Inventory Control Associate

Summary/Objective The Inventory Control Associate supports the Purchasing and Finance functions by ensuring accurate inventory management, disciplined ordering practices, and financial accountability across assigned operational departments. This role serves as a key control point between departmental demand and procurement execution by monitoring usage, maintaining accurate records, and enforcing purchasing standards. Success in this position is defined by attention to detail, cost-conscious decision-making, and the ability to support uninterrupted operations while safeguarding financial and inventory integrity.

Key Accountabilities Inventory Management & Stock Level Control:

Maintain accurate inventory levels for all assigned operational areas, with primary emphasis on Food & Beverage and other high-consumption departments. Monitor stock balances, establish reorder points, and ensure par levels align with operational demand, historical usage, and financial controls.

Procurement Support & Ordering Execution:

Execute approved purchasing orders in coordination with the Purchasing Manager, ensuring compliance with established vendor agreements, group purchasing arrangements (e.g., Avendra), pricing structures, and purchasing policies.

Usage Monitoring & Cost Control:

Track inventory usage patterns and identify variances, waste, or unusual consumption trends. Report findings to Purchasing Manager and support cost-control initiatives through disciplined, data-driven ordering practices.

Receiving Reconciliation & Verification:

Reconcile received goods against purchase orders and inventory records. Investigate shortages, overages, damages, and discrepancies in coordination with Receiving and Purchasing to ensure financial and operational accuracy.

System Accuracy & Inventory Records:

Maintain accurate inventory records in purchasing, inventory, and accounting systems. Ensure timely updates for receipts, issues, transfers, and adjustments in accordance with internal controls and audit standards.

Vendor Coordination & Issue Resolution:

Support Purchasing in coordinating with contracted vendors and group purchasing partners (e.g., Avendra) regarding backorders, substitutions, delivery timing, and pricing discrepancies. Operational Support to

Departments:

Serve as a finance-aligned operational partner to department leaders by supporting inventory needs while enforcing purchasing discipline, approved product standards, and cost-conscious practices.

Waste Reduction & Process Improvement:

Identify opportunities to reduce spoilage, shrinkage, and over-ordering through improved rotation, forecasting, and ordering cadence. Recommend procedural or system improvements to Purchasing and Finance leadership.

Audit Readiness & Internal Control Compliance:

Ensure inventory records, adjustments, and purchasing activity remain fully auditable and compliant with internal controls, financial policies, and regulatory expectations. Support internal and external audits as needed.

Cross-Department Collaboration:

Work closely with Purchasing, Receiving, Finance, and department leadership to ensure seamless flow of goods, accurate financial reporting, and alignment between operational needs and fiscal accountability.

Procedural Adherence & Professional Discipline:

Follow all established purchasing policies, inventory procedures, documentation standards, and system protocols without deviation. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling pricing, vendor, and cost information. General Must be at least 21 years old and able to obtain and maintain a Ute Mountain Ute Gaming Commission Support License. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as required by operational needs. Must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and ethical conduct. Education High school diploma or GED preferred. Experience Minimum one (1) year of experience in inventory control, purchasing support, accounting, or related operational roles required. Experience working in hospitality, gaming, food & beverage, or multi-department environments preferred. Demonstrated experience supporting ordering, receiving reconciliation, and inventory tracking required. Familiarity with group purchasing organizations or master vendor agreements (e.g., Avendra) preferred. Tribal gaming experience strongly preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of inventory control principles, ordering workflows, and cost-control practices. Skill in analyzing usage trends, reconciling discrepancies, and supporting purchasing decisions. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities accurately. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments. Skill in maintaining accurate records and audit-ready documentation. Ability to interpret purchasing policies and enforce approved vendor and product standards. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality with financial and vendor-related information. Ability to use inventory, purchasing, and standard office systems effectively.