Inventory Control Specialist

Mayflower Distributing is a leading distributor of balloons, helium, party supplies and food service products. With distribution centers in Minnesota and California, Mayflower is providing more and more customers with quicker ground shipments and less days in transit, helping all of us to “enjoy the party” sooner!

Summary

The Inventory Control Specialist is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels across a fast-paced wholesale distribution environment. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product availability, minimizing shrink, and supporting efficient order fulfillment across a diverse SKU portfolio including balloons, party supplies, and helium-related products. The Inventory Control Specialist will help address and remedy negative inventory counts, run regular inventory on hand reports, perform bin counting, and assist with upcoming inventory audits. The role requires collaboration with IT to build reports in the ERP system and the ability to work independently with limited direction.

This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate in a highly seasonal, demand-variable business with both domestic and international supply chains. The role will involve a roughly 50/50 split between office and warehouse work.

Key Responsibilities:

Inventory Accuracy & Control

• Maintain accurate inventory records across warehouse locations and systems (ERP/WMS).
• Conduct and manage cycle counts, physical inventories, bin counting, and reconciliation processes.
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, negative counts, root causes, and variances.
• Monitor inventory adjustments, damage, and shrink.

Operational Support

• Partner with warehouse teams to ensure proper receiving, put away, and picking processes.
• Audit inbound shipments (especially international containers) for accuracy.
• Ensure proper handling and tracking of regulated products (e.g., helium cylinders).
• Support inventory transfers between distribution centers.
• Assist with upcoming inventory audits.
• Collaborate with IT to develop and improve inventory reports in the ERP system.

Data & Reporting

• Analyze inventory trends, aging stock, and slow-moving/obsolete items.
• Generate and maintain inventory KPIs (accuracy %, shrink %, turns, fill rate).
• Support demand planning and purchasing teams with accurate on-hand data.
• Prepare detailed inventory reports and actionable recommendations for leadership.

Process Improvement

• Identify process gaps and implement improvements to increase inventory accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist in standardizing procedures across multiple distribution centers.
• Support implementation or optimization of ERP, WMS, or scanning systems.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years in inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain.
• Forklift certified. Able to operate scissor lift
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems
• Strong Excel skills
• Understanding of inventory cycle counts and bin counting methodologies.
• Highly self-sufficient and able to work with limited direction.
• Comfortable with a 50/50 office/warehouse split.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving ability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with ABAS
• Experience in wholesale distribution and high-SKU environments
• Experience with seasonal demand or event-driven products
• Knowledge of cycle counting methodologies (ABC classification)
• Familiarity with barcode/RF scanning systems

Competencies:

• Problem Solving: Proactively identifies inventory discrepancies, process gaps, and operational inefficiencies. Investigates root causes, develops practical solutions, and implements corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy and workflow reliability. Collaborates with warehouse and operations teams to resolve issues quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Skills: Uses data, reports, and inventory metrics (cycle counts, variance trends, shrink, turns) to monitor accuracy and performance. Analyzes patterns and discrepancies to drive continuous improvement and support purchasing, planning, and operational decisions.
• Collaboration & Team Support: Works closely with warehouse staff, purchasing, and operations teams across multiple sites to ensure alignment on inventory processes. Supports training and adherence to standard procedures while fostering accountability and teamwork across functions.
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Exercises sound judgment when addressing inventory variances, adjustments, and operational issues. Considers business impact, service levels, and process integrity when making timely decisions, escalating issues when appropriate.
• Oral Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively with warehouse teams, peers, and leadership. Provides updates on inventory issues, explains discrepancies, and supports problem resolution through direct and practical communication.
• Written Communication: Produces clear, concise, and actionable documentation, including inventory reports, variance explanations, and process updates. Ensures communication is tailored appropriately for operations teams and leadership visibility.

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you comfortable working in a role that requires approximately 50% time in the warehouse and 50% in an office environment?
• Do you have hands-on experience with cycle counting and inventory reconciliation?
• How many years of experience do you have in inventory control, warehouse operations, or supply chain?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Forklift Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person