Stores Specialist

Job DetailsJob Location: Port Townsend Paper Company - Port Townsend, WA 98368Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $50,000.00 - $92,500.00 SalaryJob Shift: DayJob Category: Purchasing - ProcurementJob Title: Stores Specialist Level I & II

Reports to: Procurement & Contracts Manager

 

The Position:

A Stores Specialist at PTPC is responsible for managing inventory, processing materials, and ensuring that employees receive necessary supplies promptly and accurately. This role also focuses on reducing carrying costs and minimizing inventory obsolescence.

 

About Port Townsend Paper Company (PTPC)

The Port Townsend Paper (“PTPC”) mill is proud to have been in continuous operation for more than 90 years. We use a blend of virgin and recycled fibers (Kraft and OCC pulp) to produce Kraft pulp, paper, containerboard, medium and market pulp. We have built a strong and loyal customer base by developing and nurturing strategic partnership-style relationships.

 

At PTPC we believe that a healthy and safe work environment is fundamental to the success of all employees. We put that belief into practice every day by managing risk and building safety reliability into our processes and procedures. Engaging and empowering our workforce to maintain world-class safety performance is the pathway to achieving operational excellence. We also strive to preserve the environment, be good neighbors, and remain a valued member of the local community. Many of our employees have enjoyed working at PTPC for the greater part of their careers; we have employees with 20, 25, 30, even 35 years of service.
QualificationsJob Responsibilities:

 

Stores Specialist I (Level 1) – Operations & Execution Focus

Role Summary
An entry-to-mid level stores role focused on day‑to‑day inventory operations, material handling, and system transactions. Works under established procedures with guidance from senior staff.

 

Primary Responsibilities


Process, issue, return, and receive materials in the 4Site system.
Pick, stage, shelve, and move inventory using forklifts and material handling equipment.
Assist maintenance and operations personnel in locating parts and materials.
Perform cycle counts and support physical inventory activities.
Maintain warehouse housekeeping and organization standards.
Package, insure, track, and ship repair items and routine outbound materials.
Perform quality checks on incoming materials and report discrepancies.
Follow established safety, DOT, and hazardous materials handling procedures.
Rotate through warehouse duties to build proficiency across functions.


Scope & Decision-Making


Follows defined procedures and stocking parameters.
Escalates issues related to shortages, discrepancies, or system problems.
Little to no authority to change inventory strategies or vendors.


Qualifications


High school diploma or GED.
1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, warehousing, or materials handling.
Forklift experience (or ability to be certified).
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Exposure to CMMS or inventory systems preferred.


 

Stores Specialist II (Level 2) – Planning, Purchasing & Optimization Focus

Role Summary
An advanced stores and inventory professional responsible for purchasing execution, inventory optimization, vendor coordination, and problem-solving. Acts as a technical resource and informal lead within the stores function.

Primary Responsibilities


Create and manage purchase orders for MRO supplies, including pricing and lead times.
Expedite emergency and critical maintenance materials.
Actively manage inventory levels to reduce carrying costs and obsolescence.
Add new materials to the inventory system and adjust stocking parameters in coordination with maintenance.
Ensure parts warehouses are structured for efficiency and accuracy.
Oversee and ensure quality assurance of incoming MRO materials.
Troubleshoot inventory discrepancies and system issues in 4Site or CMMS.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to materials management.
Mentor and support Level 1 Stores Specialists; serve as backup coverage lead.
Coordinate outbound logistics beyond routine shipments (repairs, returns, special handling).


Scope & Decision-Making


Exercises judgment in purchasing, expediting, and stocking decisions.
Interfaces directly with vendors, maintenance, and operations leadership.
Identifies and implements improvements to inventory practices.
Greater autonomy with limited supervision.


Qualifications


High school diploma or GED (additional technical coursework a plus).
3–5+ years of experience in manufacturing purchasing, inventory control, or MRO management.
Strong working knowledge of CMMS / 4Site systems.
Demonstrated experience with inventory optimization and purchasing decisions.
Advanced understanding of DOT and hazardous mater