Inventory Clerk - Level 1

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members who share the same vision. Join the Panasonic Energy team as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory and contributing to the future of electric vehicles.

About the role

As an Inventory Clerk – Level 1, you will be responsible for accurate data entry and recordkeeping of inventory transactions, including receipts, transfers, production usage, and adjustments. This role supports effective inventory control through timely reconciliations, reporting, and discrepancy resolution to ensure material accuracy and availability. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to support production continuity while maintaining quality and safety standards. This position upholds compliance with company policies, 6S principles, and all relevant inventory and documentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Accurately enter and track inventory receipts, transfers, usage, adjustments, lot codes, and component usage.
• Maintain inventory balance reports, safety stock, demand rates, and track canceled or reduced purchase orders.
• Order and maintain production supply materials to support uninterrupted production.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment within the functional area.
• Assist with monthly and year-end physical inventory counts and verify counts against system records.
• Conduct weekly reconciliations for spare parts and support scrap/recovery processes.
• Identify and document inventory discrepancies and escalate findings for resolution.
• Generate and distribute inventory, production, shipping, and receiving reports on time.
• Share standard work knowledge and support onboarding or task-level training for peers under guidance.
• Communicate with production, engineering, and maintenance teams to resolve inventory or quality issues in a timely manner.
• Respond to inventory-related inquiries and assist other departments as needed.
• Follow all quality standards, safety protocols, and company policies, including 6S.
• Report quality concerns or deviations promptly to supervisors or engineering staff.
• Support proper implementation of processes and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area and wear required PPE.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in a functional area.
• 0–1 year of experience in a manufacturing or inventory environment.
• Basic communication and problem-solving skills.
• Safety-conscious mindset and willingness to follow established procedures.
• Ability to operate or obtain certification for forklift, electric pallet jack, and manual pallet jack (training can be provided).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) or willingness to learn.
• Working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven core principles: contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• Forklift/Electric Pallet Jack Certification.
• OSHA Safety Training or similar.
• 1–2 years of inventory experience within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to team coordination or collaborative projects.
• Experience with lithium-ion battery manufacturing or related industries.
• Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement and process adherence.

Physical Demands

Physical activities during the normal workday:

• Sit: 20%
• Walk: 40%
• Stand: 40%

Required lifting and carrying frequency:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 35 lbs.: Continuous
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, including a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit with a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

Benefits

• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options, including family planning, mental health, and pet insurance.
• Employee assistance programs supporting total well-being with complimentary sessions offered monthly.
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program starting immediately from date of enrollment.
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, and quarterly/annual employee recognition.
• Self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning.
• Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program.
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups promoting representation and belonging.
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs at all levels across the organization.

About Us

At Panasonic Energy, we are dedicated to transforming the world through sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us toward a greener future. Located in De Soto, Kansas, our new facility will be the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory, offering opportunities for career growth and innovation. We foster an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.