Who we are: Next Century Spirits (NCS), headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is a full-service distilled spirits and marketing company specializing in the development of spirits for its owned brands, private label clients, and bulk supply. The NCS portfolio includes Pocho Fino Tequila, Nue Vodka, Blue Chair Bay Rum, Bear Fight Whiskey, Numbskull – a cool mint and chocolate-flavored whiskey, Creek Water American Whiskey, Caddy Clubhouse Cocktails, Calamity Gin, and Henderson Whiskey. NCS-owned brands have earned over 35 gold medals in industry competitions, and in 2023, the company was named North Carolina Distillery of the Year by the New York International Spirits Competition.
Primary Duty: We are seeking an Inventory Control Specialist to own inventory accuracy and management across our Zebulon, NC facility. This role is responsible for the full inventory lifecycle — from receiving dry goods and inbound liquid, to tracking work-in-progress, to the accurate fulfillment and shipment of finished goods for both our owned brands and B2B contract production clients. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, system-savvy (NetSuite experience strongly preferred), and takes genuine pride in making sure every count is right.
Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate inventory records across all categories — dry goods (bottles, caps, labels, cartons), inbound liquid, bulk spirit, and finished goods — for both NCS owned brands and B2B clients
- Execute and document the physical receiving of all inbound inventory, including dry goods deliveries and liquid transfers, and ensure timely and accurate entry into NetSuite
- Manage finished goods inventory from production line clearance through warehouse storage and outbound fulfillment — ensuring accurate pick, pack, and shipment for all orders
- Conduct regular cycle counts and periodic full physical inventory audits; investigate and resolve discrepancies between physical counts and system records
- Partner with production, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure inventory movements are captured accurately and in real time as goods flow through the facility
- Monitor inventory levels and flag potential shortfalls or overages to the operations and supply chain teams, helping to prevent production disruptions or excess carrying costs
- Maintain organized, clearly labeled warehouse storage — ensuring finished goods, dry goods, and bulk materials are stored safely, accessibly, and in compliance with applicable standards
- Support month-end and year-end inventory close processes, providing accurate data and reconciliation support to the finance and accounting teams
- Analyze inventory variances and identify recurring root causes.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to improve inventory accuracy and warehouse efficiency.
- Develop inventory accuracy KPIs and report performance trends.
- Partner with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to eliminate systemic inventory errors.
This Job Might Be for You If:
- You have an eye for detail. Inventory accuracy isn’t just a task for you — it’s a standard. You notice when something is off, and you don’t let discrepancies slide.
- You take ownership. When the count is wrong, you find out why. When a shipment arrives short, you document it, escalate it, and follow through until it’s resolved.
- You are organized and methodical. You have systems for staying on top of a lot of moving pieces. Nothing falls through the cracks on your watch.
- You are highly collaborative. You work closely with production, supply chain, and finance — and you know that your accuracy directly impacts their ability to do their jobs well.
- You are motivated and driven. You take pride in a clean warehouse, an accurate system, and a shipment that goes out right the first time. The details matter to you.
- You are adaptable. One day you’re receiving a pallet of glass, the next you’re reconciling a count discrepancy or supporting a customer shipment. You handle the variety without losing the thread.
- You thrive in a fast-moving environment. NCS is a growing company with a high mix of products and clients. You keep up, stay organized, and raise a flag when you need support.
- You communicate clearly. When something isn’t right — a count, a shipment, a system entry — you surface it promptly and with enough context for the right people to act on it.
- You want to work in an industry that is a ton of fun . . . with people who are a ton of fun.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in inventory management, warehouse operations, or a related role in a manufacturing, food & beverage, CPG, or distribution environment
- Strong proficiency with ERP/inventory management systems; NetSuite experience strongly preferred
- Proven track record of maintaining inventory accuracy through cycle counts, physical audits, and disciplined system entry
- Experience with both inbound receiving and outbound fulfillment processes, including documentation and chain of custody
- Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a physically active warehouse environment, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills — comfortable managing multiple SKUs, clients, and inventory categories simultaneously
- Comfortable with basic data tools (Excel or similar) for tracking, reconciling, and reporting inventory data
- Clear and proactive communicator — able to flag issues quickly and work cross-functionally to resolve them
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s degree or coursework in supply chain, logistics, or business a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in spirits, wine, beer, or beverage manufacturing
- Familiarity with TTB compliance requirements related to spirits inventory and record-keeping
- Experience managing inventory across multiple SKUs, clients, or product lines in a contract manufacturing or co-packing environment
- Forklift certification or experience operating a forklift or pallet jack
- Experience supporting month-end or year-end inventory close processes
- Experience with barcode scanning, RFID, or other warehouse technology
Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person