Specialist, Inventory

About the Organization

The Capital Area Food Bank works to address hunger today and create brighter futures tomorrow for more than a million people across the region experiencing food insecurity. As the anchor in the area’s hunger relief infrastructure, the food bank provided more than 60 million meals to people in need last year, by supplying food to hundreds of nonprofit organizations as well as directly to the community. Creating long-term solutions to food security requires more than just food: it includes addressing the root causes of food insecurity by partnering with organizations that provide critical services like job training programs, health care, and education. To learn more, visit Food Bank for the Washington, DC, Region | Capital Area Food Bank.

Description

The Inventory Specialist – NOVA is responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, organization, and traceability of inventory at the Capital Area Food Bank’s NOVA distribution facility. This position serves as the primary day-to-day inventory control resource for the NOVA warehouse and ensures physical inventory aligns with system inventory. The role involves performing cycle counts, researching and resolving discrepancies, monitoring inventory transactions and warehouse locations, supporting receiving and put-away accuracy, coordinating replenishment, and ensuring inventory is properly identified and controlled throughout the warehouse.

The Inventory Specialist works closely with NOVA Warehouse Operations leadership and employees, Receiving, Order Fulfillment, Food Resources, Programs, ERP/Systems, and other internal partners to identify and resolve inventory issues before they impact order fulfillment or distribution. This is a hands-on warehouse position requiring regular physical inventory verification and direct engagement on the warehouse floor. The Inventory Specialist proactively identifies inventory risks, investigates root causes, recommends corrective actions, and maintains continuous audit readiness.

Essential Functions

• Inventory Control & Accuracy: Perform cycle counts, physical inventory, receiving and put-away control, replenishment, location oversight, inventory reconciliation, discrepancy resolution, order fulfillment verification, product rotation, and system transaction accuracy.
• Audit & Compliance Support: Maintain inventory records and warehouse conditions for continuous audit readiness, support internal and external audits, provide inventory documentation, assist with corrective actions, follow regulatory requirements, and escalate risks.
• Communication & Operational Partnership: Provide guidance on inventory procedures, coordinate with cross-functional teams, support employee training, operate material-handling equipment, and follow safety and sanitation requirements.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred. Minimum 2–3 years of inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain experience. ERP/WMS systems experience required; NetSuite and food distribution experience preferred.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Inventory Control & Accuracy: Cycle counting, inventory reconciliation, lot/expiration tracking, and discrepancy resolution.
  • Systems & Data Management: Proficiency in ERP/WMS, inventory reporting, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Problem Solving: Root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
  • Organization & Attention to Detail: Managing multiple priorities with accuracy.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Cross-functional partnership and training support.
  • Accountability & Continuous Improvement: Ownership of inventory integrity and process enhancements.
• Preferred Qualifications: 3+ years of inventory control experience, preferably in food distribution or regulated environments. NetSuite experience strongly preferred. Strong analytical skills and audit/compliance experience.
• Other Skills & Abilities: Attention to detail, effective communication, independent problem-solving, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, and move in a warehouse environment, including refrigerated and freezer areas.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds; handle inventory and warehouse materials safely.
• Work around forklifts, pallet jacks, and moving equipment while following safety procedures and using PPE.

Reporting

Senior Manager, NoVA

Compensation

$56,700 to $69,300 annually

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with occasional weekends or extended hours for special events.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applicants must apply online. No walk-in applications or status updates. To check application status, log in to your Paycom Applicant account.