- Salary
- $21 – $25/hr
- Location
- Mankato, MN
- Department
- Operations
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- Associate
- Source
- Paylocity
Description
Description
Inventory Control Specialist
Reports To: Supply Chain Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Flexible) (Schedule may vary based on business needs).
Overtime: Occasional approved overtime may be required.
Date: October 8, 2026
Position Summary
The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records and supporting material flow throughout the organization. This role oversees inventory transactions, cycle counting, stock accuracy, material movement, and inventory analysis to ensure materials are available when needed while minimizing discrepancies and excess inventory. The Inventory Control Specialist works closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Receiving, Shipping, and Finance to support operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Essential Functions
- Enter, update, and maintain purchase orders and confirmations accurately in the ERP/purchasing system.
- Upload vendor acknowledgments and related documents to corresponding PO records; ensure version control and traceability.
- Monitor and track vendor acknowledgments; follow up to obtain confirmations and updated ship/delivery dates.
- Update due dates, lead times, and delivery schedules; promptly communicate changes to Planning, Production, and other stakeholders.
- Contact vendors regarding past-due POs and request revised ETAs; escalate chronic delays to the Buyer/Senior Buyer.
- Maintain professional, responsive vendor communication to support continuity of supply (no price or terms negotiation).
- Update and track vendor pricing and lead-time changes; ensure proper documentation and timely master-data updates.
- Review and maintain accurate part lead times to support planning and inventory management.
- Flag cost variances on critical parts and prepare summaries for the Supply Chain Manager/Buyers.
- Maintain organized electronic records (agreements, pricing history, lead times, PO documentation) in accordance with policy.
- Prepare and distribute purchasing status, lead-time, and exception reports for team and management review.
- Support data quality: vendor master, item master purchasing fields (min lot, lead time, supplier part number), and PO clean-up.
- Coordinate with Accounts Payable on three-way match exceptions (PO/receipt/invoice) by providing documentation and status.
- Assist with periodic audits (pricing/lead-time spot checks, open-PO clean-up, vendor file completeness).
- Assist the Supply Chain Manager with administrative tasks, data entry, reporting, and special projects as assigned.
- Maintain regular and punctual attendance and communicate planned or unplanned absences in accordance with company policy.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
- Comprehend, retain, and comply with established safety programs.
Qualifications
Required
- Associate degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, materials management, or supply chain functions.
- Experience working with ERP systems and inventory management software.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of inventory management principles, cycle counting, and root cause analysis.
- Experience with barcoding systems and warehouse management processes.
- APICS/ASCM certification or coursework preferred.
- Experience supporting lean manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move materials up to 30 pounds.
- Ability to work in both office and manufacturing/warehouse environments.
- Ability to perform periodic physical inventory audits throughout the facility.
Key Competencies
- Inventory Accuracy
- Data Analysis
- Root Cause Problem Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Process Improvement
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- ERP System Proficiency
- Customer Service Mindset
Success Metrics (90-Day Expectations)
- Achieve and maintain inventory accuracy targets of 98% or greater.
- Complete cycle count schedule on time and accurately.
- Reduce inventory discrepancies through root-cause corrective actions.
- Ensure accurate and timely inventory transactions.
- Support on-time production and customer shipments through effective inventory management.
- Maintain organized inventory locations and warehouse standards.
- Follow all safety and quality procedures with zero preventable incidents.
Safety Equipment
When entering designated production areas, employees are required to wear steel-toed safety shoes and approved eye protection with side shields. Hearing protection is required only in posted areas of the production environment, in accordance with safety signage and company policy.
Benefit Disclaimer
Condux provides a competitive benefits package featuring medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) employer matching, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and an annual bonus opportunity.
Employment Statement
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or assign other duties as business needs require. This document does not constitute a contract of employment.
Acknowledgment
Employee Name (Print): ______________________________
Employee Signature: ________________________________ Date: _____________