Inventory Control Associate (Forklift Certified)

Schedule:6 Day Work Week
Site Address:6500 W 51st St Chicago IL 60638
Salary:$20 - $23/ hour

The ICQA Associate is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records identifying and resolving discrepancies and ensuring product integrity within the warehouse. This role requires hands-on experience with ERP/WMS systems gap reporting FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation and certified forklift operation. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of two years of direct warehouse experience in each core area and is detail-oriented solutions-driven and comfortable working in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Key Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Cycle Counts

• Conduct daily weekly and monthly cycle counts and full physical inventories
• Identify and locate discrepancies between physical counts and ERP/WMS system records

• Systematically investigate root causes of variances using system data and floor audits
• Determine whether discrepancies are due to receiving errors mis-picks damage theft or system entry issues

• Take appropriate corrective action upon finding a discrepancy including inventory adjustments transfers and write-offs following standard operating procedures
• Report all discrepancies accurately and in a timely manner within the ERP system ensuring proper documentation for audit trails

• Generate interpret and present gap reports to identify patterns and recurring variances
• Create gap reports from scratch when required summarizing findings and recommended actions for management review

• Resolve discrepancies end-to-end: from identification and investigation through correction and verification in the system
• Maintain accurate records of lot numbers expiration dates and FIFO/FEFO rotation
• Monitor and manage slow-moving near-expiry and damaged inventory

• Demonstrate working knowledge of FIFO (First In First Out) ; ensuring that the oldest received product is always picked shipped or consumed first
• Apply FIFO principles consistently across all storage locations to minimize waste and product expiration
• Identify and flag product that is out of FIFO rotation sequence and take corrective action
• Support receiving and picking teams in maintaining proper rotation at the point of putaway and selection

• Operate sit-down and/or reach forklifts safely in a warehouse environment
• Use forklift equipment to support cycle counts inventory moves and putaway/retrieval operations
• Comply with all forklift safety protocols pre-shift inspections and site-specific operating procedures
• Valid forklift certification required; minimum 2 years of hands-on forklift experience in a warehouse setting

• Maintain complete and accurate inventory records inspection logs and discrepancy reports
• Generate daily and weekly inventory variance and shrinkage reports for management review
• Document and track corrective actions (CAPAs) resulting from inventory investigations
• Prepare traceability records to support internal audits and regulatory inquiries

• Coordinate with receiving picking and shipping teams to ensure inventory accuracy throughout the facility
• Communicate inventory holds product releases and discrepancy findings to warehouse supervisors
• Participate in root cause analysis for recurring inventory issues
• Support onboarding and training of new associates on inventory procedures and ERP system use

• Experience in food distribution cold chain logistics or perishable goods warehousing
• Familiarity with HACCP GMP or FSMA food safety frameworks
• Experience supporting SQF BRC or similar third-party audits
• Strong Microsoft Office skills particularly Excel for variance tracking and reporting