Inventory Control Specialist

About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2024, the company reported approximately $17 billion in annual sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas - 44,000 employees, and 40 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com. ## Job Summary The Materials Department is looking for a self-motivated Inventory Control Specialist to ensure an uninterrupted supply of parts to our assembly lines. You will be the bridge between physical inventory and system accuracy, working closely with Material Planners and Finance to minimize obsolescence and meet inventory goals. Pay rate: $22.60 Job Duties and Essentials Functions: * Inventory Accuracy & Audit: Conduct "four-wall" and daily cycle counts, transactional analysis, and continuous physical audits (e.g., correct part placement, rack labeling, min/max adherence, 5S). Reconcile system balances (SAP/Oracle) with physical inventory and ensure accuracy for SOX compliance. * Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis: Investigate and resolve the source of inventory discrepancies, tracking out-of-tolerance issues and performing root cause analysis using formal problem-solving tools. Track and investigate discrepancies (e.g., zrec report) and evaluate for continuous improvements. * Material Variance & Scrap Reduction: Monitor material flow to identify and implement scrap reduction opportunities and focus on material variance improvements, including performing technical tasks like Press Filter cleaning and filter maintenance. * Material Flow Coordination: Coordinate the uninterrupted flow of purchased and internal commodities, maintaining the Deliver to Commitment (DTC) metric by resolving schedule inaccuracies. Arrange and accelerate the internal movement of equipment and parts according to production priorities. * Planning & Process Management (PFEP/CNs): Manage inventory planning elements like the Plan for Every Part (PFEP) by updating min/max labels, implementing Bill of Materials (BOM) Change Notices (CNs), and owning the workstation change request process for assigned areas. * Compliance & Reporting: Collaborate with the Finance team to ensure corporate inventory reporting and compliance with SOX requirements. Run, create, and maintain required daily and monthly inventory reports. * Standardized Work & Training: Create, implement, and maintain standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for inventory management and movements. Train operators and warehouse personnel on proper material transactions. * Supplier Coordination: Maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to streamline material flow, minimize obsolescence, and prevent production delays. * Logistics Administration: Perform required SAP/ERP transactions (e.g., free issue orders, purchase order transfers). Requisition necessary materials, compute the precise amount required for job orders, and set delivery dates. ## Physical Requirements The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Must be able to handle long periods of standing or walking in a manufacturing/warehouse environment. * Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move heavier items with assistance, up to a general limit of 40 pounds. ## Required Qualifications * Education: Must have a High School Diploma or GED. Selection is based on education, work record, and job-related experience. * Technical Proficiency & Analytical Skills: Proficiency in enterprise systems like SAP and Microsoft Excel/Google Suite. Must possess strong analytical skills for investigating and correcting inventory discrepancies and cycle count errors. * Logistics & Inventory Control Experience: Basic knowledge of world-class logistics and division material flow. Should have experience with material control systems and practical knowledge of developing/executing replenishment strategies, conducting physical inventories, and leading cycle counts. * Core Competencies: Excellent communication skills across multiple functions, strong time management, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. ## This role in summary [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS]In 1-2 sentences, provide an overview of the purpose, priorities, deliverables and expected outcomes of the role. ## Your responsibilities will include [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS] Describe the main responsibilities of this position. We recommend up to 8 bullet points, preferably starting each statement with a verb. ## Minimum requirements [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS]Describe what is absolutely required for the role, meaning that the candidate cannot be hired if they do not have these requirements. We recommend no more than 3 items and suggest prioritizing:Years of experienceEducation (majors, minimum degree, etc.)Language skillsCertificationsSystems/Technical knowledge ## Preferred skills and experiences [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS]Describe the desirable background and experiences which will be a plus if the candidate possesses them. We recommend no more than 5 items, and suggest including:Years of experienceEducation (majors, minimum degree, etc.)Language skillsCertificationsSystems/Technical knowledgeWe strongly recommend NOT including behavioral traits in this section. ## Why should you apply? [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS]Describe the benefits and/or advantages of working in that particular location, such as core benefits, vacation days, home office days, on-site daycare, work environment, etc ## Additional information [ACTION REQUIRED - DO NOT POST AS IS]Use this section to include any other information that was not mentioned in the previous sections. If there is nothing to add, this section should be deleted. Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.