Quality Control/Inventory at D Otani Produce Inc – Honolulu, Hawaii

Position Summary

The Quality Control & Inventory Management Specialist is responsible for ensuring product quality standards are consistently met and inventory levels are accurate, organized, and efficiently managed. This role supports daily warehouse and distribution operations by preventing defects, reducing product loss, maintaining accurate inventory records, and ensuring compliance with company standards and food safety requirements. The position plays a key role in supporting operational efficiency, product integrity, and customer satisfaction through effective quality control and inventory management practices.

Primary Responsibilities

Quality Control

• Inspect incoming, in-process, and outgoing produce for quality, freshness, temperature, and compliance with company, customer, and regulatory standards.
• Monitor storage conditions, including temperature control, handling practices, and product rotation (FIFO), to maintain product integrity.
• Identify, document, and report damaged, expired, or non-conforming products in a timely manner.
• Partner with warehouse and operations teams to investigate quality issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation, handling procedures, and food defense requirements.
• Maintain accurate quality inspection records and logs.

Inventory Control

• Monitor inventory levels to prevent shortages, overstocks, and product expiration.
• Conduct daily inventory checks, cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliations.
• Track inventory movement, shortages, overages, damages, and system adjustments.
• Maintain accurate inventory records within company inventory and warehouse management systems.
• Support receiving, stocking, rotation (FIFO), and product traceability activities.
• Assist with inventory audits and operational reviews as needed.

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain required quality control and inventory documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Follow food safety guidelines, sanitation standards, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Support internal and external audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Communicate quality, food safety, or inventory concerns promptly to management.

Collaboration & Support

• Coordinate with purchasing, warehouse, sales, logistics, and delivery teams to support daily operations.
• Assist with training employees on quality standards, food safety practices, and inventory procedures.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts related to quality control, inventory accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in warehouse operations, inventory control, quality assurance, or food distribution preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, temperature-controlled warehouse environment.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn inventory and warehouse management systems.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with produce, perishable goods, or food distribution.
• Knowledge of FIFO, lot tracking, traceability, and food safety practices.
• Forklift and pallet jack experience or certification preferred.
• Bilingual (English/other languages) a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Quality inspection and problem identification
• Inventory accuracy and recordkeeping
• Time management and organization
• Communication and teamwork
• Reliability, accountability, and attention to detail

Working Conditions

Work Environment

• Operates in a warehouse environment with standard office equipment (computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and filing systems).
• Warehouse setting includes cold storage and refrigerated areas.
• Temperatures in the warehouse range from approximately 30°F to 55°F.
• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hair restraints, while working in the warehouse.
• Early morning, evening, weekend, or holiday shifts may be required based on business needs.

Physical Demands

• Physical role requiring extended periods of walking and standing.
• Requires occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Requires bending, manual handling, and general warehouse activity.
• May occasionally assist with or visit warehouse operations in refrigerated environments.
• Must be able to work weekends as required.
• Must be able to work overtime based on operational and seasonal demands.