Inventory Associate

Job Summary: The Inventory Associate is responsible for the accurate receiving, labeling, storage, and staging of inventory in support of production operations at Blue Collar Customs. This role plays a critical part in ensuring parts are properly tracked, allocated, and available when work orders move into build status.

The Inventory Associate works closely with the Inventory Manager and Installation team to maintain inventory accuracy, organization, and flow. This role requires discipline, attention to detail, and consistent adherence to inventory policies and procedures.

Responsibilities & Duties:

· Inventory Receiving: Receive all in bound inventory shipments, compare packing lists to physical deliveries, and report discrepancies immediately.

· System Updates: Update received quantities in the CIM system accurately and in real time.

· Work Order Allocation: Cross-reference purchase orders to identify work-order-specific parts and ensure they are properly allocated in the CIM system.

· Mandatory Labeling: Label all parts ordered for or allocated to a work order with the correct WO#, without exception and at the time of receiving.

· Build-Next Preparation: Pull and stage parts for work orders once they reach “Build Next” status and place them on carts for technician pickup.

· Inventory Organization: Maintain clean, organized inventory storage areas and ensure parts are stored in their correct locations.

· Process Compliance: Follow inventory receiving, labeling, and staging procedures start-to-finish without delay or partial completion.

· Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Inventory Manager and installation team to support production flow and resolve inventory-related issues.

· Continuous Improvement Support: Assist with cycle counts, inventory audits, and process improvements as directed.

Essential Functions:

· Receiving & Verification: Physically receive shipments, verify contents against packing lists, and handle discrepancies promptly.

· Material Handling: Lift, move, stage, and store inventory using shelving, pallet racking, carts, and forklifts as required.

· System Accuracy: Enter and maintain accurate inventory and work order data in the CIM system.

· Labeling & Traceability: Ensure all work-order-related parts are clearly labeled and traceable at all times.

· Build Staging: Retrieve parts from storage locations and stage them on carts when work orders move to “Build Next” status.

· Inventory Organization: Maintain orderly storage areas and prevent misplaced or untracked inventory.

· Safety Compliance: Follow safe material handling and forklift operation practices at all times.

Qualification and Skills:

· Forklift Certification: Current 1C Forklift Certification required or ability to obtain certification within a specified onboarding period.

· Inventory or Warehouse Experience: Experience in inventory, warehouse, or shop environments preferred.

· Attention to Detail: Strong accuracy and discipline when labeling, allocating, and storing parts.

· System Familiarity: Ability to learn and use inventory management systems (CIM experience preferred).

· Work Ethic: Reliable, consistent, and capable of completing tasks start-to-finish without supervision gaps.

· Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly with the Inventory Manager and production teams.

· Physical Capability: Ability to perform hands-on material handling in a shop environment.

· Team-Oriented Mindset: Willingness to collaborate and support team objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No direct supervision.

Work Environment:

· Physical Setting: Combination of an office and warehouse setting.

· Physical Demands: This role requires physical effort, including the inspection of inventory and vehicles.

· Travel Requirements: Minimal; primarily local travel to monitor operations and meet with suppliers or service providers.

Position Type & Expected Hours of Work:

· Employment Type: This is a full-time position.

· Work Schedule: Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the need for flexibility to oversee operations outside of normal business hours.

Travel:

· Local Travel: Regular visits to vendor sites within the region.

· Occasional Travel: Attendance at tradeshows, conferences, and training events as required.

Other Duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may not comprehensively cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice, based on the needs of the company and the evolution of the role.