Inventory Specialist

Description

About Us:

Established in 1957 in Prince George, BC on a freshwater spring, the Pacific Western Brewing Company is British Columbia’s longest-established, independent BC-owned brewery. Originally named Caribou Brewing, prior to its current ownership, the brewery changed hands a number of times. In the late 1980’s, entrepreneur Kazuko Komatsu began producing a special Dry beer at the brewery for export to Japan. The beer was so well received in the Japanese market that she went on to purchase the brewery in 1991, becoming the first woman and first Asian-Canadian to own and operate a brewery in Canada.

Through a combination of modernization of the brewery and establishment of strict brewing and packaging standards, the brewery’s new focus was recognized through the achievement of the quality standard ISO-9001. PWB was the first North American brewery to achieve this standard and to this day is the only brewing company with this standing.

Pacific Western Brewery has remained focused on creating innovative, quality beers that deliver value and enjoyment to our customers and on supporting local community and environmental initiatives. The Brewery’s Organic beers are an innovation example; our Organic Lager first brewed in 1997 is Canada’s first organic beer. While the Organic Amber Ale, introduced in 2005, was awarded a Gold Medal in the Brewing Industry International Awards- the Oscars of the Brewing Industry.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Plant Manager, The Inventory Specialist role manages the lifecycle of packaging materials-from forecasting and purchasing to inventory counting and production coordination. You will monitor stock levels, place purchase orders, and adjust schedules based on real-time production needs to maintain an optimal balance of supply and demand. You will also engage in CSR functions as needed and required.

Responsibilities:

Inventory & Production Support:

• Records the daily production inventory used and reconciles the daily inventory file for all packaging materials.
• Monitor daily inventory levels for all finished goods across three warehouse locations.
• Uploads inventory reports to Liquify for up-to-date inventory levels. (For Carmens department)
• Perform regular physical counts, audits, and reconciliations to ensure accuracy of all packaging materials Cans, ends, Cartons and trays and any other packaging materials required for production.
• Consolidates the RTD raw materials inventory.
• Assistance for the implementation of the inventory management system project.
• Record daily material usage and enter production data into the inventory system; investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Review weekly production schedules and confirm all packaging materials are available to support uninterrupted plant operations.
• Proactively identify and communicate potential material shortages or risks to management.

Forecasting, Planning & Reporting

• Collect sales and shipment data to maintain the finished goods weekly inventory reports.
• Supports accurate forecasting of finished goods and packaging requirements.
• Coordinate can supply with primary suppliers to maintain sufficient inventory.

Purchasing

• Prepare and issue purchase orders for all packaging materials.
• Resolves invoice or shipping discrepancies.

Customer Service Support

• Provide support and backup coverage to the Customer Service desk during vacations, illnesses, or peak periods.
• Assist with high-volume order processing and customer communication as required.

Business Operations Support

• Provide support for the Business Operations agent as required

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Secondary school diploma required; post-secondary training in inventory, supply chain, or logistics is a strong asset.
• 1-3 years of experience in inventory control, manufacturing, warehousing, or distribution environments.
• Previous customer service and high-volume order processing experience preferred.
• Proficiency with ERP or inventory systems (e.g., SYSPRO).
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets and data analysis tools.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills
• High attention to detail and strong analytical abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Solid computer proficiency and comfort working with data and reports
• Financial aptitude related to inventory control, purchasing, and reconciliation