Temporary Inventory Systems & Warehouse Optimization Specialist (Contract)

Job Description Description:Position OverviewAustin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) is seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Inventory Systems & Warehouse Optimization Specialist to assess, correct, and optimize our inventory management system and warehouse operations.This contractor will take ownership of cleaning up our current inventory data, reconciling physical counts with system records, implementing best-practice inventory processes, and establishing sustainable controls and reporting tools to ensure long-term operational efficiency.We currently utilize SOS Inventory; however, the selected contractor should bring a strong working knowledge of general inventory management principles, including purchasing, sales order processing, invoicing, builds/production, reconciliation, and reporting.This role is ideal for a systems-minded operations professional who thrives in fast-moving, mission-driven environments and can both diagnose root issues and implement practical, scalable solutions.Classification: Temporary Contract (Estimated 8–12 Weeks, with potential extension)Reports To: Operations DirectorKey ObjectivesThe primary goal of this engagement is to leave ADRN with:Accurate, reconciled inventory countsA clean and optimized inventory systemClearly documented processes and SOPsOrganized and logically structured warehouse storageReliable dashboards and reporting toolsSustainable inventory controls and accountability systemsCore Responsibilities1. Inventory Audit & ReconciliationConduct a comprehensive physical inventory count of warehouse stockReconcile discrepancies between physical counts and system dataInvestigate root causes of variancesCorrect system records to reflect accurate on-hand quantitiesEstablish cycle counting procedures and controls2. System Cleanup & OptimizationAudit and clean up existing item records (SKUs, naming conventions, categories, units of measure)Correct duplicate, inactive, or improperly configured inventory itemsReview purchasing, invoicing, and build/production workflowsOptimize item builds, bundles, and kits where applicableImprove data integrity and system structure for scalability3. Multiple Warehouse Organization & StructureAssess current warehouse layout and storage methodsRedesign and implement logical bin/location systemsImprove labeling, signage, and product categorizationImplement best practices for receiving, staging, and distributionEstablish clear material flow processesReview and recommend best practices for maintaining multiple warehouse sites in a single system.4. Inventory Process DevelopmentReview and improve documented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for:Receiving and intakeInventory adjustmentsPurchasing and vendor receivingOrder fulfillment and distributionBuilds/productionReturns and damaged goodsCycle counting and reconciliationsDocument standard operating procedures (SOPs) if neededDefine roles, controls, and accountability checkpointsRecommend internal controls to reduce shrinkage and errors5. Reporting & Dashboard SetupBuild meaningful inventory dashboards and KPI tracking toolsEstablish reporting for:Inventory valuationTurnover and usage trendsReorder levels and stock alertsAged inventoryVariance reportingTrain staff on interpreting and maintaining reports6. Strategic RecommendationsIdentify process gaps and risk areasProvide written recommendations for long-term system improvementsSuggest automation or workflow enhancements where appropriateAdvise on staffing, controls, and governance improvementsDeliverablesBy the conclusion of the contract, the contractor will provide:Fully reconciled and accurate inventory countsClean, organized, and optimized inventory databaseDocumented SOP manualWarehouse layout plan and implemented organization systemOperational reporting dashboard suiteFinal summary report with recommendations and next stepsRequirements:Required Qualifications5+ years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or supply chain optimizationDemonstrated success in cleaning up and rebuilding inventory systemsStrong understanding of inventory accounting fundamentals (COGS, valuation methods, reconciliation)Experience with ERP or inventory systems (SOS Inventory experience preferred)Proven ability to implement process controls and operational best practicesAdvanced Excel or reporting tool proficiencyStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently and drive resultsPreferred QualificationsExperience in nonprofit, disaster relief, or mission-driven organizationsExperience managing high-volume SKU environmentsLean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence trainingExperience building KPI dashboardsIdeal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate is:Detail-oriented and systems-drivenComfortable in warehouse environmentsDirect, organized, and execution-focusedAble to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementationPassionate about operational excellence in support of community impactContract DetailsTemporary contractor role (8–12 weeks estimated)On-site presence required for physical inventory and warehouse organizationCompetitive contract rate based on experienceImmediate start preferred