Inventory Control and Procurement Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY

The Inventory Control & Procurement Clerk maintains accurate ingredient and material records and supports receiving, storage, material planning, purchasing administration, counting, and reconciliation for South Chicago Packing’s 3800 and 944 facilities. This role helps ensure materials are available when needed, inventory and purchasing transactions are accurate, and issues are resolved safely and promptly in partnership with Supply Chain, Production, Quality, Procurement, and Accounting.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Receiving, Storage & Material Handling

• Receive inbound materials and verify item, quantity, condition, purchase documentation, and system information against expected receipts.

• Assign storage locations, coordinate available warehouse space, and help move materials to designated storage or production areas.

• Operate forklifts and other authorized material-handling equipment in accordance with training and safety requirements.

• Identify damaged, defective, or nonconforming materials; complete required records and coordinate movement to the appropriate hold area.

• Coordinate returns and exchanges and ensure reverse-distribution steps and supporting documentation are completed.

Inventory Control & Reconciliation

• Distribute ingredients to production and reconcile daily usage and balances for both production lines.

• Perform cycle counts, physical inventories, and routine reconciliations; research quantity, location, receiving, and transaction differences.

• Maintain accurate shipping, receiving, inventory, and reconciliation records and trace missing or delayed shipments as needed.

• Complete month-end and year-end inventory reconciliations and provide clear supporting documentation to Accounting.

• Coordinate corrective action with Shipping and Receiving, Procurement, Production, Quality Assurance, and Accounting when variances or transaction errors are identified.

Material Planning & Procurement Support

• Perform assigned MRP planning activities using current demand, supply, lead-time, and inventory information to support material availability.

• Maintain bills of materials and purchasing records, track agreements, convert approved requisitions to purchase orders, and maintain required quality documentation.

• Communicate with suppliers and internal partners regarding purchase orders, receipts, documentation, shortages, and other routine issues.

• Coordinate material phase-ins, phase-outs, BOM changes, and receiving handoffs so planning, purchasing, receiving, and inventory records remain aligned.

Operational Support & Collaboration

• Respond to questions about receipts, inventory transactions, purchasing records, and material balances with timely, accurate information.

• Promote safe work practices, accurate documentation, and orderly storage areas while following Company, food-safety, quality, and site requirements.

• Influence and coordinate work across departments without direct supervisory authority.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma and at least 5 years experience with inventory, receiving, purchasing, material planning, warehouse, or supply chain work. Relevant college coursework, a degree, or technical training may substitute for part of the experience requirement.

• Experience maintaining detailed records, completing reconciliations, and investigating inventory or transaction differences.

• Working proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word and experience using an ERP, MRP, WMS, CMMS, or comparable business system.

• Ability to safely operate a forklift after completing required Company training and authorization.

• Ability to communicate clearly in English to understand safety instructions, complete records, and coordinate work with employees, suppliers, and business partners.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends or extended hours, based on business needs.

• Valid state driver’s license, if driving is required to perform assigned duties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, operations, accounting, or a related field.

• Experience in food manufacturing, edible oils, ingredient handling, or a regulated production environment.

• Experience with MRP planning, bills of materials, purchase-order processing, cycle counting, and month-end inventory close.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Inventory accuracy and reconciliation

• Material planning and purchasing administration

• Attention to detail and recordkeeping

• Data analysis and practical problem-solving

• Cross-functional communication and follow-through

• Safety, food-quality, and compliance awareness

• Planning, organization, and priority management

LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION EXPECTATIONS

This role has no direct reports. The employee is expected to demonstrate ownership, sound judgment, respectful communication, and timely follow-through while coordinating inventory and purchasing activities across multiple departments. The role supports Miniat’s commitment to serving customers and colleagues, making sound decisions, building for the future, taking pride in the work, and contributing to a team that plays to win.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in office, warehouse, and food-manufacturing environments. The role requires regular computer and business-system use, frequent communication, document handling, and movement between work areas. The employee may sit for approximately 75 to 80 percent of the workday and must also be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, and move throughout the facility. The role may require lifting or moving up to 50 pounds regularly and more than 50 pounds occasionally, using appropriate assistance or equipment. Warehouse and production areas may include temperature variation, noise, vehicle traffic, wet or slippery surfaces, sanitation controls, and required personal protective equipment. Specific lifting frequency, equipment use, and environmental exposure should be confirmed through Safety and HR review.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & POSITION PROFILE NOTICE

South Chicago Packing is committed to equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law and Company policy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, provided the accommodation does not create an undue hardship on the Company. This profile summarizes the general nature and level of work and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The Company may modify, interpret, or apply this profile as business needs require.

Benefits for this role include: Medical, vision, dental, discretionary bonus up to 6% (50% personal performance based & 50% company performance), 401(k) with matching up to a max of 4% and 120 hours PTO in the 1st 12 months.