Position Summary
The Inventory Specialist supports the dump body manufacturing operation by managing, tracking, and maintaining accurate inventory levels of raw materials, components, hardware, and finished goods. This role ensures that production has the materials needed to meet schedules while enforcing proper inventory controls, documentation, and best practices. The Inventory Specialist works closely with production, purchasing, warehouse, and logistics teams to keep operations running efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Management & Tracking
- Maintain accurate inventory levels of steel, hydraulic components, hardware, electrical parts, weld kits, cylinder assemblies, and other materials used in dump body manufacturing.
- Assist with regular cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies in the inventory management system.
- Track incoming and outgoing materials, ensuring proper documentation and labeling.
- Utilize ERP or inventory software to log usage, receipts, adjustments, and transfers.
Material Handling & Stock Organization
- Organize inventory locations, bins, and storage racks for efficient picking and restocking.
- Ensure materials are staged and delivered to production cells in alignment with daily work orders.
- Monitor material shelf life (e.g., coatings, adhesives) and rotate stock appropriately.
- Coordinate with the warehouse team on receiving and put away processes.
- Optimize warehouse layout and goods workflow for maximum efficiency.
Production & Purchasing Support
- Communicate material shortages, delivery issues, or inventory risks to purchasing and production supervisors.
- Assist with creating purchase order requests based on production forecasts and minimum stock levels.
- Collaborate with engineering on Bill of Material (BOM) updates and part changes.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure materials are stored safely and according to company standards.
- Perform inspections of incoming materials for correct packaging, quantity, quality before releasing them into production.
- Follow OSHA and company safety procedures when handling heavy steel components, cylinders, and hydraulic parts.
Data & Reporting
- Generate inventory reports including usage trends, variance analysis, and inventory accuracy metrics.
- Support physical inventory counts and annual audits.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED; technical or manufacturing coursework is a plus.
- Experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or manufacturing support (preferably metal fabrication or heavy equipment).
- Ability to read BOMs, work orders, and part drawings.
- Proficiency with ERP/inventory management systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor, NetSuite, Infor Syteline or similar).
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Office, etc.)
- Strong math and organizational skills.
- Forklift certification or ability to obtain one.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in dump body, truck equipment, or heavy fabrication manufacturing.
- Understanding of steel grades, hydraulic components, and mechanical assemblies.
- Experience with lean manufacturing or 5S principles.
- Ability to operate overhead cranes and material handling equipment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds occasionally.
- Standing, walking, bending, and handling materials throughout the shift.
- Safe operation of forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment.
Core Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Dependability and time management
- Strong communication
- Problem solving and root-cause analysis
- Team collaboration
- Safety focused mindset
About us:
Ox Bodies is a subsidiary of Federal Signal, our products have endured even the toughest of conditions on construction sites around the country and abroad since 1972. We’ve walked in your boots – we get it. Time is money, and we strive to provide the highest quality, most durable products, equipped to handle any job you throw at them.
Our reputation and our people are what have made Ox the industry leader. We are your premier partner for designing and manufacturing Class 6 to 8 dump bodies in the United States and across the globe. Innovative, rugged, high-performance truck bodies, parts, and accessories, all manufactured by hard-working people in Fayette, Alabama.
Our ingenuity allows us to manufacture, assemble, and deliver a complete product. No one else can duplicate what we do or do it better, and if that’s not enough, we’ll pick up and deliver right to your front door.
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at 205-932-8177. All other applications must be submitted online.
Required
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Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Office, etc.)
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Proficiency with ERP/inventory management systems (e.g., SAP, Epicor, NetSuite, Infor Syteline or similar).
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Ability to read BOMs, work orders, and part drawings.
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Experience in inventory control, warehouse operations, or manufacturing support (preferably metal fabrication or heavy equipment).
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
