Inventory Control Specialist

Inventory Control Specialist

Principal Manufacturing is seeking an Inventory Control Specialist to join our team in Broadview, IL. As a leader in fine blanking, conventional stamping and plastic injection molding, Principal Manufacturing sets itself above the competition.

The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records and material transactions across PMC’s manufacturing and warehouse operations. This position supports production, customer delivery, and financial objectives by ensuring inventory accuracy, conducting cycle counts, investigating discrepancies, and maintaining ERP system integrity.

The role works closely with warehouse personnel, production supervisors, quality, scheduling, purchasing, and accounting to ensure that raw materials, WIP, finished goods, and outside processing inventories are accurately controlled and available to support customer demand.

• Execute daily, weekly, and monthly cycle count programs.
• Perform physical inventory audits and support annual physical inventories.
• Monitor Inventory Record Accuracy (IRA) and identify root causes of discrepancies.
• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain inventory accuracy targets for raw material, WIP, and finished goods.

• Ensure timely and accurate inventory transactions in Plex ERP.
• Review and correct inventory transaction errors.
• Verify material consumption, production reporting, scrap transactions, and inventory adjustments.
• Support ERP data integrity initiatives.

• Verify proper inventory location management and inventory identification.
• Ensure FIFO compliance throughout warehouse and manufacturing areas.
• Monitor inventory movement between PMC facilities and outside processors.
• Audit material handling practices to prevent inventory losses.

• Generate inventory reports and analyze trends.
• Monitor inventory aging, obsolete inventory, and excess stock.
• Support month-end inventory reconciliation activities.
• Provide inventory-related KPI reporting to management.

• Participate in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis for inventory discrepancies.
• Assist with warehouse organization and visual management systems.
• Support improvements to inventory processes, transactions, and material flow.

• Ensure compliance with internal inventory procedures.
• Support customer, IATF, ISO, financial, and internal audits.
• Maintain documentation for inventory adjustments and reconciliation activities.
• Assist Accounting with inventory valuation and audit requirements.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field preferred.

• 2-5 years of inventory control, warehouse, logistics, or materials experience in a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with ERP systems required.
• Experience with Plex ERP preferred.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.
• Understanding of inventory management principles.
• Knowledge of cycle counting and inventory auditing techniques.
• Ability to read and interpret inventory and production reports.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

• Manufacturing and warehouse environment.
• Frequent walking between production and warehouse areas.
• Occasional lifting up to 35 pounds.
• May require occasional overtime during physical inventory activities and month-end close processes.