This role owns two connected halves of the operation. The first is the physical warehouse: receiving, storage, rotation, and picking across ambient, cooler, and freezer areas, with strict food safety and FEFO discipline. The second is the Inventory Control analyst function: the reporting, master data, and data validation work that keeps inventory records accurate and decision ready.
The person in this role is accountable for inventory accuracy from the dock to the system of record. They lead a mixed team of warehouse staff and analysts, and they build the procedures the site does not have today, including documented FEFO controls and daily inventory governance. This is a builder role, not a caretaker role.
Note: this position combines hands on warehouse leadership with analytical team management. Strong candidates are comfortable on the floor and with the data.
Key ResponsibilitiesWarehouse operations
- Manage daily receiving, put away, storage, replenishment, and picking across ambient, cooler, and freezer areas.
- Own FEFO (first expired, first out) execution. Build and enforce a documented rotation procedure where none exists today, covering freezer, cooler, and production staging.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and audit ready warehouse that meets food safety and GFSI expectations.
- Manage space, slotting, and storage layout to support throughput and accurate counts.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing and Production on material staging, component availability, and finished goods flow.
Inventory control and data
- Own inventory accuracy. Run cycle counts, investigate variances to root cause, and drive corrective action.
- Lead the analyst team responsible for inventory reporting, data validation, and master data integrity.
- Maintain item master and location data so on hand balances reflect physical reality.
- Build and maintain the daily and weekly inventory reporting that leadership relies on, including aging, expiry exposure, and accuracy metrics.
- Prepare the site for a future WMS by standardizing data, locations, and procedures now.
Team leadership
- Lead, schedule, and develop a mixed team of warehouse floor staff and inventory analysts.
- Set clear ownership lanes between physical operations and the analyst function so work does not fall through the gaps.
- Set performance standards, run reviews, and build training for both halves of the team.
- Recruit and onboard as the function grows.
Compliance and food safety
- Enforce lot traceability, allergen segregation, and temperature controlled handling.
- Support QA during audits, recalls, and mock recalls with accurate, fast inventory data.
- Keep documented procedures current and make sure the team follows them.
Required Qualifications
- Five or more years in warehouse or inventory management, including direct people leadership.
- Hands on experience running FEFO or FIFO rotation in a food, beverage, or other date sensitive environment.
- Experience managing inventory accuracy through cycle counting and variance root cause analysis.
- Strong Excel and reporting skills, plus experience with an ERP or inventory system.
- Track record of writing and rolling out standard operating procedures, not just following them.
- Able to work in cold environments (cooler and freezer) for extended periods.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a food manufacturing or cold chain operation under GFSI schemes (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000).
- WMS implementation or selection experience.
- APICS or other supply chain certification (CPIM, CSCP).
- Experience managing an analyst or master data function alongside physical operations.
- Bachelor?s degree in supply chain management, business, logistics, or a related field, or commensurate experience in lieu of a degree.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
Essential job functions
- Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
- Standing, walking, and moving product across the warehouse for extended periods.
- Regular work in ambient, cooler 45 degrees, and freezer temperatures.
- Split time between the floor and a workstation for reporting and analysis.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data.
- Basic math and problem-solving skills.
- Fine manipulation of the right and left hand
- Push, Pull, Lift 50 lbs unaided
- Turning, twisting motions
- Reach about head and below waist
- Occasional turning, twisting motions
- Work with and around equipment and machinery
- Work on wet floor, wearing slip-resistant water-proof footwear