Senior Inventory Specialist

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company, seeks a Senior Cycle Counter to improve inventory accuracy and align physical counts with SAP S/4HANA records. You will lead root-cause analysis, conduct daily/adhoc cycle counts, and work with multiple teams to prevent discrepancies and strengthen internal controls.

You will mentor junior staff, serve as the on-site expert for counting procedures, and ensure timely, accurate data entry in SAP.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive inventory control/cycle counting experience in manufacturing.
• Proven ability to investigate and resolve complex discrepancies.
• Knowledge of SAP MM/IM/WM or similar ERP and inventory transactions.
• Strong root-cause analysis and data-driven recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead root-cause analysis and investigations into inventory discrepancies identified during cycle counts.
• Perform SAP transaction history audits to identify process breakdowns.
• Collaborate with Materials Management, Receiving, Production, and Shipping to resolve systemic errors.
• Ensure SAP S/4HANA data entry and count integrity as the final verifier.
• Provide training and mentorship to Cycle Counter I and II team members.
• Serve as on-site specialist for inventory control processes and troubleshooting.

Skills

Root-cause analysis

SAP MM/IM/WM

Excel

Spanish

Mentorship

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Tools

SAP

Job description

HydraForce, a Bosch Rexroth company under the compact Hydraulics offers one of the most comprehensive lines of high-quality hydraulic cartridge valves for the mobile and industrial equipment markets. We design and manufacture high performance valves that meet virtually any need encountered in machine design. HydraForce cartridge valves are designed to fit a wide range of industry-common valve cavities. Ouremployees enjoy a fast-paced and challenging work environment that provides them with daily opportunities to Power Forward their careers. For almost 35 years, HydraForce has been producing the most innovative electro-hydraulic control solutions for the mobile machinery and industrial equipment markets.

Bosch Rexrothis one of the world’s leading providers of drive and control technologies. Regardless of the motion task that customers face anywhere in the world, they will always find a Bosch Rexroth team with the local experience and the appropriate know-how from more than 30 industries and all drive and control technologies. Our associates take on their customers’ challenges with passion and persistence until the right solution is found. This is what makes Bosch Rexroth a strong, reliable partner for Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering and Factory Automation. As the Drive & Control Company, we develop, produce, and distribute our components and system solutions in over 80 countries.

Job Description

As a Senior Cycle Counter, you will be a cornerstone of the plant’s inventory control function and a key driver in our mission to achieve best-in-class inventory accuracy. You are a proactive, hands-on expert responsible for not only executing complex cycle counts but also for investigating, analyzing, and resolving the root causes of inventory discrepancies.

Your primary mission is to significantly improve our inventory accuracy, which is currently a critical challenge with a discrepancy rate of 40%. By identifying systemic process gaps and ensuring our physical inventory aligns with SAP S/4HANA records, you will directly contribute to strengthening our internal controls, reducing financial losses, and improving operational efficiency. This role is crucial for ensuring our financial and operational processes are fully aligned with global Bosch standards for accuracy and compliance in direct coordination with the Plant management and the Finance department.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Root-Cause Analysis & Investigation (60%):

o Lead detailed, second-level investigations into inventory discrepancies identified during cycle counts.

o Perform comprehensive root-cause analysis by auditing transaction histories in SAP (e.g., goods receipts, production postings, scrap movements) to identify process breakdowns.

o Partner with Materials Management, Receiving, Production, and Shipping to resolve systemic errors that lead to physical-to-system imbalances.

o Work with IT support staff to clear up queue issues where items get stuck and help get MM and WM inventories to sync.

o Document findings and present clear, actionable recommendations to the Inventory Supervisor to prevent recurrence.

Execute Advanced Cycle Counting & Audits (30%):

o Conduct daily, scheduled, and ad-hoc cycle counts for high-value (Category A), critical, or complex inventory items, including raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.

o Perform process audits to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for material handling and system transactions on the shop floor.

o Ensure all count data is entered into SAP S/4HANA with exceptional accuracy and timeliness, serving as the final verifier for count integrity.

Drive Process Improvement & Team Mentorship (10%):

o Continuously analyze and identify opportunities to streamline counting procedures, improve warehouse organization, and enhance inventory transaction accuracy.

o Provide expert guidance, training, and daily support to Cycle Counter I and II team members, acting as the subject matter expert for counting best practices and SAP procedures.

o Serve as the on-site specialist for inventory control processes, acting as the first point of contact for troubleshooting complex counting and system-related issues.

Qualifications

Essential Experience & Specialized Knowledge:

o Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in inventory control, cycle counting, or Logistic function in a manufacturing environment.

o Proven expertise or high interest in investigating and resolving complex inventory discrepancies is required.

o Practical knowledge of SAP (MM/IM/WM modules) or a similar ERP system, with a strong understanding of inventory transactions.

o Demonstrated ability to perform root-cause analysis and provide data-driven recommendations.

Skills and Abilities:

o Possesses a high sense of responsibility, strong analytical skills, and a meticulous, detail-oriented mindset.

o Good problem-solving skills with the ability to manage detailed processes and work independently.

o Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to train and mentor junior team members.

o Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.

o Able to speak and understand Spanish

o High school diploma or equivalent is required.

o Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus.

Additional Information

Salary and Benefits:

The hourly range for the position is $22.60- $25.48/hour. The individual pay is determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, work experience and job knowledge, complexity of the role, job location, etc. The Recruiter can share more details about the specific salary range during the interview process.

Must Have:

• Must have US work authorization.
• Indefinite U.S work authorized individuals only. Future sponsorship for work authorization is not available.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer including disability/Veterans.