includes managing inventory records, collaborating with departments, and maintaining quality control of products. Ideal candidates will have strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and relevant experience in inventory management.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

401K retirement plan

Vacation and Sick time, paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Potential for Student Loan Forgiveness

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2+ years of inventory and database management experience.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Manage inventory system, ensuring accurate data entry and troubleshooting.
• Coordinate product delivery and receipt with warehouse staff.
• Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure record accuracy.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2+ years of experience in inventory and database management

Tools

Inventory management software

Standard warehouse equipment

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Description

About Operation Food Search:

Founded in 1981, Operation Food Search is a hunger relief organization that provides food, nutrition education and innovative programs in order to reduce food insecurity and increase equitable access to food. We serve 200,000 people every month through a network of 330 partners in 27 counties in Missouri and Illinois. We use a combination of immediate food assistance and supportive services, while also working on long-term solutions and systemic changes to help solve the problem of hunger.

Our Mission is to heal hunger with innovative and collaborative solutions that provide food today and help create a hunger-free tomorrow.

Our Vision is a region where everyone has equitable access to the food they need to lead healthy lives.

Our Goals are to:

• Meet the immediate need for food for children, individuals and families by providing high-quality nutrition through our distribution network.
• Empower long-term skills through nutrition education and by teaching how to shop and prepare healthy food on a budget.
• Champion change through advocacy, innovative programs and by addressing systemic inequities.

For more information about OFS, please visit our website at www.operationfoodsearch.org.

Position Summary:

The Inventory Control Specialist will play a crucial role in assisting with the implementation of a new inventory database, serving as a database superuser. Through the new system, this staff member will track and keep records of all donated and purchased goods in Operation Food Search warehouses and will also work with colleagues across the organization to ensure they have the inventory they need. Top applicants will be interested in data mining and analysis and be detail oriented. An understanding of the needs of vendors, donors, and agency partners is a must.

Essential Functions:

Inventory System Management

• Serve as a superuser for the new inventory management system, ensuring accurate data entry, system integrity, and troubleshooting user issues.
• Update and maintain daily inventory records for all donated and purchased goods, including quantities, lot numbers, expiration dates, and storage locations.
• Assist in developing and refining inventory system protocols and training documentation for internal users.

Product Procurement and Coordination

• Communicate regularly with vendors to obtain up-to-date product availability, specifications, lead times, and pricing.
• Schedule and coordinate delivery and receipt of inventory with warehouse staff, ensuring timely arrivals and proper documentation.

Inventory Monitoring and Quality Control

• Conduct regular inventory audits and cycle counts to ensure consistency between physical stock and digital records.
• Identify and discard expired, damaged, or otherwise non-compliant inventory in accordance with Operation Food Search (OFS) standards and safety guidelines.
• Monitor storage conditions and ensure all inventory is handled according to product-specific requirements (e.g., temperature, shelf-life).

Cross Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with internal departments (Programs, Operations, Logistics, and Development) to forecast inventory needs and support program delivery.
• Fulfill internal inventory requests from agency partners, donors, and program staff in a timely and efficient manner.
• Provide data-driven insights to internal stakeholders by preparing inventory reports and trend analyses.

Issue Resolution and Continuous Improvement

• Investigate discrepancies in inventory records, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with IT or database administrators to improve system functionality and user experience.
• Propose and support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory tracking, logistics, and reporting.

Administrative and Customer Service Responsibilities

• Perform administrative tasks including data entry, document management, and filing of inventory-related records.
• Serve as a point of contact for vendor inquiries and internal inventory-related questions.
• Assist in onboarding and training staff on inventory procedures and database use.

Back-Up to the Food Bank Operations Director

• Enter and process daily receipts assuring all incoming donations are counted and weighted correctly.
• Play a key role in assuring food safety polices are being followed.
• Preform weekly bi/weekly inspections of Warehouse/freezer & Cooler.

Requirements

Education and/or Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in inventory and database management using an inventory management software system.
• 2+ years of experience using standard warehouse equipment, including forklift and pallet riders.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and without close supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to project the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Proficient computer skills with MS Office, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Special Requirements:

• Flexibility in working hours for occasional special events after hours or weekend activities
• Willingness to assist with other OFS duties as required or as assigned

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Food storage warehouse with mobile equipment in operation.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time, both indoors and outdoors.
• Frequent exposure to 32 °F-40 °F cooler and 0 °F-10 °F freezer spaces when unloading perishable donations.
• Occasional outdoor work during pickups/deliveries in varying weather conditions (rain, snow, heat).
• Regular lifting, bending, and carrying of boxes/trays weighing up to 50lbs.
• Required to wear closed-toe, non-slip safety shoes, high-visibility vest, and gloves. Additional PPE (e.g., ear protection) provided as needed.
• Standing, walking, and operating pallet jacks for unloading/loading tasks.

Benefits – FT Positions

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• HRA and FSA
• 401K retirement plan
• Vacation and Sick time, paid holidays
• Short and Long-Term Disability Income
• Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness support
• Potential for Student Loan Forgiveness if qualified

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.