Inventory Specialist

About Hawkins

Hawkins, Inc. is a formulator, manufacturer, blender, distributer, and sales agent for thousands of industrial chemicals and reagent grade laboratory chemicals sold to municipalities and businesses throughout the Central United States. Thousands across a variety of industries have depended on Hawkins for the chemical products they need since 1938.

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ABOUT THE JOB

This role provides advanced expertise in inventory management, system operations, and process optimization to support WTG branches. As a subject matter expert in the JDE inventory system, this role plays a key role in developing, maintaining, and training staff on accurate and efficient inventory processes.

Partners closely with Planning, Production, Accounting, IT, and branch operations to ensure inventory accuracy, resolve complex issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives. May perform advanced administrative and analytical tasks that support efficient operations across the division.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Inventory Systems & Process Expertise
• Serve as the JDE subject matter expert, including advanced troubleshooting and process optimization.
• Operate, monitor, and support all JDE inventory-related functions.
• Train WTG personnel on JDE processes, including in-person, virtual, group, and on the spot training.
• Identify errors in JDE transactions, correct data issues, and develop process improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Assist newly acquired WTG branch locations in onboarding and learning JDE inventory processes.
• Review and update customer price changes in JDE to ensure accuracy in downstream inventory and order processing functions.

Inventory Management

• Provide inventory support to all WTG branches, ensuring accuracy.
• Collaborate and troubleshoot to improve processes in partnership with Planning and Production in Hawkins Operations.
• Ensure proper management of inventory levels.
• Administer and manage cycle-counts to improve inventory accuracy.
• Lead and coordinate annual year end physical inventory counts.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Research dead and slow-moving inventory and recommend disposition or process changes.
• Create and process work orders as needed.
• Complete inventory adjustments in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide detailed inventory reporting and analytics to support operational decision-making.
• Set up new products in the inventory system, ensuring accurate coding and alignment with business rules.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex inventory issues in collaboration with branch staff, sales, corporate partners, and IT.

Planning & Coordination

• Work with branches to monitor, maintain, and manage stock and safety-stock levels
• Collaborate with Purchasing/Planning to ensure adequate inventory availability across all locations.
• Order and manage intercompany material to support operational needs.
• Support cross functional initiatives with Planning, Production, Accounting, and IT to improve inventory accuracy and operational efficiency.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Provide support related to inventory processes, reporting, documentation, and system updates.
• Assist with developing, updating and implementing training materials and process documentation.
• Review and revise business processes to increase accuracy, efficiency, and usability.
• Maintain pricing and related inventory data within systems.
• Support the management of office supplies and administrative resources as needed.
• Dispatch Coordination (as needed)
• Coordinate with the transportation department and carriers to dispatch loads.
• Perform miscellaneous inventory- or logistics related duties as needed.

ABOUT YOU:

• High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary coursework preferred.
• Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with JDE or similar ERP systems.
• Strong inventory control and inventory system experience.
• Demonstrated ability to train others effectively.
• Strong administrative skills, attention to detail
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and take initiative.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external customers
• Understanding of chemical handling or chemical industry processes highly desired.
• Ability to perform basic math and research.
• Keyboarding proficiency.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle materials, and reach with arms.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

TRAVEL

Travel up to 5%.

Shift Hours: 7:00am-3:30pm

Hawkins offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and…