Inventory & Logistics Specialist

This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role. Availability required: typically Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.

JOB OVERVIEW: Ensure accurate inventory management across Petaluma warehouse operations and lead logistics coordination across multiple business functions, including active engagement with third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Support cross-functional teams such as quality, sales, and finance by owning logistics tasks transitioned from these areas, ensuring alignment between physical stock and ERP system records. Maintain inventory accuracy, monitor and troubleshoot 3PL performance issues, and coordinate customer-specific programs to drive operational efficiency, reduce product loss, and support service excellence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Inventory Management

• Prioritize inventory accuracy as core function to support fulfillment efficiency through regular cycle counts and adjustments and ensuring data integrity in ERP systems.
• Coordinate all requisite Operations, Finance, and Sales stakeholders to ensure a consistently accurate cycle count program and inventory.
• Maintain timely updates on inventory adjustments and movements in ERP system.
• Partner with Receiver to confirm inbound accuracy and verify item quantities, condition, and placement.
• Collaborate with Leads and Supervisors on outbound order accuracy, staging, and inventory rotation (FIFO).
• Help establish and refine inventory control SOPs, supporting broader warehouse process documentation.
• Support preparation for internal and external audits related to inventory.
• Identify trends, root causes, and preventative actions related to inventory variances.

3PL Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all 3PL providers.
• Organize the general 3PL relationships for transfer of inventory to third party storage, including the booking of haulage, management of the delivery windows at the third-party storage
• Resolve service issues and escalate concerns as needed.
• Monitor performance metrics (on-time delivery, damage rates, fill rates).
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Monitor inventory levels at 3PL sites and trigger replenishments as needed.

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete, review, and verify all pertinent data entry, aging reports, inventory tracking, lot control, and bottle/crate returns in a timely manner, as required or requested.
• Support proactive lot tracking and identification for quality control purposes.
• Track freight spend and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Analyze transportation data to improve efficiency.
• Prepare regular reports on 3PL performance, costs, and KPIs
• File, organize, and maintain posted paperwork for audits and operational visibility.

Meetings, Projects & Collaboration

• Work closely with Quality, Sanitation, and Production teams to ensure product integrity during transit.
• Coordinate with Customer Service to resolve delivery issues and improve satisfaction.
• Contribute to ongoing operations projects, process improvement initiatives, and cross-functional goals.
• Recommend measures to improve efficiency, service quality, and sustainability practices across the logistics function.

Development & Safety

• Work consistently in a safe manner and comply with all company health, safety, and security requirements.
• Identify and communicate safety hazards or workplace incidents immediately.
• Support proactive communication and enforcement of GMPs, SOPs, and other established processes.

General

• Exemplify Company values –Sustainability, Integrity, Quality Respect, and Forward-Thinking.
• Participate in huddles, safety meetings, and customer service meetings.
• Produce work in alignment with company sustainability goals.
• Maintain excellent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS &QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Previous logistics or inventory control experience, preferably in a food manufacturing or perishable goods.
• ERP program experience required; Microsoft Dynamics / Business Central preferred.
• Familiarity with customer compliance programs.
• Strong background in inventory management, and documentation.
• Experience with production planning, quality coordination, or finance-related adjustments is a plus.

Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills; ability to reconcile discrepancies and improve processes.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in inventory tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.
• Effective communicator and collaborator across multiple departments.
• Exceptional customer service to support internal and external customer needs through reliable logistics execution.
• Demonstrated persistence, accountability, and ability to adapt to changing business demands.

Physical & Mental

• Primarily a desk role with computer use – extended periods of sitting, data entry/keyboarding, and working on a computer/looking at a computer screen.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Ability to communicate via speech, writing and hearing with employees, vendors, or members of the business community.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and ability to lift items up to 40 lbs.
• Occasional periods of climbing, pushing, pulling, turning the head and torso, reaching, grasping, bending, and flexing the arms/legs.
• Occasional work in warehouse environments in cold, wet, humid, and high allergen environments with temperatures ranging from -20° to 100° Fahrenheit.
• Comfortable working in warehouse and office environments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong focus and concentration in a detail-oriented role.

Work Location & Hours

• This role is not eligible for remote work. Remote candidates will not be considered for this role.
• This position is based in Petaluma, CA
• Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 pm
• Ability to work extended or irregular hours, including weekends and holidays when required.
• Ability to travel to different work locations and meeting sites, up to 10% of time.

Above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and not construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

Straus is an equal opportunity employer. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Straus Family Creamery, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Team Benefits:

• Fully sponsored medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits for employees
• 7 paid holidays per year
• Training & Development
• PTO and floating holidays
• 401k with company match
• Partially sponsored gym/health club dues
• Straus sponsored soccer & softball teams
• Community food, fresh fruit, and snacks
• Generous discounts on dairy products for employees
• All the ice cream you can eat and delicious organic milk you can drink, while at work !

Founded in 1994, Straus Family Creamery is a mission-driven, family-owned-and-operated business dedicated to making premium organic dairy products, with minimal processing. The Straus Dairy Farm and Creamery, located in the small town of Marshall on the Northern California Coast, was the first certified organic dairy farm west of the Mississippi River and the first 100% certified organic creamery in the United States.
In addition to the Straus Dairy Farm, Straus Family Creamery buys certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified milk from 11 other organic family farms in Northern California’s Marin and Sonoma Counties. The combination of rich soil, one of the nation’s most diverse grassland systems, and a mild coastal climate create the ideal setting for organic dairy farming. Land stewardship and sustainable farming are deeply rooted principles in certified organic farming practices.

Pay: $28.32 - $32.15 / hour

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Life insurance

Job Type: fulltime

Schedule:

• Weekend availability
• 8 hour shift
• Overtime
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Day shift

Education: High school degree

Work location: On-site