About this role
Job Description:
Job: Inventory Control & Planning Specialist Segment: Royal Canin (Mars, Incorporated) Location: Fremont, NE Shift: Day Shift (Monday – Friday, 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM) Job Type: Full-Time Reporting To: Inventory & Logistics Manager
At Royal Canin, our purpose is to make a better world for pets by providing precise health nutrition. The Inventory Control & Planning Specialist is a vital link in this mission, working as part of a dynamic team to manage overall stock levels within our main manufacturing facility and third-party logistics (3PL) partners to ensure 100% of customer orders are fulfilled.
In this hybrid coordination and analytical role, you will be responsible for maintaining precise, real-time inventory records for raw materials, packaging elements, work-in-process (WIP), and finished goods. By combining daily physical cycle counts with advanced digital systems tracking (SAP, 1Nav, RCLMS, I-track), you will resolve discrepancies, optimize stock levels, prevent production downtime, and foster excellent relationships with both internal operations teams and external warehousing partners.
Key Responsibilities Stock Management & Production Support
• Inventory Availability: Ensure adequate stock levels across various packaging elements, raw materials, WIP, and finished goods to fully support day-to-day manufacturing schedules and prevent line downtime.
• 3PL and Warehouse Alignment: Coordinate physical stock levels, conversion operations, and materials packaging elements across our internal warehouse and primary 3PL partner facilities.
• Material Transitions: Manage physical transfers of materials between storage areas and the production floor, ensuring proper labeling, organization, and adherence to First-In, First-Out (FIFO) standards.
Discrepancy Reconciliation & Systems Tracking
• Daily Cycle Counting: Conduct and oversee routine physical cycle counts and actively support formal annual physical inventory audits.
• Discrepancy Investigation: Promptly investigate inventory variances, identify root causes of errors, and reconcile system data to maintain high levels of inventory accuracy.
• Digital Inventory Administration: Ensure all receipts, issues, adjustments, and transfers are recorded with strict accuracy in 1Nav, RCLMS, I-track, and SAP systems.
Analytics, Reporting, & KPIs
• Performance Dashboards: Compile, analyze, and distribute standard inventory reports to plant management.
• KPI Tracking: Track key performance indicators (KPI targets vs. actuals) and identify process bottlenecks or materials-handling improvements.
• Supplier Collaboration: Communicate inventory replenishment needs and variance trends with Purchasing and Quality assurance teams.
What We Are Looking For (Job Specifications)
Experience & Education
• Education: High School Diploma or GED required.
• Industry Experience: 2+ years of inventory control, materials planning, or warehouse logistics experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment. Experience within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or food-manufacturing sector is highly preferred.
• Technical Systems: Hands-on proficiency with SAP, 1Nav, RCLMS, or I-track systems is highly desirable.
• Analytical Skills: Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (formulas, data organization) and general Microsoft Office applications.
Key Skills & Competencies
• Customer Focus & Communication: Exceptional communication and customer service skills to build trust, resolve logistical issues, and collaborate with multi-functional teams.
• Problem Solving: A structured approach to troubleshooting discrepancies with high attention to detail.
• Project & Process Management: Early-stage project management experience, with a process-oriented mindset.
• Continuous Improvement: Basic familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or ISO 9001 Quality Management systems is preferred.
• Certifications: Forklift certification (or the capability and willingness to obtain certification) is a plus.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and climb for extended periods within warehouse environments.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move materials up to 50 lbs.
• Comfort working in active manufacturing, production, and temperature-varied warehouse spaces.
What You Can Expect from Mars & Royal Canin
• Our Five Principles: Work in an environment where our daily decisions are guided by Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom.
• A Purpose-Driven Business: Join a team that is genuinely striving to build a better world for pets and the people who love them.
• Continuous Learning: Receive support from day one, including access to world-class training programs through our in-house Mars University.
• Competitive Compensation: An industry-competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and eligibility for an annual company performance bonus.