POSITION SUMMARY:
The Inventory Controller is responsible for managing and maintaining accurate inventory levels of all structural steel materials, consumables, and related items across SME Industries fabrication facilities. This role ensures that material traceability, documentation, and stock accuracy meet both internal and project specific quality requirements.
The Inventory Controller works closely with the Purchasing Manager, Production Control, and fabrication teams to track incoming and outgoing materials, maintain mill test report (MTR) integrity, and support production schedules by ensuring materials are available when needed. This position plays a key role in managing Tekla PowerFab inventory data. They are responsible for maintaining KPI data including inventory value, weight, & costing. They will be responsible for ensuring SME has a balanced inventory with both dollars and weight.
ABOUT US:
SME Steel Contractors has provided comprehensive structural steel fabrication and erection since 1992 and is one of the largest fabricators/erectors of structural steel in the United States. Driven to be different from all others, SME is a division 5 company with a commitment to safety, value, and innovation. Visit https://smesteel.com/ to learn more. SME Steel Contractors is a division of SME Industries, Inc.
Why Join Us?
- Health and Wellness Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability and Life Insurance.
- Financial Benefits including competitive compensation and 401(k) plan.
- Additional Benefits including Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off, Employee Assistance Program, and more.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee all structural steel inventory across fabrication facilities, including beams, columns, plate, angle, flat bar, and consumables.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory data within Tekla PowerFab, including material quantities, heat numbers, and MTR associations.
- Maintain and create reports of inventory value, weight, and turns.
- Verify incoming material deliveries for accuracy, documentation, and compliance with purchase order and project specifications.
- Manage heat numbers and MTRs to ensure full material traceability from receipt through fabrication.
- Conduct routine cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies between physical and system inventories.
- Manage stock rotation to prevent aging or obsolete materials, ensuring optimal material utilization.
- Communicate with receiving and yard personnel to organize and maintain material storage locations and labeling systems.
- Generate and distribute inventory reports, heat traceability logs, and material usage summaries for management review.
- Assist with internal and external audits to verify documentation accuracy and compliance with QA/QC standards.
- Review invoicing and pricing accuracy.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to perform each essential duty daily.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in inventory control or materials management, preferably in structural steel fabrication or manufacturing.
- Experience in Perpetual Inventory Tracking.
- Strong knowledge of structural steel shapes, grades, and industry terminology.
- Proficiency in Tekla PowerFab or similar ERP/inventory management software.
- Ability to interpret MTRs, mill certificates, and related documentation.
- Able to produce and interpret inventory reports including financial reporting.
- Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Outlook; Power BI experience is a plus.
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with Purchasing, Production Control, and fabrication teams.
- Ability to work in both office and shop/yard environments and perform periodic physical inventory inspections.
- Understanding of QA/QC and traceability requirements within the steel fabrication industry.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer or reviewing documents.
- Occasional lifting of material samples, records, or equipment (typically up to 20 lbs).
- Periodic visits to fabrication shops and warehouse areas, requiring PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety-toe shoes).
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Primarily office-based within a fabrication facility or corporate office setting.
- Frequent communication with suppliers, vendors, and internal departments.
- Regular visits to fabrication and inventory control areas to monitor operations.
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment requiring adaptability and coordination across multiple teams.
Position Responsibilities:This job posting reflects the current assignment of essential functions and is not meant to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may be assigned or reassigned to this position at any time.
Equal Employment Opportunity: SME Industries, Inc. and its divisions (SME Steel Contractors, Southwest Steel, CoreBrace, DuraFuse, and SME Logistics) is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or any other protected group status or non-job-related characteristic as directed by law.
Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility will be required upon hire.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person