Inventory Lead

Ultimate Staffing; California (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ultimate Staffing is seeking an Inventory Lead in El Monte, CA to oversee all inventory operations within a fast-paced catering environment. You will ensure accurate receiving, storage, tracking, and distribution of food, beverages, equipment, and supplies for events.

Responsibilities include cycle counts, FIFO rotation, coordinating with purchasing and operations, and maintaining real-time inventory records while complying with food-safety standards.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in inventory, warehouse, or catering ops.
• Experience in food service or catering environment preferred.
• Proficiency in Excel and inventory systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily inventory counts and records.
• Receive deliveries; inspect for accuracy and damage.
• Organize warehouse, cooler, and storage areas.
• Monitor stock levels and coordinate replenishment.
• Track usage of food, beverages, equipment, and disposables.
• Conduct cycle counts and monthly audits.
• Investigate discrepancies and implement corrections.
• Rotate stock using FIFO.
• Prepare and fulfill catering event inventories.
• Oversee loading/unloading of equipment.
• Keep records updated in real time.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Train inventory staff and coordinate teams.
• Collaborate with purchasing/ops to forecast needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean work environment.

Skills

Inventory management

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Tools

Inventory software

Job description

Schedule: Full-Time 6am start, Onsite (may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules)

Inventory Lead (El Monte, CA)

The Inventory Lead is responsible for overseeing all inventory operations within a fast-paced catering environment. This role ensures accurate receiving, storage, tracking, and distribution of food, beverages, equipment, and catering supplies. The Inventory Lead works closely with operations, warehouse, kitchen, and event teams to maintain inventory accuracy, prevent shortages, and support successful event execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily inventory counts and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Receive and inspect incoming deliveries for accuracy, quality, and damage.
• Organize and maintain warehouse, cooler, freezer, and storage areas.
• Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs.
• Track food, beverage, equipment, and disposable supply usage.
• Conduct cycle counts and monthly inventory audits.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure proper stock rotation using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.
• Coordinate inventory preparation and fulfillment for catering events.
• Oversee loading and unloading of catering equipment and supplies.
• Maintain inventory management systems and update records in real time.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and company standards.
• Train and support inventory associates and warehouse staff.
• Collaborate with purchasing and operations teams to forecast inventory needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of inventory, warehouse, logistics, or catering operations experience.
• Experience managing inventory in a food service, hospitality, catering, or warehouse environment preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and inventory management software.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in refrigerated storage areas as needed.
• Forklift certification is a plus.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to support catering event schedules.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.