Inventory Associate

**Job Title: Inventory Specialist**

**Location**: Okotoks, Alberta (On-site)
**Type**: Full-time
**Start Date**: To be determined

About Backland Expedition Gear:
At **Backland Expedition Gear**, we specialize in high-quality accessories for Mercedes Sprinter vans, empowering adventurers to explore the outdoors in style and comfort. From side steps and bumpers to protection plates and windows, we provide premium products designed for durability and performance. As we continue to expand, we are looking for an **Inventory Specialist** to help manage our inventory using **Katana** and ensure that our purchasing process runs smoothly, including negotiating prices with suppliers.

Job Summary:
As an **Inventory Specialist** at **Backland Expedition Gear**, you will be an essential part of our operations. You’ll be responsible for managing inventory through **Katana**, placing orders, receiving goods, verifying prices, and negotiating with suppliers to ensure the best rates. Additionally, you will collaborate with the warehouse and customer service teams to ensure seamless inventory management and timely product fulfillment.

Key Responsibilities:

- **Inventory Management in Katana**:

- Maintain accurate stock levels in **Katana**, ensuring that all in-stock and backordered items are updated in real time.
- Track inventory movements and update **Katana** with the correct quantities, product information, and locations.
- Generate and review inventory reports to provide insights on stock levels, trends, and reorder requirements.
- **Placing Orders & Negotiating Prices**:

- Place orders with vendors and suppliers based on inventory needs and sales forecasts.
- Negotiate pricing with suppliers to ensure competitive rates while maintaining quality standards.
- Verify product prices, ensure that purchase orders are accurate, and follow up with vendors to resolve any discrepancies.
- Record all order details in **Katana** to track costs, prices, and quantities.
- **Receiving Inventory in Katana**:

- Receive incoming shipments, ensuring products match purchase orders in terms of quantities and quality.
- Update **Katana** with received stock, adjusting quantities and prices as necessary.
- Perform quality checks on incoming products to ensure they meet company standards before entering inventory.
- **Inventory Audits & Stock Replenishment**:

- Conduct regular physical inventory audits to verify the accuracy of stock levels in **Katana**.
- Forecast inventory needs based on sales trends and customer demand to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
- Help manage backorders and ensure products are reordered in time to meet demand.
- **Warehouse Coordination**:

- Collaborate with the warehouse team to ensure smooth receiving, storing, and dispatching of products.
- Assist with picking and packing orders, ensuring that shipments are accurate and processed on time.
- **Customer Service Support**:

- Work with the customer service team to address inventory-related inquiries, such as product availability and order status.
- Provide accurate information to customers regarding stock availability, backorders, and expected delivery dates.
- **Process Improvement & System Optimization**:

- Continuously assess inventory management processes and suggest improvements for greater efficiency.
- Optimize the use of **Katana** to better track, manage, and report inventory movements.

Qualifications:

- **Experience**:

- Proven experience in inventory management, purchasing, or logistics (1-3 years preferred).
- Experience with **Katana** or similar inventory management software is preferred (training will be provided if necessary).
- Experience negotiating prices with vendors and suppliers is a plus.
- **Skills**:

- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Analytical mindset to track and manage inventory levels, order trends, and pricing.
- Strong negotiation skills to secure competitive prices with suppliers.
- Excellent communication skills for collaborating with suppliers, internal teams, and customers.
- **Technical Skills**:

- Proficiency with **Katana** or other inventory management software (experience with similar programs is acceptable).
- Comfortable with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for inventory tracking, reporting, and analysis.
- **Physical Requirements**:

- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
- Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods in a warehouse environment.

Why Backland?

At **Backland Expedition Gear**, we’re more than just a company—we’re a community of outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for exploration and adventure. We offer a collaborative and dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development. We also provide:

- Competitive salary.
- Health benefits (medical, dental, etc.).
- Paid time off and holiday leave.
- Employee discount on all products.
- A supportive and flexible team culture.

How to Apply:
Pay: $15.92-$23.73 per hour

**Benefits**: