Inventory Specialist at Wheels, Inc. – Schaumburg, Illinois

JOB OVERVIEW

The Inventory Specialist is responsible for investigating and resolving any dealer, client, driver issues to assist the vendor in securitization of the Wheels or client asset. Requires providing support to the response center to internal and external customers inquiries, solving problems related to vehicle pickups, and assisting in managing the VOR vendor network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Help attain highest possible net sale dollars by ensuring vehicles are picked up and ready for sale within predetermined department and client timeframes. Coordinate and manage a vehicle inventory of forty million dollars annually.
• Respond to customer and internal Salesforce requests in the Remarketing Auction Vehicle queue and manage escalated issues.
• Manage special client reporting to provide responsiveness and proper execution of vehicle securitization.
• Manage third party transportation vendor reporting to ensure that vehicles are delivered to the auction.
• Works with Account Team to streamline client specific process to ensure vehicle pickups.
• Proactively provide client reporting detailing vehicle delays and ETAs to fleet contacts upon request.
• Interpret weekly inventory reports, contact dealers to ensure that the vendor is being diligent during their verification process. For vehicles that dealers indicate the driver did not turn in the vehicle, escalate that vehicle to the Response Center for follow-up.
• Manage aging inventory to ensure that vehicles are escalated within the vendor and to management.
• Research and resolve vendor inquiries related to driver / fleet contact information.
• Process vehicle terminations and update pick up information in the VOR system.
• Develop successful partnerships with vendors by building positive individual relationships with vendor staff.
• Train and coach vendor staff on Wheels policies and procedures. Take appropriate action when expectations are not met.
• Serve internal customers (e.g., Client Services, Driver Services) effectively and professionally.
• Assist and maintain an effective working relationship with the Regional Sales Manager.
• Train and assist co-workers.
• Other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position is an individual contributor

COMPETENCIES - SKILLS

• Working knowledge of Microsoft software such as Windows, Word, Excel and Outlook
• Ability to objectively analyze information and draw a rational conclusion.
• Ability to gather information on a subject and determining which pieces of information apply to the subject and which do not, based on deductive reasoning.
• Strong customer service skills
• Able to speak/write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to interact with customers and co-workers with diplomacy and tact.
• High attention to detail and process oriented
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Organizational and time management skills
• Prioritization skills and ability to adjust to changes in volume of work.
• QWERTY keyboard and general computer navigational skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or GED required
• Two (2) to five (5) years office/customer service experience
• Knowledge of automobile leasing industry is beneficial, but not required

CORE VALUES

At Wheels, we believe in fostering a culture that is built on our Core Values and Guiding Principles. We cultivate a culture of excellence and innovation by upholding these values, driving our collective success and growth.

• Integrity – Always act with integrity and honesty.
• One Team – Treat others with dignity and respect; act as a cohesive, inclusive and accountable team that is making a difference.
• Innovation – Drive continuous improvement, spark creativity and embrace next generation thinking.
• Customer Success – Ensure that customer and driver success is at the heart of everything we do.

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES

At Wheels, our culture guides us how we work every day, and we look for team members who show these behaviors:

• Discipline Drives Quality – Plan the Trip: Think proactively, hold a high bar, follow through by leveraging experience and systems. To produce quality outcomes, we must be intentional and deliberate in everything we do, from big bets to daily execution.
• Intellectually Curious – Fuel Your Minds: Be bold, challenge assumptions, think differently, look outside the box. Strive to unlock your own thinking and create new possibilities.
• Commit and Deliver – Own It: Take responsibility for your work, from start to finish, and be accountable for the results. Think and act like an owner of the business.
• Relationships Matter – Share the Ride: Trust is central, both with key internal and external stakeholders. Relationships are not a side effect of work but a driver of success.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work Environment: This position is in Georgia or Illinois and operates in a professional office environment
Position Type/Standard Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday.
Travel: No travel required for this position
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee must regularly talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate call center tools.

DISCLAIMER

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Wheels recognizes benefits are a significant part of your employee experience, and we've created a robust benefits package that is market-leading, competitive offerings so you and your family can receive outstanding care. Please click here for an overview of the benefits available to you and your family.

Pay Range:

The base salary range for this position is listed above. This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan which is based on company performance and individual performance. Compensation ranges are based on several factors including job function, level, and geographic location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience, education, certifications, skill level and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed here.

As one of the largest fleet management companies in North America, Wheels features a portfolio of 900,000+ vehicles under management across the continent, a global alliance in 61 countries, and a client base that consists of some of the best-known businesses in the world. No matter the industry type or business size, we’re proud to work across sales and service fleets, trucks and equipment, and last mile delivery to ensure we power your potential.

The culture at Wheels is the secret to our 80+ years of success. And the reason people choose to join — and stay with — our team.

When you join the team, you'll work with professionals who are passionate, friendly and smart. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, combined with the encouragement to continuously learn and grow. From day one, we invest in your long-term development through annual performance goals and reviews, educational and wellness programs, awards and celebrations, and more.

Ready to experience the Wheels culture for yourself?

• 10 years average employee tenure

• 10 times recognized as one of Chicago's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For

• 50+ health, wellness and engagement benefits

• 2,500+ online learning programs

Diversity: Wheels deeply values the strength of diversity both in the communities we serve and our own employee base. This includes treating everyone as equal, respecting and valuing diversity, providing equal opportunity and fostering a safe space to work.

Community: We are heavily involved in the communities where we operate. We offer opportunities for employees to make a positive impact through mentorship and tutoring elementary school students, participating in blood drives, donating to United Way and other charitable organizations in the greater Chicagoland and Toronto areas.

Sustainability: Wheels is actively committed to becoming a cleaner fleet management company through recycling programs, public transportation support and more.

We Are Dedicated to the Safety and Health of our Employees

Our employees are critical to delivering on our commitment to client success, which is why we offer a variety of programs focused on the health and wellness of our people.

We hire people who have a customer-focused mindset and a strong collaborative nature. Because at Wheels, customer service and teamwork don't just happen in the office. It is during the informal moments when employee trust is strengthened and friendships are made. We value these moments, which is why we host departmental contests, summer gatherings, family events, holiday celebrations and more.

At Wheels, your well-being is our priority. As part of our commitment to your health and well-being, we’re proud to offer access to the Advocate Health Care Wellness Portal—a personalized platform designed to help you take charge of your health journey.

The 2026 Wellness Program is designed to support you in achieving your personal health goals. Best of all, it’s flexible and fits into your busy lifestyle.

This program is designed to support your overall well-being—physically, emotionally, and financially—by providing tools and incentives that encourage healthy living.