Retail Inventory Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Purpose: The Inventory Specialist at Chicago O'Hare International Airport Distribution Center located at 2447 East Higgins Ro Elk Grove Village, IL , executes inventory control procedures across retail operations within assigned location/airport, ensuring accurate stock tracking, proper inventory handling, and efficient supply chain support. This role supports inventory control activities that contribute to sales objectives while minimizing shrink and supporting profitability through diligent inventory execution and analysis. 

Essential Functions: 

• Executes comprehensive inventory tracking using computerized software (SAP) to support business operations, maintain accurate stock records, and ensure inventory accuracy across assigned retail locations 

• Conducts routine analysis to identify inventory discrepancies, assists with sales reports reconciliation against physical inventory, and reports on activities and variances to Retail Inventory Manager or designated supervisor 

• Communicates inventory status updates and order issues to warehouse personnel; inspects incoming inventory for quality standards and processes returns of overstock, defective, or expired items according to established procedures 

• Assists in ordering supplies based on inventory analysis and established reorder points; provides input on inventory needs based on sales data analysis and supports inventory control procedure execution 

• Implements inventory control procedures and best practices to minimize shrink; conducts physical counts of products and supplies while ensuring compliance with company policies across assigned locations 

• Identifies and reports discrepancies between inventory records and sales data promptly; supports business activities relating to store inventory control under management supervision 

• Assists in analyzing inventory turnover rates, shrink patterns, and stock levels; supports implementation of inventory level adjustments based on seasonal trends and sales data 

• Supports merchandising teams with planogram execution and product placement activities; monitors assigned inventory metrics including stock levels and product rotation 

• Executes inventory procedures and operational tasks while developing knowledge of retail products, inventory systems, and merchandising principles to support business objectives 

Reporting Relationship & Role Information: 

• The position typically reports to the Retail Inventory Manager or designated supervisor within the assigned location 

• The Inventory Specialist position as described falls under the Fair Labor Standards Act as a Non-Exempt position 

• The Inventory Specialist position requires flexible scheduling to support inventory management activities and may include early morning, evening, or weekend work to conduct inventory counts and support store operations 

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Work Environment: 

• Education and Experience: The combination of education and professional experience must exceed 3 years: 

• • In a technical role: Requires 2+ years of inventory management, warehouse operations, or retail stock control experience engaged in executing inventory control and stock management activities 

• • A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or related program can count for 1 of the 3 of the year requirement 

• • In the industry: 1-3 years of Retail operations, inventory management, warehouse operations, and/or supply chain experience preferred 

• Specialized Training: 

• • Basic proficiency in inventory management software systems, specifically SAP 

• • Knowledge of retail safety and inventory control procedures 

• • Training in basic inventory control procedures and loss prevention awareness 

• Specialized Skillset/Competencies/Traits: 

• • Working knowledge of retail inventory management, stock control procedures, and loss prevention principles; proficiency in inventory management software (SAP), basic reporting tools, and data entry systems with ability to understand inventory metrics including turnover rates, stock levels, and basic shrink analysis 

• • Understanding of retail supply chain operations and basic procurement processes; demonstrates inventory management aptitude required to execute inventory procedures and support supply chain operations effectively 

• • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with retail business operations, vendor partners, warehouse personnel, and store management teams; exhibits strong work ethic and ability to follow direction while developing inventory management skills 

• • Strong attention to detail with good organizational and time management capabilities; can read and interpret basic sales and inventory reports with clear communication skills while demonstrating ability to execute inventory procedures and support cost control initiatives 

• • Possesses working knowledge of retail products and inventory systems with ability to collaborate effectively across departments and locations to support business objectives 

• Physical Requirements: 

• • Ability to walk extensively throughout warehouses and retail locations for extended periods 

• • Lift, carry, and move inventory items up to 50 pounds regularly 

• • Visual acuity to review inventory records, conduct physical counts, and analyze basic reports 

• • Work in varying warehouse and retail environments with different temperature and noise levels