Production Inventory Coordinator

Job Title: Production Inventory Coordinator

Department: Supply Chain

Reports To: Production Planning Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Plant Location: Hammond, IN

Position Summary:

The Production Inventory Coordinator at Jupiter Aluminum is responsible for managing, monitoring, and reconciling all paint-related inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. This role ensures data integrity, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency, while supporting production and minimizing waste.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Inventory Management: Monitor, track, and reconcile paint-related inventory, including raw materials, work-in-progress (WIP), and finished goods. Perform regular cycle counts and physical inventories to ensure accuracy.

- Discrepancy Resolution: Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, locate lost materials on the plant floor, and implement corrective actions.

- Data Analysis & Reporting: Maintain ERP/WMS records and use advanced Excel to track trends, generate reports, and provide actionable insights for production planning and procurement.

- Process Improvement: Develop and standardize inventory handling procedures, participate in Lean/5S initiatives, and recommend improvements to enhance material flow and reduce waste.

- Collaboration & Influence: Work cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and purchasing teams. Engage employees to support inventory control practices and tracking.

- Compliance & Safety: Ensure proper storage, labeling, and segregation of materials according to safety, environmental, and quality standards. Support audits and maintain accurate documentation.

- System Administration: Maintain ERP/WMS data integrity, track material movements, and ensure accurate reporting of stock levels and adjustments.

- Training & Mentoring: Provide guidance and support to plant personnel on inventory procedures, ERP/WMS usage, and best practices for material handling.

- Performance Monitoring: Track and report key metrics such as inventory accuracy, cycle count completion, stockouts, and waste; recommend actions to improve operational efficiency.

Working Conditions:

- Primarily a plant-floor role with frequent walking, standing, and active movement.

- Exposure to production areas, including dust, fumes, noise, and moving equipment; proper PPE must be worn at all times.

- Work schedule is 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend shifts (at least one Saturday or Sunday per month) to support production or inventory activities.

- Occasional travel is required, approximately once per quarter, to Fairland and Beech Bottom sites for 1–2 days, supporting cross-site inventory audits, coordination, and training.

- Fast-paced environment requiring adaptability, problem-solving, and effective time management to meet inventory deadlines and production needs.

Qualifications: Education/Experience:

- Associate degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field; Bachelor’s preferred.

- 2–4 years of experience in inventory control, WIP management, or production materials handling within a manufacturing environment.

- Advanced Excel skills required (pivot tables, formulas, VLOOKUP, reporting).

- ERP/WMS system experience preferred.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to reconcile complex inventory discrepancies.

- Knowledge of Lean, 5S, or continuous improvement methodologies a plus.

Behavioral Competencies:

- Persistence & Patience: Able to navigate challenges on the plant floor without frustration.

- Analytical Thinking: Identifies trends, investigates discrepancies, and implements corrective solutions.

- Collaboration & Influence: Engages and persuades plant personnel to support inventory control initiatives.

- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactively seeks opportunities to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance material flow.

- Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate records and ensures data integrity across ERP/WMS systems.

- Professionalism & Communication: Communicates clearly with cross-functional teams and external vendors.

Physical Requirements:

- Frequent walking, standing, and climbing on the plant floor.

- Ability to lift and move materials up to 50 lbs with assistance.

- Comfortable working around production equipment, dust, fumes, and noise.

- Manual dexterity for scanning, handling inventory, and performing cycle counts.

- Ability to remain on the plant floor for extended periods while performing detailed inventory tasks.

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this role. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

By choice, Jupiter Aluminum is committed to creating a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Employee discount

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Referral program

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person