Inventory Control Manager Trainee

About Busy Beaver

Helpful people. Quality products. Supporting our local community for generations.

At Busy Beaver, it’s our mission to be your favorite neighborhood home improvement center. We provide a “just right” assortment of everything you need—whether it’s for routine yard maintenance or your next DIY project. Our stores offer the right mix of products at a great value every day, and our friendly, helpful staff love to help neighbors make the most of their homes.

Position Summary

The Inventory Control Manager - Trainee plays a critical role in overseeing and maintaining the accuracy and integrity of all inventory operations. This position supports the General Manager and leads daily functions related to receiving, tracking, warehousing, and auditing merchandise.

The Inventory Control Manager ensures compliance with company policies, works closely with accounting to maintain financial accuracy, and coaches associates to uphold best practices for inventory workflow and accountability.

This role is ideal for a strong leader who is detail-oriented, process-driven, and committed to protecting company assets through accurate inventory management and expense control.

What You’ll Do

Management Performance

• Support the General Manager in executing all inventory functions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Act as a Keyholder and manage the store in the absence of the General Manager or Assistant Manager.
• Lead by example in inventory areas, maintaining organization, cleanliness, and workflow efficiency.
• Oversee receiving, warehousing, and backroom operations.
• Ensure proper handling of defective merchandise and return processes.

Store Operations & Administration

• Ensure all inventory-related standards and policies are consistently followed.
• Assign and monitor daily/weekly tasks to achieve inventory objectives.
• Evaluate and improve processes to enhance efficiency and reduce errors.
• Ensure all merchandise is received, documented, signed, and priced accurately.
• Maintain safety awareness and enforce a secure, hazard-free work environment.

Organizational Development

• Assess staffing needs and implement strategies to support accurate and efficient inventory practices.
• Lead cycle counts, yellow tag reviews, weekly audits, and vendor/fine line audits.
• Manage return merchandise authorization (RMA) processes and ensure timely vendor credit.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and performance reviews for team members.
• Implement training programs to support associate development and inventory best practices.
• Ensure accurate tracking of purchase orders, special orders, and rain-checks.

Expense Control

• Monitor and manage inventory-related expenses within budget.
• Actively work to reduce shrink and protect company assets through strong operational controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability by strengthening inventory processes.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Proven experience in inventory management, warehouse, or retail operations.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to coach, train, and develop associates.
• Comfortable serving as a Keyholder and leading operations when management is unavailable.
• Retail management or supervisory experience highly preferred.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Leadership opportunity with direct impact on store operations and profitability.
• Be part of a locally rooted, community-focused company.
• Supportive, team-oriented work environment.
• Employee discount on the products you know and love.
• Opportunities to grow your career within a trusted retail brand.

Ready to lead inventory operations and help drive store success?

Apply today and become an Inventory Control Manager at Busy Beaver!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Busy Beaver is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

This is a full-time regular position with a 48 hour work week Monday through Friday. Must be available from 7am-5pm. CRM, excel, attention to detail a must!

The final hiring location will be within our Northern store locations (New Castle, Ellwood City, Grove City, Greenville. Training store will be Calcutta Ohio.