Purchaser Inventory Control Jobs in Olivette, MO

Job Description

Job Title: Inventory Control Manager

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Direct Report(s): Inventory Control Coordinator, Scheduling and Receiving Coordinator, Receiving Coordinator(s), and Receiving Associate(s)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Location: 70 Corporate Woods Dr., Bridgeton, MO 63044

Position Summary: The Inventory Control Manager is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and efficient management of inventory throughout the St. Louis Area Foodbank's distribution network. This role oversees all perpetual and par inventory locations and ensures food and related products are received, stored, tracked, and distributed in accordance with organizational standards and food safety requirements. The Inventory Control Manager leads inventory control operations, including cycle counts, inventory reconciliations, adjustments, and the annual physical inventory process, while identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain accurate inventory records. This position works closely with Operations, Acquisitions, and Distribution teams to support efficient warehouse operations and product availability. In all aspects of the role, the Inventory Control Manager promotes a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, exceptional service, and commitment to the St. Louis Area Foodbank's mission.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, document, and continuously improve inventory control and receiving policies, procedures, workflows, and reporting practices.
• Collaborate effectively with Receiving, Shipping, Acquisitions, Distribution, and other operational teams to ensure accurate tracking and management of inventory movement, including receipts, distributions, transfers, and adjustments.
• Establish and maintain quality control standards for inventory data, including item setup, coding standards, lot tracking, purchased product tracking, and system accuracy.
• Develop and monitor internal controls to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all inventory transactions and inventory movement throughout the organization.
• Ensure all inbound product receipts are accurately processed and entered into the inventory management system within established service level expectations.
• Lead and coordinate the annual physical inventory process, ensuring accurate counts, reconciliation, documentation, and reporting.
• Manage and oversee cycle count programs, conducting routine inventory audits and validating inventory accuracy for donated, purchased, and government-provided products.
• Investigate, reconcile, and resolve inventory discrepancies in a timely manner, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that enhance inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, and inventory reconciliation practices.
• Review, approve, and process inventory adjustments while ensuring appropriate documentation and audit compliance.
• Ensure inventory records, audits, and reporting activities are completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with organizational standards.
• Utilize First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory management practices to minimize spoilage, maximize product freshness, and reduce waste across dry, refrigerated, and frozen inventory.
• Monitor food recalls and lead recall response activities in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Promote and reinforce a culture of workplace safety, food safety, and operational excellence.
• Provide operational support and cross-functional collaboration with the Shipping Department and other warehouse functions as needed.
• Leverage inventory management systems and technology, including ERP platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365, to support accurate inventory control and reporting.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of two to three years of supervisory or leadership experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, distribution, logistics, or a related environment required.
• Experience managing inventory accuracy, cycle count programs, inventory reconciliation, and physical inventory processes required.
• Experience with ERP and inventory management systems required; experience with Microsoft Dynamics NAV/365 strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a food distribution, food manufacturing, nonprofit, or high-volume warehouse environment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of inventory control principles, warehouse operations, product tracking, and inventory auditing practices.
• Proficiency in basic mathematical calculations and inventory reconciliation.
• Advanced organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and consistently produce accurate work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel; intermediate Excel skills strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and organizational levels.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and lead within a team-oriented environment.
• Skilled in the safe operation of warehouse equipment, including forklifts and pallet riders.
• Food Defense Certification preferred or the ability to obtain certification after hire.
• Passion for the St. Louis Area Foodbank mission and the ability to demonstrate the organization's EPIC Values: Evolve, People-Centric, Integrity, and Courage.

Additional Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.

Work Schedule

This role is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Flexibility is required to support operational needs, including occasional evenings, weekends, and special events to ensure timely and accurate distribution of product.

Work Environment

The St. Louis Area Foodbank operates on a dynamic, single-campus environment that brings together our office spaces, warehouse, Volunteer Center, and Agency Dock-all in one location. Work is performed in an active warehouse setting that supports the daily movement and distribution of food across our region. This role involves regular walking on concrete surfaces and working in a variety of conditions, including areas that may be warm in the summer and cooler in the winter. Responsibilities may include entering refrigerated and freezer spaces as part of normal operations.

The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, with exposure to equipment such as pallet jacks and other motorized vehicles, as well as varying noise levels and occasional dust. Work may also include time outdoors and handling a range of product conditions, including damaged goods.

This role requires frequent physical activity, including lifting, bending, stooping, and moving items up to 75 pounds, as well as pushing and pulling palletized loads using manual equipment.

The Impact You'll Make

At the St. Louis Area Foodbank, every role contributes to building a stronger bi-state region by nourishing people, empowering communities, and transforming systems. Guided by our EPIC values-Empower, People-Centric, Integrity, and Courage-we show up each day committed to making a meaningful difference for those we serve and for one another.

Working alongside nearly 600 hunger-relief partners, we help provide food and support to more than 400,000 people each year across 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois. As the region's leading organization in food distribution and hunger relief, we act with integrity to strengthen the network of agencies and programs addressing hunger, and we have the courage to challenge the status quo in pursuit of greater impact. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven organization where you are empowered to contribute your skills, ideas, and passion to create lasting change throughout the region

What We Can Offer You

At the St. Louis Area Foodbank, we lead with a people-centric approach, ensuring dignity and compassion are at the heart of every interaction and decision. Our commitment to culture is reflected through employee-led groups like our Culture Workgroup and Employee Experience Committee, where voices are heard, ideas are valued, and continuous improvement is part of how we work together.

In addition to meaningful work that supports our community, we offer a competitive total rewards package designed to support you both personally and professionally, including:

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Generous paid time off, including PTO, floating holidays, a birthday holiday, and occasional early release days
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Company-paid life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Social Responsibility Statement

You are welcome at the St. Louis Area Foodbank (SLAFB) for who you are. At the SLAFB, we strive to empower our team to embrace and celebrate who they are. We cultivate a fair work environment that fosters belonging and respects and values people with varied backgrounds, demographics, identities and disabilities. Doing so strengthens our organization, cultivates a culture where everyone feels valued and can bring their best selves to the SLAFB. This enables us to nourish people, empower communities, and transform systems. At the SLAFB, we cultivate a respectful and empowered workplace that embraces a broad range of lived experiences and viewpoints. We are committed to building a team that reflects the neighbors and communities we serve in the bi-state region to enhance engagement and connectivity with all key stakeholders.

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Performance of other duties may be requested. Evaluations will be in part based upon performance of the tasks listed in this job description. St. Louis Area Foodbank has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract.