Salary: $26-$31/hr
Role Summary
The Inventory Specialist II owns procurement and inventory execution for all active production programs. You will manage the full lifecycle of manufacturing orders, maintain inventory accuracy, execute purchasing activities, and keep vendor relationships tight. This is a hands-on role in a fast-moving, small organization. You are expected to move between procurement, kitting, receiving, and ERP data integrity without waiting for direction.
Core Responsibilities
Procurement & Vendor Management
- Execute all purchasing activities: prepare, process, and track purchase orders; facilitate quote requests; negotiate lead times and fundamental procurement terms with suppliers.
- Ensure material availability by liaising with vendors to confirm delivery timelines, expedite delayed orders, and resolve shipment or invoice discrepancies.
- Administer returns, warranty claims, and damaged merchandise in coordination with established suppliers.
Manufacturing Order Lifecycle
- Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of all manufacturing orders: generation, kitting, progress tracking, and final reconciliation and closure in the ERP system.
- Pull and verify kits against BOM callouts before releasing to the floor; coordinate with production on short kits and communicate timing impacts.
Inventory Accuracy & ERP Integrity
- Strategically procure and manage OTS and non-custom components to maintain optimal stock levels in support of all manufacturing schedules.
- Monitor daily stock levels and consumption trends to inform near-term material forecasting; execute routine cycle counts and physical inventory events.
- Maintain ERP data integrity across inventory records, warehouse locations, supplier databases, contractual documentation, and item master data.
Receiving & Logistics Coordination
- Coordinate inbound material movements, receiving operations, and international shipping requirements with warehouse, logistics, and production teams.
- Perform incoming inspection per receiving procedures: verify quantities, part numbers, and certifications against purchase order documentation; quarantine and disposition nonconforming material.
Required Qualifications
- 13 years of experience in procurement or inventory management, preferably in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency with ERP systems for inventory control, MO management, and data maintenance.
- Direct experience kitting to work orders and verifying kit completeness against BOMs.
- Exceptional attention to detail in purchase order processing and data entry.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace.
- Ability to work effectively across functions without heavy supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ITAR-controlled inventory and material handling documentation.
- Exposure to AS9100 or similar quality management system requirements, particularly receiving inspection and nonconforming material disposition.
- APICS CPIM coursework or equivalent supply chain fundamentals training.
- Experience supporting NPI kitting and first-article material coordination.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills for building and maintaining effective vendor relationships.
What Success Looks Like at 90 Days
- All open purchase orders are tracked and current; no supplier delivery surprises hitting the floor without prior escalation.
- Manufacturing orders are kitting clean. No production shortages attributable to kit pull error or record inaccuracy.
- Cycle count program is running on cadence with discrepancies resolved within 48 hours.
- ERP item records reflect current supplier lead times and accurate stock levels.
- Incoming receipts are inspected and dispositioned within one business day.