Inventory Specialist

This position will manage key Barilla/Catelli inventory activities including: periodic analysis, reporting, internal partner inquiries and using KPI’s to indentify continuous improvement opportunities. The main focus will be to streamline inventory, improve efficiencies and collaborate with 3PLs to reduce total inventory cost and improve service. Likewise, the role will manage accuracy of CHEP pallet inventory in house and at co-manufacturer and Third Party Logistics (3PL) locations. Responsible for establishing and maintaining inventory integrity of SAP transactions through periodic cycle counts of finished good product that are produced in house and at our co-manufacturer, along with packaging and raw material in terms of units and dollars. Ensure that all inventory transactions are carried out and processed accurately and in a timely manner. Provide proper and on time information to our Finance team while assuring our Customer Service operational requirements. Direct involvement with Finance and Production Planning for month end reporting.

**Key **Accountabilities**:

- Manages the integrity of data exchanges between SAP and the 3PLs; inventory levels at our plant and warehouse, purchase orders, stock transfers and receipt files etc. Ensure the smooth and continuous operation of all data exchanges with 3PLs while maintainig a variety of data and inventory control.
- Works with 3PL’s and internal parties to identify inventory errors and make appropriate corrections in SAP. Communicates SAP staging table (output of date files in error), error messages with the 3PLs, planning, and customer service to optimize data flow. Manage book to book inventories, (SAP vs. 3PL) and prepares reconciliation reports, investigates discrepancies, and makes all necessary adjustments in SAP. Partners with all levels of management to ensure that processes are utilized to complete daily / weekly cycle counts, and month-end inventory processes. Manage $8-10 million CAD dollars of finished goods inventory, packaging and raw material.
- Prepare inventory reports and analysis for departmental and Supply Chain Management use.
- Receive purchase orders in SAP daily (flour, packaging, raw materials and finished goods).
- Maintain flour blanket PO’s / contracts and provide PO balances to corporate Barilla weekly.
- Work closely with Quality Assurance to either place product on hold and release product.
- Provide Customer Service assistance. (such as customer credits and customer returns)
- Maintain reporting to track inventory at risk of reaching shelf life expiration. Including tracking of product extensions, and other changes during the process of moving the product through the Supply Chain.
- Manages all product traceability exercises. Product recall, mock recalls throughout the year, and any other lot-level tracing exercise necessary to support the daily business.
- Communicates quantity and status on discontinued items to the organization (when necessary) so that they can be managed effectively.
- Acts as Barilla liaison with 3PL’s for physical inventory reconciliation, or any other inventory related exercise.
- Leads annual year-end physical inventory reconciliation at the Montreal warehouse and with 3PL’s. There are two 3PL locations.
- Collaborates with internal / external auditors with regards to year-end physical inventory audits. Provides reporting, reconciliation reports, historical reports, and movement reports as necessary to support the year-end audit.
- Works closely with our QA department for the reconciliation of product on hold and follow the process for obsolete materials within the company guidelines

that may lead to destruction / disposal of product.
- Manage, maintain and reconcile CHEP pallet inventory balances on a weekly basis at our Catelli Montreal warehouse, co-manufacturer and 3PL locations (grand total of 4 locations), valued at approximately $600K CAD dollars of inventory, in order to maintain accruate book balances.
- Manage annual CHEP physical inventory process with our Montreal warehouse, co-manufacturers, 3PL locations and other vendors.
- Maintain Warehouse Monthly Metrics and Scorecarding
- Participate in special projects and other related assigned duties.

**Additional Information (**_include minimum education level, experience, competencies, equipment used, licenses, etc. in this area_**)**
- 2-3 years’ experience in Inventory Management including at least 2 years in CPG industry (preferably food).
- Must be bilingual (English & French - Written & Spoken)
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Excellent ability to build and maintain cross functional working relationships.
- Prior ERP experience - SAP preferred.
- Understanding of Supply chain / Inventory control process.
- Self-starter - ability to take direction on outcomes, and structure work and activities to achieve outcomes timely and accurately.
- Highly organiz