Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Inventory Associate

A Inventory Associate is a professional who plays a vital role in managing and maintaining inventory accuracy and efficiency within a company or organization. They are responsible for various tasks related to inventory control, including stock counting, data entry, and coordinating with other teams to ensure smooth inventory operations. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Inventory Associates.

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Main Responsibilities of an Inventory Associate

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Inventory Associate:

Adhere to

Adhere to all Company best practices and policies.
Adhere to loss prevention control and compliance procedures.

Apply

Apply quality control logic to all orders & product SKU's.

Assess

Assess, evaluate and record post production food waste.

Assist in

Assist in implementing first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation.
Assist in implementing inventory control procedures.
Assist in implementing inventory process improvements.
Assist in inventory cycle counting.
Assist in inventory forecasting and planning.
Assist in loading freight onto carrier vehicles.
Assist in receiving and put away process for new raw and packaging.
Assist in the disposal or recycling of damaged or obsolete inventory.
Assist in the preparation of inventory budgets and cost control measures.
Assist in training new inventory staff on standard procedures.
Assist reclamation department with vendor returns.
Assist the Warehouse / Inventory Manager with operations as necessary.
Assist with annual accounting / financials audit.
Assist with floor sales and customer inquiries.

Assure

Assure that work areas are kept safe, organized and clean.

Attend

Attend all weekly meeting with the Inventory Manager to discuss production for the week.
Attend regular safety training exercises and other company meetings.

Build

Build relationships with suppliers and clients.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with other departments to meet inventory needs.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance to manage market withdraws and recalls.

Communicate

Communicate clearly and accurately, verbally and in written form, in a positive manner.
Communicate with internal staff daily utilizing email, telephone and face to face.
Communicate with Inventory Manager, Purchasing Manager and others regarding inventory related issues.
Communicate with suppliers when necessary regarding order errors or concerns.

Complete

Complete or update your profile and submit your application online.
Complete other job duties as assigned by Management.
Complete shift paperwork and reports daily and accurately.

Comply with

Comply with all company health and safety policies and procedures at all times.

Conduct

Conduct cycle counts daily to help forecast potential inventory issues and correct them promptly.
Conduct inventory counting processes to ensure shipment's accuracy.
Conduct quality checks on the production lines as required by QA guidelines.
Conduct regular physical inventory counts.
Conduct regular quality checks on inventory items.
Conduct searches in order to locate misclassified inventory.

Control

Control, maintain, store, and distribute inventory materials.

Coordinate

Coordinate deliveries with internal mailroom.
Coordinate with management and back end shop staff for delivery items and schedule.
Coordinate with shipping and logistics teams for timely order fulfillment.
Coordinate with suppliers for order fulfillment.

Count

Count materials, report and reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and computer records.

Create

Create Purchase Order for inventory replenishment and supplies ordering.

Develop

Develop or improve upon inventory management activities.

Drive

Drive company truck to various locations to deliver materials.

Ensure

Ensure adequate safety stocks are maintained.
Ensure adherence to environmental management and systems.
Ensure all operations abide by HACCP / G.M.P food safety guidelines.
Ensure appropriate and timely flow of materials into and out of the production area.
Ensure each vehicle is inspected for cosmetic standards.
Ensure every employee has and uses PPE such as hand sanitizer, face masks and gloves.
Ensure materials are in proper locations.
Ensure our locations are always welcoming to customers.
Ensure proper stock rotation according to shelf life and best before dates.
Ensure proper storage and handling of inventory.
Ensure proper storage of inventory and materials in appropriate locations.
Ensure quality of incoming goods into inventory (Food and Non-Food).
Ensure stock rotation following FIFO concept.
Ensure that 100% of received inventory and returned inventory matches with shipping documents.
Ensure that company and Health and Safety policies and procedures are respected and followed.
Ensure that quantities of incoming and outgoing shipments are correct.
Ensure the accurate and secure documentation of materials and equipment.
Ensure the storage area is cleaned and organized at all times.
Ensure to complete the wekle cycle counts.

Evaluate

Evaluate and manage stock control procedures.

Execute

Execute all tasks involving inventory optimization and inventory tracking.

Feed

Feed pallets from back stock to production line.

Follow

Follow all departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensuring they are up to date.
Follow all operational procedures as directed when handling finished goods and raw materials.
Follow Food Safe practices when handling food inventory.
Follow recall procedures and act in timely manner.
Follow safety protocols in handling hazardous or delicate inventory.
Follow safe work practices and procedures, and ensure a "safety first” culture.
Follow written or oral instructions / priorities regarding daily tasks and job duties.

Forecast

Forecast needs for consumables and packaging material.

Foresee

Foresee and ensure availability of goods for min.

Generate

Generate and analyze inventory reports.

Handle

Handle customer inquiries related to inventory availability.

Help

Help put away product from receiving as needed.
Help with physical and manual tasks as needed.

Identify

Identify, and correct any stock discrepancy in a timely manner and informs Inventory Manager.

Inspire

Inspire and develop others with their vision and sense of purpose.

Investigate

Investigate inventory discrepancies.

Keep

Keep files of goods shipped and received by preparing regular shipping and receiving reports.
Keep track of the expiry dates of all our products.

Label

Label and put away stock items.

Learn

Learn about delivering great customer experiences from an expert team.

Lift

Lift product off shelves (up to 50 lbs.).

Load

Load and unload delivery truck by hand or by use of forklift.

Locate

Locate correct supplies using the supply list.

Log

Log and track deliveries and vehicle inventory.

Maintain

Maintain accurate records of incoming products.
Maintain a clean and safe workplace.
Maintain a clean work are at all times.
Maintain and update inventory records.
Maintain a steady knowledge of all locations of product and lot numbers in back stock.
Maintain client confidentiality and respects patient privacy.
Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
Maintain custody receipts for items being repaired and loaned out temporarily.
Maintain delivery truck in a safe, clean and optimal condition.
Maintain housekeeping standards in production areas to company expectations.
Maintain in-process inventory at work centers by delivering and opening materials and supplies.
Maintain inventory accuracy and integrity.
Maintain inventory by identifying, labeling, and placing materials and supplies in stock.
Maintain inventory storage space.
Maintain multiple Excel and Word documents provided to various departments.
Maintain positive relationships with external repair and supply vendors.
Maintain safety while using equipment and tools.
Maintain strong merchandising principles.

Manage

Manage debit note product and shipment to meet financial requirement.
Manage the inventory stock system.

Mark

Mark reels, cartons or other containers with identifying information if and when required.

Monitor

Monitor and complete product price changes as needed.
Monitor and ensure accuray of all inventory transactions.
Monitor and manage product transfers between stores.
Monitor expiration dates of perishable inventory items.
Monitor inventory transactions to ensure accuracy.
Monitor non-food (packaging) items and forecast accordingly.
Monitor product freshness and quality, with focus on customer satisfaction.
Monitor stock levels and initiate replenishment orders.

Move

Move cars around the site so they are available for customers to view.
Move ingredients from receiving dock to storage area.

Order

Order processing – picking, packing, loading and unloading.

Organize

Organize and label inventory items.

Package

Package and process documentation for shipping.

Participate in

Participate in a variety of day-to-day tasks within the warehouse.
Participate in inventory audits.
Participate in the identification and prioritization of the improvement projects.

Perform

Perform analysis of inventory throughout the production life cycle.
Perform cycle counts and reserve checks to ensure an accurate inventory.
Perform, delegate and direct daily volumes to meet production requirements.
Perform field inventory audits.
Perform inventory counts as required.
Perform Inventory Reconciliation on vehicles.
Perform other job-related uties as assigned.
Perform regular cycle counts and maintain count accuracy.
Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
Perform the physical listing and delisting's and rezoning's of products.

Pick

Pick, kit, and deliver inventory items to appropriate departments.
Pick, stage and deliver materials based on upcoming work orders to production areas as required.
Pick up goods from suppliers within the lower mainland.

Prepare

Prepare and maintain documentation related to inventory transactions.
Prepare and move vehicles around the Inspection Center for distribution to retail.
Prepare paperwork and reports to provide a complete, accurate record of production activities.
Prepare Shipments as required.
Prepare shipments going out and ensure proper packaged to not damage parts.

Process

Process all necessary documents for transporting goods.
Process incoming products into inventory and update ERP system (Dynamics AX).
Process individual items for FedEx and UPS.
Process inventory stock adjustments.
Process picking orders within an ERP inventory warehouse environment.
Process receiving discrepancies (ex. shortages, overages, and damages).

Provide

Provide backup support to other Distribution Center personnel as needed.
Provide exceptional customer service.
Provide exceptional customer service and act as a first point of contact during zoned periods.
Provide inventory control reports as required.
Provide reports on inaccuracies in orders and inventory levels to the store Manager.

Put away

Put away product to their inventory locations while making sure of the inventory accuracy.

Receive

Receive all incoming materials and deliveries and ship all outgoing materials.
Receive products from our suppliers and ensure the quality and physical count matches the purchase.
Receive return materials from production by verifying materials.

Reconcile

Reconcile discrepancies in inventory records.

Redistribute

Redistribute and decant products from larger containers to smaller containers.

Replenish

Replenish the Production team with parts throughout the day.

Review

Review processes and make recommendations as needed.
Review / QC / inspect products against orders prior to releasing to next process.

Run

Run operational equipment for production lines to meet scheduled requirements and customer orders.

Scan

Scan supplies using scanner and verify on supply list.

Schedule

Schedule and execute weekly physical inventory counts for all Food and Non-Food items.

Send

Send receipt acknowledgement of recalls to National Recall Coordinator.

Set-up

Set-up new items in multiple inventory system(s).

Sort

Sort and store items according to established procedures.
Sort packages for distribution to returns clerks and departments.

Store

Store products to their inventory locations while making sure of the inventory accuracy.

Support

Support Accounts Payable & Purchasing in resolving invoice discrepancies.
Support across other areas of the retail store as needed.
Support internal / external customer requests and respond timely.
Support in the seamless operations of all aspects of the retail space.
Support the collection and flow of required monthly reporting for CRA and Health Canada.
Support with strategically placing product in the backroom.

Track

Track and analyze supplier performance and waste management.
Track cycle count, compile other inventory related reports.
Track inventory movement and turnover rates.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot shipping issues and customer complaints that arise and work to solve them.

Unload

Unload and receive all incoming deliveries.

Update

Update and maintain inventory databases.
Update database with incoming materials.

Uphold

Uphold safety and quality standards set by the Company and industry while performing tasks.

Use

Use inventory management software for data entry and reporting.

Utilize

Utilize electronic order picker to pull and deliver product SKU's to warehouse areas.
Utilize Factory Talk to process cycle counts on bulk raw materials.
Utilize protective devices — straps, etc.—to prevent damage to items during transport if required.

Verify

Verify accuracy of incoming shipments.
Verify accuracy of orders pulled.
Verify and inspect incoming shipments.
Verify and validate that ingredients are placed in the right place.
Verify inventory and remove affected recalled products.

Work with

Work directly with vendors on receiving discrepancies and damaged product.
Work will take place inside a large storage facility.
Work with Central Sterile staff in hospitals to ensure accuracy of inventory.
Work with transportation team to report and reconcile delivery issues.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Inventory Associate:

Proficiency in using inventory management software and systems.
Competence in data entry and accuracy in inventory record-keeping.
Understanding of supply chain and logistics principles.
Familiarity with inventory control methods and techniques.
Knowledge of inventory costing and valuation methods.
Competence in conducting data analysis for inventory reporting.
Understanding of inventory forecasting and demand planning.
Knowledge of safety regulations and protocols for handling inventory.
Proficiency in using barcode scanners and RFID technology.
Competence in using Microsoft Excel for data manipulation and analysis.
Understanding of inventory process improvement methodologies.
Knowledge of industry-specific inventory management practices.
Familiarity with international shipping and customs procedures.
Competence in conducting inventory audits and cycle counts.
Understanding of inventory control in a multi-location environment.
Knowledge of inventory tracking and monitoring techniques.
Competence in using ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
Proficiency in using data visualization tools for inventory reporting.
Understanding of inventory performance metrics and KPIs.
Competence in implementing inventory control best practices.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Inventory Associate:

Strong organizational and time management skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in inventory tasks.
Effective communication and interpersonal abilities.
Problem-solving and analytical skills for addressing inventory challenges.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic inventory environment.
Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Teamwork and collaboration for cross-functional coordination.
Proactive and self-motivated approach to inventory tasks.
Customer service orientation for addressing client inquiries and concerns.
Strong work ethic and commitment to inventory accuracy.

Conclusion

Inventory Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient and accurate inventory operations within an organization. By possessing a combination of technical expertise, practical skills, and personal qualities, these professionals can effectively manage inventory and contribute to the overall success of the supply chain.