Inventory Manager

UJZ Foods is a combination of two long established protein companies. Uncle John’s is a fresh and smoked sausage processor located in Tampa, Florida. Uncle John’s features brand name products under the banners of Uncle John’s, Garcia, Atlanta Sausage Company, and Realtree. The Garcia brand dates back to the 1960’s and the Uncle John’s brand to the 1970’s. Uncle John’s was acquired by the current investors in 2022.

The Zummo Meat Company was created in 1908 in Beaumont, TX and manufactures high quality, fresh and smoked sausage and boudin. The organization also offers jambalaya and dirty rice products. Zummo was acquired by the current investors in September of 2023. The two organizations were integrated and now managed as a single entity known as UJZ Foods. The combined organization has top line revenue of roughly $75M. The combined brands also rank as a top ten manufacturer nationally in the dinner sausage space.

The vision of the organization is to grow from a regional manufacturer to a super-regional and ultimately a national player in the sausage and adjacent spaces. To accomplish this growth plan, the organization must build out its overall management capabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

The Warehouse & Inventory Manager is responsible for overseeing all warehouse operations and serving as the company's lead inventory control authority. This role ensures accurate inventory management of raw materials, packaging, finished goods, and supplies while maintaining food safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient distribution. In a small manufacturing environment, this position is hands-on and requires strong operational discipline, attention to detail, and leadership.

Responsibilities and Duties

Inventory Management (Company-Wide)

• Own and maintain inventory accuracy across raw materials, WIP, packaging, and finished goods
• Implement and enforce inventory control procedures
• Conduct cycle counts and physical inventory audits
• Work with Controller to reconcile inventory discrepancies and investigate variances
• Monitor product expiration — Controller will send Product Expiration report for 45 and 60 days every Monday
• Manage lot tracking and traceability for food safety compliance — work with Q&A to prepare for mock recall in the ERP
• Maintain ERP/inventory management system (Fishbowl) data integrity
• Generate weekly/monthly inventory and valuation reports

Receiving Inventory

• Receive and inspect all incoming inventory shipments for accuracy and condition
• Properly label all received goods with item description, lot number, and received date
• Enter all received inventory into the Fishbowl inventory management system accurately and in a timely manner
• Verify received quantities against purchase orders and resolve discrepancies with vendors or purchasing
• Stage received goods in designated storage areas following FIFO/FEFO rotation protocols
• Maintain organized receiving documentation and records for audit and traceability purposes

Warehouse Operations

• Manage daily warehouse operations including storage, picking, packing, and shipping
• Supervise warehouse staff; hire, train, and schedule team members
• Ensure proper rotation (FIFO/FEFO) of raw materials and finished goods
• Maintain clean, organized, and food-safe warehouse facilities
• Oversee cold storage areas to ensure proper temperature controls
• Coordinate inbound and outbound freight
• Maintain warehouse equipment and coordinate repairs

Planning & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with production to align raw material availability with production schedules — notify Plant Manager of any rare occurrences
• Communicate inventory status and potential shortages proactively

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

× Inventory Accuracy Percentage

× On-Time Shipment Rates

× Receiving accuracy and Timeliness

× Cycle Counts and Audit Results

× Loss Prevention and Expiration Control

× Incident Rates and Compliance

× Pick, Pack, and Ship accuracy

× Outbound fulfillment performance

× Shrinkage and Waste Levels

CORE COMPETENCIES

× Detail oriented and self-motivated, desire to learn new skills for professional growth.

× Passionate about food

× Collaborative with team members

× Commitment to company values and ethics.

× Dependability: personally responsible, completes work in a timely manner, and performs tasks accurately.

× Motivation: must maintain a positive attitude and strong work energy.

× Initiative: plans work and carries out tasks without detailed instructions, prepares for problems or opportunities in advance, undertakes additional responsibilities.

× Management: must possess coaching and development skills.

× Organization: very detailed oriented and always prepared.

× Analytical Skills: must be able to use data to determine cause and effect for complex problem solving.

× Communication: excellent interpersonal and oral and written communications skills.

× Authentic passion for brand building, new product introduction, delicious food, and fun with your team and colleagues

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• 3–7+ years of warehouse management experience (food manufacturing preferred)
• Strong inventory control experience in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of FIFO, lot tracking, and food safety standards
• Experience with ERP or inventory management systems; Fishbowl experience strongly preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead a small team in a hands-on environment
• Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)
• Ability to work in refrigerated environments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk and talk or hear. Must be able to stand for periods of time with frequent moving throughout the R&D and production area. Bending/Push/pull/lift boxes up to 50 pounds.

Must have taste and smell. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is inside refrigerated work environment. There will be the need to enter and walk through a manufacturing setting and wear appropriate PPE. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person