What is a stock controller?
Stock controllers carry out the entire phase of product purchasing, from selecting and negotiating with suppliers to tracking shipments and receiving orders. They are responsible for maintaining the supply and demand of inventory, and ensuring that there are adequate stocks available.
How to become a stock controller?
Employers tend to prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in logistics, business administration, or another related field, plus at least three years of managerial experience, especially in business inventory.
You’ll usually need GCSEs in English and maths to apply directly for jobs. Experience in retail or warehouse work may give you an advantage.
It can be useful to have some IT skills or experience of using online stock management software.
Stock controller duties
Stock controller duties are diverse and depend on the employer and specialty, but some responsibilities are common to most:
- Enter purchase details (vendors information, invoices and pricing) into internal databases
- Place orders to replenish merchandise as needed
- Track shipments and address any delays
- Coordinating stock control operations with warehouse staff, as well as the sales and finance departments
- Coordinating stock control operations with warehouse staff, as well as the sales and finance departments
- Assist in assembling manufacturer marketing displays on the sales floor and then removing the displays based on management’s discretion
- Perform routine maintenance checks of the warehouse area and perform cleanup or simple repair duties when needed
Stock controller skills
To be an effective stock controller, you’ll need certain skills and competencies. The following are often cited in job vacancies:
- Goal-oriented
- Accurate and precise attention to detail
- Able to analyze problems and strategize for better solutions
- Active participation in inventory audits
- Great analytical and problem-solving skills
- Superb negotiation, collaboration, and communication abilities
How to find a stock controller job
These jobs are advertised online, in local newspapers and at your local jobcentre. To find all the stock controller jobs near you, you need to:
- Search for stock controller jobs on popular job websites such as; Indeed, Total Jobs and CV Library
- Use the DWP’s Find A Job Service
- Check local newspapers and local Facebook groups, especially groups dedicated to local jobs
Stock Controller Job Titles
When you search for stock controller jobs online, be aware that the jobs might be advertised using a different job title. Popular job titles for stock controller jobs include;
- Retail Stock Controller
- Stock Person
- Stock Supervisor
- Supply Chain Assistant
What does a stock controller do?
The job of a stock controller varies depending on the job role and the company you’re working for. Check the duties and responsibilities of stock controller job advertisements to find jobs that best suit your skills and experience.
The day-to-day tasks of a stock controller include;
- Make sure paperwork is correctly filled out
- Check stock levels and order new stock
- Update stock information on computer systems
- Receive deliveries
- Move stock with a forklift truck
- Make sure orders are despatched on time
- Answer customer enquiries online, over the phone and face-to-face
- Carry out spot checks and audits