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What an inventory controller does
An inventory controller takes a coordinating view of stock: maintaining accurate records, monitoring levels, planning replenishment and reconciling counts. The role helps the business hold the right stock in the right place while avoiding overstock and shortages.
It is an analytical, systems-focused role that combines hands-on stock checks with data work. Day to day it involves running reports, investigating discrepancies, coordinating cycle counts and working with warehouse, purchasing and supply-chain teams.
Core responsibilities
- Maintaining accurate stock records and system data.
- Monitoring stock levels and supporting replenishment.
- Planning and coordinating cycle counts and stocktakes.
- Investigating and resolving stock discrepancies.
- Producing inventory reports and highlighting issues.
- Working with warehouse, purchasing and supply-chain teams.
- Following stock-control and reporting procedures.
Skills and qualities
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Confidence with stock, warehouse or ERP systems.
- Numeracy and comfort working with data and reports.
- Organisation and methodical problem-solving.
- Clear communication across teams.
- Reliability and sound judgement.
- Awareness of warehouse processes and safety.
Typical employers and settings
- Warehouses, distribution and fulfilment centres.
- Manufacturing and production operations.
- Retail, e-commerce and wholesale businesses.
- Logistics and third-party logistics (3PL) providers.
- Supply-chain and procurement functions.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through staffing and recruitment agencies.
- Screening looks at inventory experience, system and data skills and right to work.
- Interviews explore analytical ability, system knowledge and problem-solving.
- Some roles are filled by progression from inventory or warehouse positions.
- Onboarding covers the systems, reporting, counts and procedures.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out the inventory and systems responsibilities.
- An employment contract or agency assignment terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required in the jurisdiction.
- A training and onboarding checklist.
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