Inventory Team Member - Berkeley Culinary Center

SUMMARY 

The Inventory Team Member is responsible for receiving, storing, counting, and documenting warehouse inventory accurately so that stock levels support customer demand. This role supports day-to-day inventory control — handling receiving and put-away, cycle counts, balance reviews, system recordkeeping, and reporting of stock inflow and outflow to management — within a warehouse and production facility environment. Accuracy, sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to serve as a dependable point of contact for the team are fundamental expectations of this role. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES 

Receiving, Storage & Inventory Accuracy 

• Ensure all items are appropriately received, inspected against documentation, and stored in designated warehouse locations; maintain proper documentation for every inventory transaction; review inventory balances and count items in stock, including scheduled cycle counts and physical inventories, reconciling variances promptly and accurately. 

• Maintain proper stock levels so that customer demand is met in the most efficient manner possible; monitor stock inflow and outflow and keep management current on inventory status; identify and communicate shortages, overstock, damaged goods, and other discrepancies as they arise. 

Reporting, Customer Support & Process Improvement 

• Compile inventory information and present it to management to support effective decision making, including restock needs; provide recommendations to management and sales leaders based on inventory trends and availability. 

• Provide accurate inventory information to customers to guide their choice of items to order; investigate issues within the warehouse inventory system and recommend or implement improvements that support operational performance and customer satisfaction. 

Team Coordination & Compliance 

• Serve as a point of contact for the team to convey issues and communicate information to all as needed; work directly with the Inventory Manager and warehouse staff to support training on inventory procedures and recommend updates to inventory policies as needed. 

• Comply with all Whitsons policies and procedures, safety practices, and applicable food safety and facility requirements, including proper lifting techniques and safe equipment use; promptly report unsafe conditions, hazards, injuries, or near-miss incidents to the Inventory Manager or other designated supervisor; perform all other duties as assigned in support of inventory operations. 

$20/hour

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES 

Education 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree preferred. 

Experience 

• Minimum 1–2 years of inventory control, warehouse, or receiving experience required; food service, distribution, or institutional supply experience preferred. 

Certifications 

• Powered industrial truck (forklift) certification preferred but not required; must complete all Whitsons and government-mandated training as required. 

Technical Proficiency 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required; must be able to communicate electronically through email and other similar computer platforms. 

• Ability to learn new programs, including inventory management systems, easily and quickly. 

Other Qualifications 

• Ability to use critical thinking skills to resolve problems and improve inventory processes. 

• Excellent time management and organizational skills. 

• Bilingual in Spanish is highly desirable. 

Core Competencies 

• Food Safety & Compliance: Follows all Whitsons policies, safety requirements, and applicable regulatory standards; handles, stores, and rotates product properly; maintains accurate records and documentation at all times. 

• Execution & Reliability: Completes receiving, counting, and recordkeeping tasks accurately and on time; follows established inventory procedures; ensures consistent, dependable results every shift. 

• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates care in verifying shipments, counting stock, and entering data; identifies and resolves discrepancies promptly; maintains organized, accurately labeled storage areas. 

• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with the Inventory Manager, warehouse staff, and other departments; shares information openly; supports the team’s daily operational goals. 

• Customer Focus: Provides accurate, timely inventory information to customers and internal partners; anticipates demand needs; responds to requests in a courteous and helpful manner. 

• Professionalism: Arrives on time, follows assigned schedules, maintains a positive and respectful demeanor, and consistently represents Whitsons well in all interactions. 

• Communication: Communicates clearly and promptly in person and electronically; conveys issues and inventory updates to management and team members; serves as a reliable point of contact for the team. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS 

Expected Hours of Work 

The Inventory Team Member position is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are aligned with warehouse and facility operations, and extended hours, including evenings and/or weekends, may be required. 

Travel Requirements 

This position may require travel to multiple work sites and occasional out-of-district travel. The Team Member must be able to drive their own vehicle to other work sites. 

Physical Demands of the Job 

The Team Member is required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear; use hands and fingers to handle, operate, and count items, tools, and controls; reach with hands and arms; and walk back and forth and up and down stairs throughout the workday. Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, including while turning side to side. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Work Environment 

This position operates primarily in an office and warehouse or production facility environment that may sometimes experience extreme temperatures. The noise level is moderate to loud. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed.