Vantage Specialty Chemicals
Inventory Associate
Vantage is a fast-growing, leading global supplier of naturally derived specialty ingredients and formulations that cater to the evolving needs of consumer and industrial markets. Through our chemistries, our customer focus and our vertically integrated farming, manufacturing, and formulation facilities around the world, we are Enabling Tomorrow’s Solutions Today.

With more than 1,000 employees, $1+ billion in sales and a footprint in 13 countries around the world, Vantage is driven by an intense focus on our customers, providing a broad portfolio of customized solutions, formulations and ingredients that are tailored to meet their specific needs.

Vantage is structured in two divisions: Consumer Solutions is focused on market segments where we have the right product portfolio and technical capabilities to win. Our Beauty & Personal Care and Food business units aim to be the customer’s partner of choice in delivering solutions, formulations and ingredients that best meet their needs. Performance Solutions encapsulates our Performance Materials and Oleo business units and is focused on select industrial applications where we offer differentiated solutions built on our foundational oleo chemistry.

Under the leadership of Steve Doktycz, a 27-year chemical industry and strategic development veteran, its tenured leadership team represents decades of industry experience coupled with entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for natural chemistries. Vantage is headquartered in the United States (Deerfield, IL, a Chicago suburb).

Since its inception in 2008, Vantage’s continued growth has been realized through a combination of focused commercial efforts, significant capital investment into our manufacturing assets, strategic entry into geographic markets and niche acquisitions to develop our leading portfolio of natural-based specialty ingredients.

Vantage™ is backed by H.I.G., a leading global alternative investment firm with $43 billion of equity capital under management with a focus on the small and midcap segments of the market, with a minority investment by The Jordan Company.

For more information: www.vantagegrp.com

Position Summary

The inventory Associate is responsible for accurately recording and maintaining inventory levels within the organization. This role involves monitoring stock levels, conducting regular inventory counts, reconciling discrepancies, proper storage and organization of the inventory items. The inventory Associate will collaborate across departments to optimize inventory management processes and support efficient operations. Attention-to-detail, strong organizational skills and ability to work in a challenging environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Initiate purchase requisitions to ensure replenishment of stock and supply items.Receives all goods and directs them to proper person(s) or place, inform departments when their material arrives via E-mail.Maintain receiving files, receiving logs and forwards proper paperwork to Storeroom Coordinator.Maintain proper stocking levels in material storeroom.Maintain security of storeroom. Ensure parts withdrawals are recorded against work orders or cost centers. Monitor tool crib to ensure tools are in good operating condition, signed out and returned to tool crib.Create reports regarding shortage of materials for work orders as directed.Set up and handout necessary parts to maintenance and contractor craftsmen.Liaise as appropriate with R & M Department primarily to the Storeroom Coordinator.Maintain daily parts withdrawal log sheet.Report parts usage against equipment to storeroom coordinator to facilitate accurate bill of materials. Log in spreadsheet.Perform weekly inventory audits regarding accurate material quantities and locations and supply report to storeroom coordinator.Assemble work kits in staging area(s) and notify storeroom coordinator when kits are completed.Receive rebuilt “repair and return” parts and ensure part restock value.General housekeeping of parts room.Assign locations to new parts.All other duties as directed by Maintenance Manager or Supervisor.Secondary responsibility for FSSC/GMP plant compliance issues with the maintenance Supervisor as the primary. Report/request work orders if any FSSC/CGMP issues are related. 

Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.

The Ideal Candidate 

Desired Background

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.Previous experience working in a manufacturing and/or storeroom environment is highly preferred. Previous experience in inventory management, logistics, supply chain management, logistics or a related field is preferred. Proficiency in using inventory management software and tools.Ability to use Microsoft Excel for data entry and analysis.Ability to analyze inventory data and identify trends.

Knowledge, Skills & Talents

More specifically, we would seek the following attributes and competencies for the position:

Meticulous in their work to ensure accurate recording of inventory levels, tracking stock movements and identifying discrepancies.Strong organizational skills to maintain orderly storage. Problem solving abilities to troubleshoot discrepancies, root cause analysis (RCA).Knowledge of mechanical and electrical parts and equipment would be beneficial.Excellent communication skills, oral and written.Computer literate.Knowledge of safe practices.Able to operate manual pallet jacks. Must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.Previous Engineering Stores experience would be beneficial.
Chicago, IL