Buyer Inventory Control Analyst Jobs in California

Overview

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Inventory Control Supervisor is responsible for leading all receiving, inventory accuracy and cycle count activities within the distribution center. This role ensures the integrity of inventory records through structured receiving and cycle counting programs, variance investigations, root cause analysis, process improvements, and team leadership. The supervisor partners closely with Operations, Quality, Customer Service, and Supply Chain teams to maintain inventory accuracy, reduce discrepancies, and support operational excellence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements describe the general nature and scope of work performed in this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or tasks, as additional duties may be assigned. This description outlines the minimum qualifications required for entry into the position and may not reflect the full range of qualifications held by current incumbents. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Cycle Count Program Management (Primary Focus)- This role as approximately 60-70% focused on inventory accuracy

• Lead and manage the facility's cycle count program to achieve inventory accuracy targets.
• Execute daily, weekly, monthly, and annual cycle counting schedules based on ABC inventory classifications.
• Supervise and coach Cycle Count associates
• Monitor count completion, accuracy, and productivity metrics.
• Review and validate count variances, ensuring timely and accurate adjustments.
• Conduct recounts and inventory audits for high-value, critical, or problematic inventory.
• Analyze recurring inventory discrepancies and identify root causes.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions to eliminate inventory errors.
• Lead warehouse operations to improve inventory handling and transaction accuracy.
• Ensure adherence to inventory control procedures and counting standards.
• Maintain compliance with internal controls and audit requirements.
• Lead annual physical inventory preparation and execution.
• Generate and communicate cycle count performance reports and KPIs to management.

Warehouse Inventory Accuracy & Control

• Maintain inventory accuracy levels exceeding established company targets.
• Supervise and coordinate daily receiving activities, ensuring timely unloading, inspection, accurate put-aways and receipt of raw materials, components, and supplies
• Supervise and coach Stockroom associates including training, scheduling, performance management, and cross-training initiatives
• Coordinate with Purchasing, Quality, Production, and Warehouse teams to resolve receiving discrepancies, damaged materials, and supplier-related issues.
• Maintain inventory accuracy through proper receiving transactions, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliation activities.
• Investigate inventory shortages, overages, and transaction discrepancies.
• Audit receiving, put-away, replenishment, picking, shipping, and returns processes.
• Monitor inventory movement and identify process failures affecting inventory accuracy.
• Ensure proper inventory slotting, location management, and material traceability.
• Validate inventory transactions within ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Review inventory adjustment activity and approve transactions within established authority limits.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, train, and develop Inventory Control and stockroom personnel.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Conduct performance reviews and coaching sessions.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and inventory ownership.
• Coordinate staffing and workload planning to support operational requirements.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Develop inventory accuracy dashboards and KPI reporting.
• Lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives focused on inventory integrity.
• Recommend process, system, and procedural enhancements.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:   

• 5 + years of warehouse, distribution, or inventory control experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Extensive experience managing cycle count programs and inventory audits.
• Strong understanding of inventory control principles and warehouse operations.
• Experience with ERP and Warehouse Management Systems (SAP, Oracle, JDE, Manhattan, etc.).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Proven experience performing root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, Business, or equivalent experience.
• APICS/ASCM Certification (CPIM or CSCP).
• Lean Manufacturing or Lean Distribution experience.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
• Experience in high-volume distribution or manufacturing environments.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME