Warehouse - Inventory Analyst

Department: Warehouse

Reports to: Warehouse Manager

At Polytainers, we create packaging that helps protect the food products people enjoy every day. As a leading North American manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging, we combine innovation, operational excellence and strong customer partnerships to deliver quality products and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Across our teams and facilities, we work together with purpose, put our customers first and continuously look for better ways to work. We create an environment where people are encouraged to share their ideas, empowered to take action and are supported in their growth.

When you join Polytainers, you become part of a team that values accountability, collaboration and respect. Whatever your role - making our products, supporting our customers or improving how we work - your contribution matters. Together, we partner for success, win through teamwork and create packaging solutions for today and tomorrow.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Warehouse Manager, the Inventory Analyst is responsible for maintaining inventory accuracy through daily cycle counting, inventory analysis, pallet management, and inventory replenishment activities. This role is accountable for investigating inventory discrepancies, processing inventory transactions, and ensuring accurate inventory records within SAP. The Inventory Analyst will work closely with Operations, Customer Service, Accounting, Sales, and suppliers to support efficient warehouse and production operations.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily Inventory Cycle Counts

• Perform daily cycle counts and investigate inventory discrepancies as required.
• Monitor and report inventory variances, document inventory discrepancies, and maintain accurate inventory records.
• Obtain required approvals and process inventory adjustments in SAP.
• Execute inventory transactions, reconciliations, and corrections within SAP while ensuring data integrity.
• Investigate and resolve differences between physical inventory and SAP system inventory.
• Report inventory accuracy metrics and cycle count results during daily operational meetings.

Inventory Analysis

• Monitor and coordinate "balanced out" inventories, including items affected by artwork changes, product redesigns, and material modifications.
• Utilize problem-solving methodologies to identify root causes of inventory inaccuracies and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain accurate Footprints and report all inventory adjustments.
• Generate and analyze inventory reports from SAP to monitor inventory performance, stock levels, inventory movements, and variances.
• Support inventory audits and ensure compliance with inventory control procedures.
• Utilize SAP inventory management tools to maintain accurate inventory records and support operational requirements.

Pallet Management and Planning

• Maintain optimum inventory levels of pallets and corrugated cardboard materials.
• Enter and maintain pallet inventory information within SAP and related inventory databases.
• Ensure accuracy of pallet inventory records and inventory transactions.
• Liaise with Accounting, Sales, and Customer Service to confirm customer-owned inventory levels and pallet collections.
• Review pallet inventory requirements and place replenishment orders as needed.
• Review cardboard box inventories daily and replenish Kanban racks as required.
• Coordinate with suppliers and communicate any supply, delivery, or quality concerns.
• Monitor inventory consumption trends and make recommendations to support inventory optimization.

SAP Inventory Management

• Process inventory transactions, inventory transfers, inventory adjustments, and material movements within SAP.
• Maintain accurate master data and inventory records within SAP.
• Generate inventory variance, cycle count, and inventory valuation reports from SAP.
• Collaborate with Operations and IT teams to identify and resolve SAP inventory-related issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory control processes and SAP utilization.

Other Duties

• Participate actively in Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Support inventory audits and physical inventory counts.
• Complete special projects and assignments as required.
• Adhere to all company policies, health and safety requirements, and quality standards.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Post-secondary education in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Logistics, or a related field is considered an asset.

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 5 years of inventory control, warehouse, production control, or materials management experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience performing cycle counts, inventory reconciliations, root cause analysis, and inventory reporting.
• Hands-on experience using SAP ERP for warehouse inventory management, inventory transactions, cycle counting, inventory adjustments, and inventory analysis.
• Experience working within high-volume manufacturing or distribution environments.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of inventory control and pull inventory systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience using SAP ERP (Inventory Management, Materials Management (MM), Warehouse Management (WM), Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), or related modules).
• Ability to generate and interpret inventory reports, investigate variances, and maintain inventory accuracy within SAP.
• Experience working with MRPII, ERP, and inventory management systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to effectively communicate inventory issues and collaborate across multiple departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to spend considerable time on the production floor and within warehouse environments.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise and changing operational conditions.

Work Environment: This position works closely with manufacturing operations and requires considerable time on the production floor. The environment is fast-paced, with priorities changing based on customer demand, and overtime may occasionally be required.

This job posting reflects existing vacancy. Details will be clarified during the recruitment process, if selected.

Polytainers does not directly use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants. However, Polytainers does use Indeed.com to publicly advertise this posting and Indeed.com does use artificial intelligence as part of the screening process. More information about how Indeed.com uses artificial intelligence in their process can be found here:  How Indeed Uses AI: Employer Tools and Responsible Use

This position is open to applicants legally authorized to work in Canada.

Polytainers is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Polytainers is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. 

Polytainers Inc. is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). Applicants are asked to make their needs/requirements, for the purpose of accommodation under AODA, known to Human Resources when they are contacted for an interview. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.