Inventory Management Specialist

Purpose: The Inventory Management Specialist manages the full procurement cycle and inventory control processes to ensure optimal stock levels and efficient supply chain operations. This role executes purchasing procedures, vendor management, and accounts payable functions while maintaining accurate inventory data and supporting business objectives through analytical reporting and vendor relationship management. 

Essential Functions: 

• Manages complete procurement cycle including analyzing data, creating purchase orders, submitting to vendors, following up on order status, and parking invoices while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures 

• Handles accounts payable functions for the entire facility including daily communication with internal and external vendors to research and resolve payment discrepancies and outstanding account issues 

• Reviews purchase orders and related documentation for completion and compliance with accounts payable policies, procedures, and contractual requirements while maintaining accuracy of data entry and quality coding 

• Creates comprehensive reports from sales trends based on seasonality and inventory on hand; analyzes data to develop strategic purchase orders that support optimal inventory flow and business objectives 

• Maintains direct contact with vendors to create and sustain professional relationships while working on product availability, assortment levels, and variety to guarantee proper supply chain flow 

• Communicates with Warehouse personnel to ensure compliance of purchase orders and documentation including quantities received and accuracy verification 

• Performs month-end duties and meets accounting calendar deadlines on a monthly basis while following up and resolving outstanding accounts payable issues as they arise 

• Provides administrative support and warehouse verification activities to double-check products and quantities for accuracy 

Reporting Relationship & Role Information: 

• The Inventory Management Specialist position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act as a Non-Exempt position 

• The position typically reports to the Retail Inventory Manager or Operations Manager within the assigned location; ability to work in office environment 85% of time with occasional warehouse visits (15%) requiring walking and physical verification of products and quantities 

• The Inventory Management Specialist position requires full-time availability with open schedule flexibility to support procurement and inventory management operations 

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment: 

• Education and Experience: 

• Requires 2-3 years of inventory management, procurement, or accounts payable experience 

• Experience in supply chain management, vendor relations, or purchasing operations preferred 

• Specialized Training: 

• Demonstrated proficiency in SAP or other inventory management software systems (required) 

• Extensive Microsoft Excel experience with knowledge of formulas and functions including VLookup, pivot tables, and advanced analytical tools (required) 

• Knowledge of procurement processes, accounts payable procedures, and vendor management best practices 

• Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits: 

• Excellent time management and analytical skills with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and problem resolution capabilities; ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining quality standards 

• Strong organizational skills with ability to be detailed, accurate, and thorough while monitoring work quality and ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with proven ability to maintain professional vendor relationships and resolve complex account discrepancies 

• Understanding of supply chain operations, inventory control principles, and procurement best practices with capability to analyze data trends and make informed purchasing decisions