Inventory Control Associate: (Forklift Certified)

Schedule: 6 Day Work WeekSite Address: 6500 W 51st St Chicago, IL 60638Salary: $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 ResponsibilitiesInventory Management & Cycle CountsConduct daily, weekly, and monthly cycle counts and full physical inventoriesIdentify and locate discrepancies between physical counts and ERP/WMS system recordsSystematically investigate root causes of variances using system data and floor auditsDetermine whether discrepancies are due to receiving errors, mis-picks, damage, theft, or system entry issuesTake appropriate corrective action upon finding a discrepancy — including inventory adjustments, transfers, and write-offs — following standard operating proceduresReport all discrepancies accurately and in a timely manner within the ERP system, ensuring proper documentation for audit trailsGenerate, interpret, and present gap reports to identify patterns and recurring variancesCreate gap reports from scratch when required, summarizing findings and recommended actions for management reviewResolve discrepancies end-to-end: from identification and investigation through correction and verification in the systemMaintain accurate records of lot numbers, expiration dates, and FIFO/FEFO rotationMonitor and manage slow-moving, near-expiry, and damaged inventoryFIFO / FEFO Inventory RotationDemonstrate working knowledge of FIFO (First In, First Out) ; ensuring that the oldest received product is always picked, shipped, or consumed firstApply FIFO principles consistently across all storage locations to minimize waste and product expirationIdentify and flag product that is out of FIFO rotation sequence and take corrective actionSupport receiving and picking teams in maintaining proper rotation at the point of putaway and selectionForklift OperationOperate sit-down and/or reach forklifts safely in a warehouse environmentUse forklift equipment to support cycle counts, inventory moves, and putaway/retrieval operationsComply with all forklift safety protocols, pre-shift inspections, and site-specific operating proceduresValid forklift certification required; minimum 2 years of hands-on forklift experience in a warehouse settingDocumentation & ReportingMaintain complete and accurate inventory records, inspection logs, and discrepancy reportsGenerate daily and weekly inventory variance and shrinkage reports for management reviewDocument and track corrective actions (CAPAs) resulting from inventory investigationsPrepare traceability records to support internal audits and regulatory inquiriesCross-Functional CollaborationCoordinate with receiving, picking, and shipping teams to ensure inventory accuracy throughout the facilityCommunicate inventory holds, product releases, and discrepancy findings to warehouse supervisorsParticipate in root cause analysis for recurring inventory issuesSupport onboarding and training of new associates on inventory procedures and ERP system use  Qualifications & RequirementsThe following qualifications are required. Candidates must meet the minimum experience threshold in each area.Required QualificationsEducationHigh school diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field preferredOverall ExperienceMinimum 2 years of experience in a warehouse environmentInventory & Cycle CountsMinimum 2 years hands-on experience conducting cycle counts and reconciling inventory within a warehouse settingDiscrepancy IdentificationMinimum 2 years experience locating, investigating, and resolving inventory discrepanciesERP / WMS SystemsMinimum 2 years of working experience with ERP or Warehouse Management System (WMS) software; must be proficient in reporting discrepancies and processing adjustments within the systemGap ReportingMinimum 2 years experience reading, interpreting, and creating inventory gap reports; must be able to explain findings and recommend corrective actionsFIFO / FEFO RotationMinimum 2 years experience applying First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory rotation principles in a warehouse or distribution environmentForklift OperationMinimum 2 years of certified forklift experience in a warehouse setting; valid forklift certification required at time of hirePhysical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand, walk, and operate equipment for extended periodsPreferred QualificationsExperience in food distribution, cold chain logistics, or perishable goods warehousingFamiliarity with HACCP, GMP, or FSMA food safety frameworksExperience supporting SQF, BRC, or similar third-party auditsStrong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel for variance tracking and reporting