Jobs › Mercyhealth

Inventory Controller

Mercyhealth · Harvard, IL · $19.79–$28.69 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a way to save money on supplies.

What they are checking: Whether they look for cost savings and process improvements, as the posting asks.

Tell me about a time you had to tell a department their order would be late. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate problems early and clearly.

What would you do

Your count shows 50 units but the ERP says 200. How do you investigate?

What they are checking: Whether they review transaction history to find the root cause and fix the process, not just the number.

How do you handle a back order on a supply a clinical department needs every day?

What they are checking: Whether they find substitutes and tell departments early so patient care is not affected.

A department keeps hoarding supplies, which throws off your counts. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can work with departments diplomatically to fix behavior that hurts accuracy.

About the work

Walk me through how you run a daily cycle count program.

What they are checking: Whether they know how to plan and run cycle counts to keep inventory accurate.

How do you find and remove outdated supplies before they get used?

What they are checking: Whether they rotate stock and check expiration dates, which in healthcare is a safety issue.

How do you set or adjust par levels to cut overstock without causing stock outs?

What they are checking: Whether they can balance cost savings with making sure supplies are always available.

How do you prepare for and coordinate an annual physical inventory?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan a large count that is accurate and does not disrupt operations.

What ERP systems have you used for requisitions and inventory?

What they are checking: Whether they are comfortable working in ERP systems and keeping data clean.

How do you make sure requisitions go out before delivery cutoffs?

What they are checking: Whether they manage deadlines so orders are not delayed.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW The Inventory Specialist manages and maintains accurate supply inventory by monitoring stock levels, completing cycle counts, processing replenishment orders and resolving discrepancies or shortages. This role works closely with departments and vendors to ensure supplies are available when needed while identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve inventory processes and maintain efficient stock levels. SCHEDULE: 40-hours per week ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Monitor, rotate, remove and document all outdated and overstocked supplies, checking for any damage to items. • Coordinate the annual physical inventory. • Responsible for the overall cycle count program including daily cycle counts. • Responsible for overall inventory accuracy. • Investigate inventory discrepancies by review of previous inventory transactions within our ERP and take appropriate corrective action and implement changes to current processes. • Inform peers and departments of substitute products, back orders, delays in shipments and stock outs. • Process replenishment requisition for supplies as needed through the ERP system. • Ensure timely processing of requisitions for delivery cut offs with a minimum of errors. • Ensure data integrity by adhering to pre-defined standards. • Serve as a resource in investigating products, assisting in budgeting, suggesting changes in product utilization, and advising on proper inventory control techniques. • Verify inventory and control inventory levels, maintain, review and correct item file counts in computer system. • Physically stock, process returns and help pick needed supplies as needed. • Resolve supply shortages of inventory items in a timely fashion. • Run needed reports, such as open order report, stock status report, and slow item usage report to help maintain effective and adequate supply levels. • Review and update supply bin locations, verify units of measure, order points, catalog numbers, item numbers, and pricing as needed to maintain integrity of supply inventory and accuracy. • Aid co-workers in heavy workload periods, complete typical days’ workload as assigned, maintain safe and clean work environment, suggest, assist, or use own initiative to do special projects. • Demonstrate ability to work within a cohesive team, in dealing with coworkers and all members of the care site organization to promote efficiency and provide quality patient care, responding in a courteous and professional manner. • Attend team meetings as appropriate to discuss and implement new products, product introduction, and standardization efforts. Identify product issues as needed. • Review utilization patterns and report unusual variances; report reduction opportunities. Proactively reduce inventory and achieve maximum turn and fill rates. • Serve as liaison between supply chain, staff and vendors to ensure accurate and timely product conversions. • Promote mission, vision, and values of Mercyhealth, and abide by service behavior standards. • Perform other duties as assigned CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations: Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals. Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions. Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals. Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue. EDUCATION ANDEXPERIENCE One year of ordering, purchasing, inventory control and/or general accounting required. Must have demonstrated an ability to function under short time frames, correspond and negotiate with others clearly; demonstrate self-motivation and capable of managing multiple priorities. Must have knowledge and possess computer skills including use of standard office software. Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills. • Graduation from High School or equivalent • Knowledge of basic inventory control systems/procedures required. • Associate’s degree preferred • CPIM or other inventory management certification preferred WORK ENVIRONMENT • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. • Occupational Exposure: Category B -Some partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure. INFORMATION ACCESS Partner may access patient care information, financial data, human resource data and strategic and planning data needed to perform their job duties as directed by the director. WORK CONTACT GROUP Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Medium work: Exert up to 50lbs force occasionally, and/or up to 20lbs frequently, and/or up to 10lbs constantly. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Responsibilities include interviewing, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems PAY RANGE: $19.79 - $28.69 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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