Lead Operator

Solae LLC; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. As an Inventory Lead at our Memphis site, you will monitor and control raw materials and manufacturing supplies, analyze inventory levels and stock movements, and support continuous improvement to minimize costs and improve accuracy.

You will collaborate with Planning, Production, Quality Control, Warehouse teams, and external auditors to ensure product availability and safe storage.

Qualifications

• Experience with inventory management or ERP systems such as SAP.
• Strong attention to detail and a high commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• LEAN and 5S skillset and impeccable organization skills preferred.
• Forklift certified.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper labeling and organization in the warehouse in 6S standards.
• Contribute to standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to inventory and warehouse activities.
• Investigate stock discrepancies, identifying root causes and trends, and develop action plans to prevent recurrence.
• Lead the full cycle count program, from planning and execution to documentation and KPI reporting.
• Maintain accurate inventory records in the ERP system and ensure stock movements are correctly processed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

English communication

LEAN/5S

Forklift certified

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products. Ensuring excellence in execution - from procurement to supply chain and reliability - delivering quality, safety, efficiency and sustainability across the value chain. As an Inventory Lead, you are responsible for monitoring and controlling the raw materials and manufacturing supplies for the site. You analyze inventory levels, stock movements, storage conditions, cycle count activities, and quality checks. By working closely with Planning, Production, Quality Control, Warehouse teams, and external auditors, you support operational excellence while ensuring product availability and minimizing costs.

Where You’ll Make a Difference

In this role, you will be at the heart of our operational processes, making a measurable impact on inventory accuracy and efficiency. Your key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring proper labeling and organization in the warehouse, in compliance with company policies, safety regulations, and 6S standards, including facilitating 5S warehouse audit walks
• Contributing to standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to inventory and warehouse activities
• Investigating stock discrepancies, identifying root causes and trends, and developing action plans to prevent recurrence, including proper documentation of root cause analyses
• Leading the full cycle count program, from planning and execution to follow-up actions, documentation, KPI reporting, and collaboration with internal and external auditors
• Maintaining accurate inventory records in the ERP system and ensuring all stock movements are correctly processed and documented
• Supporting administrative processing of internal requests and following up on recurring processes
• Working closely with Warehouse, Production, and Planning teams to optimise material flow, storage methods, and inventory handling
• Identifying opportunities to improve inventory control processes, accuracy, and efficiency
• Supporting the implementation of system improvements, new tools, or automation related to stock management
• Ensure all areas of storage are properly labeled and make certain that the right products or items are stored in the proper and right storage locations
• Ensure all procedures are being followed accurately in the warehouse and unloading processes
• Ensure proper paperwork is completed and all BOLs are submitted to purchasing team

What Makes You the Right Fit

You are a structured and proactive professional who thrives in an operational environment. You bring:

• Strong attention to detail and a high commitment to accuracy
• The ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven, and dynamic environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Exhibit LEAN and 5S skillset and impeccable organization skills preferred
• Forklift certified

How Would You Stand Out?

You stand out from other candidates if you also have:

• Experience with inventory management or ERP systems such as SAP
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel
• Experience working with audits or continuous improvement initiatives within a warehouse or production environment
• Forklift certified

Why Choose Us?

• At IFF, we are dedicated to maximizing our most valuable assets - our people. We do so by embracing diversity and offering to become a part of a highly motivated team and strongly support opportunities for continuous development, whilst maintaining a solid work/life balance.
• A full-time career with an excellent compensation package
• This, together with a respected workplace that rewards achievement, makes IFF one of the best career choices today

Action Planning, Computer Literacy, Data Analysis, Database Administration, Database Reporting, Data Interpretations, Data Management - Logistics and Supply Chain, Document Management, Numerical Aptitude, Reporting, Review and Reporting, Statistical Analysis Techniques, Systems and Tools - Logistics and Supply Chain, Verbal Communications Competency Ensures accountability, Financial acumen, Manages complexity, Optimizes work processes, Plans and aligns, Tech savvy

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more At IFF, we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products – advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. We value an inclusive, creative workplace where all individuals can thrive and do their best work. We consider all qualified candidates equally and based on merit, without regard to religion, ethnicity, national origin, race, age, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability.