Inventory Control Associate: (Forklift Certified)

Schedule: 6 Day Work Week
Site Address: 6500 W 51st St Chicago, IL 60638
Salary: $20 - $23/ hour

The ICQA Associate is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, identifying and resolving discrepancies, and ensuring product integrity within the warehouse. This role requires hands-on experience with ERP/WMS systems, gap reporting, FIFO/FEFO inventory rotation, and certified forklift operation. The ideal candidate brings a minimum of two years of direct warehouse experience in each core area and is detail-oriented, solutions-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced distribution environment.

Key Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Cycle Counts

• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts and full physical inventories
• Identify and locate discrepancies between physical counts and ERP/WMS system records

• Systematically investigate root causes of variances using system data and floor audits
• Determine whether discrepancies are due to receiving errors, mis-picks, damage, theft, or system entry issues

• Take appropriate corrective action upon finding a discrepancy — including inventory adjustments, transfers, and write-offs — following standard operating procedures
• Report all discrepancies accurately and in a timely manner within the ERP system, ensuring proper documentation for audit trails

• Generate, interpret, and present gap reports to identify patterns and recurring variances
• Create gap reports from scratch when required, summarizing findings and recommended actions for management review

• Resolve discrepancies end-to-end: from identification and investigation through correction and verification in the system
• Maintain accurate records of lot numbers, expiration dates, and FIFO/FEFO rotation
• Monitor and manage slow-moving, near-expiry, and damaged inventory

• Demonstrate working knowledge of FIFO (First In, First Out) ; ensuring that the oldest received product is always picked, shipped, or consumed first
• Apply FIFO principles consistently across all storage locations to minimize waste and product expiration
• Identify and flag product that is out of FIFO rotation sequence and take corrective action
• Support receiving and picking teams in maintaining proper rotation at the point of putaway and selection

• Operate sit-down and/or reach forklifts safely in a warehouse environment
• Use forklift equipment to support cycle counts, inventory moves, and putaway/retrieval operations
• Comply with all forklift safety protocols, pre-shift inspections, and site-specific operating procedures
• Valid forklift certification required; minimum 2 years of hands-on forklift experience in a warehouse setting

• Maintain complete and accurate inventory records, inspection logs, and discrepancy reports
• Generate daily and weekly inventory variance and shrinkage reports for management review
• Document and track corrective actions (CAPAs) resulting from inventory investigations
• Prepare traceability records to support internal audits and regulatory inquiries

• Coordinate with receiving, picking, and shipping teams to ensure inventory accuracy throughout the facility
• Communicate inventory holds, product releases, and discrepancy findings to warehouse supervisors
• Participate in root cause analysis for recurring inventory issues
• Support onboarding and training of new associates on inventory procedures and ERP system use

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferred

Minimum 2 years of experience in a warehouse environment

Minimum 2 years hands-on experience conducting cycle counts and reconciling inventory within a warehouse setting

Minimum 2 years experience locating, investigating, and resolving inventory discrepancies

Minimum 2 years of working experience with ERP or Warehouse Management System (WMS) software; must be proficient in reporting discrepancies and processing adjustments within the system

Minimum 2 years experience reading, interpreting, and creating inventory gap reports; must be able to explain findings and recommend corrective actions

Minimum 2 years experience applying First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory rotation principles in a warehouse or distribution environment

Minimum 2 years of certified forklift experience in a warehouse setting; valid forklift certification required at time of hire

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods

• Experience in food distribution, cold chain logistics, or perishable goods warehousing
• Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, or FSMA food safety frameworks
• Experience supporting SQF, BRC, or similar third-party audits
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for variance tracking and reporting