Retail Inventory Specialist Position Available In Hudson, New Jersey

Retail Inventory Specialist Hidden Grounds Chai and Coffee House Jersey City, NJ Job Details Full-time $20 – $28 an hour 1 day ago Benefits 401(k) Paid time off Employee discount Flexible schedule Qualifications Inventory analysis Inventory optimization experience (1-2 years) Project Management Largest inventory management system optimized (1,000-5,000 items) Microsoft Excel Inventory optimization Inventory data entry Inventory management experience (1-2 years) Vendor management Inventory management Inventory records Cycle counting inventory management Slack Optimizing inventory management system Supply chain inventory management Mid-level Spot checks for inventory management Physical inventory counts for inventory management Forecasting Data analytics Logistics inventory management Largest inventory management system optimized (1-1,000 items) Inventory planning Full Job Description About Hidden Grounds Chai & Coffee House Hidden Grounds is a neighborhood café brand with 8 busy locations across New Jersey and New York. We’re built on chai, coffee, fresh bakery, and honest hospitality. We run lean and fast — and we rely on people who know how to stay ahead of the curve while handling daily challenges without missing a beat. Position Summary This is not a desk job. It’s a 50/50 split between reacting to daily inventory issues and planning ahead to prevent them tomorrow and next month . You’ll handle what’s happening today — missed deliveries, damaged products, last-minute vendor corrections — while also staying ahead by analyzing usage trends, adjusting par levels, and fine-tuning orders to control costs and avoid surprises. Responsibilities Daily Problem-Solving (50%) Verify and check all deliveries for accuracy and quality. Log missing or damaged items, secure credits or refunds, and communicate updates to store managers. Work directly with vendors to fix problems fast and keep operations smooth. Respond to urgent supply issues so stores and the bakery don’t skip a beat. Be the go-to contact for any real-time inventory questions or needs. Forward Planning (50%) Maintain accurate par levels and adjust them based on real sales data, seasonal trends, and upcoming events. Keep the Main Production Sheet updated to match actual demand and delivery schedules. Analyze inventory usage and vendor performance to identify waste and cost-saving opportunities. Audit invoices, track pricing, and negotiate improvements where needed. Work closely with operations leadership and store managers to align inventory planning with menu changes, promotions, and growth plans.

Weekly Workflow Monday:

Verify weekend deliveries, handle issues immediately, review past week’s trends to adjust this week’s plan.

Tuesday:

Follow up on credits or refunds, check par levels, prep and adjust orders for midweek.

Wednesday:

Place major bi-weekly store orders, update production sheets, and communicate any expected changes with managers.

Thursday:

Confirm midweek deliveries, finalize bakery supply needs for the following week, and flag any vendor concerns.

Friday:

Confirm readiness for the weekend, close out open issues, and prepare clear notes for the next week.

Saturday:

Day off — handle only truly urgent problems.

Sunday:

Place Sunday store orders, update production sheets for Monday’s deliveries, and check for any last-minute vendor or supply concerns.

Requirements Experience:

Minimum 2 years in inventory management, supply chain, or operations — preferably in foodservice, hospitality, or retail.

Technical Skills:

Proficient with Odeko, Woolco, Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, and basic reporting.

Mindset:

Able to switch easily between solving urgent problems and planning long-term improvements.

Communication:

Clear, prompt, and professional with vendors, store managers, and leadership.

Flexibility:

Willing to visit stores and the bakery to keep eyes on what’s really happening day-to-day. What Success Looks Like Daily inventory issues handled fast with little impact on store operations. Inventory levels kept balanced — no surprises for store teams. Vendor invoices and credits processed cleanly and on time. Weekly and monthly reports delivered accurately and with actionable insights. Stores and the bakery feel supported, with less scrambling and more predictability. What We Offer Competitive pay and benefits. A hands-on role with a direct impact on how we run and grow. A supportive, honest culture that values clear communication and continuous improvement. Plenty of room to grow in a brand that isn’t slowing down.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$20.00 – $28.00 per hour Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off

Schedule:

Monday to Friday Weekends as needed

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Jersey City, NJ 07304