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What a stock controller does
A stock controller keeps a close watch on inventory, recording goods received and dispatched, monitoring levels and reordering to keep supply steady. The role helps a business avoid both running out and overstocking.
Day to day it involves stock counts, reconciling system records against physical stock, investigating discrepancies and liaising with suppliers and other teams. Accuracy and organisation are at the heart of the job.
Core responsibilities
- Recording stock received, moved and dispatched.
- Monitoring inventory levels and reordering as needed.
- Conducting stock counts and cycle checks.
- Reconciling system records against physical stock.
- Investigating discrepancies, shortages and stock loss.
- Liaising with suppliers, warehouse and store teams.
Skills and qualities
- Strong accuracy and attention to detail.
- Good numeracy and analytical thinking.
- Comfort with stock and inventory systems.
- Organisation and methodical record-keeping.
- Problem-solving for discrepancies.
- Communication with suppliers and colleagues.
Typical employers and settings
- Retailers, warehouses and distribution centres.
- Manufacturing and production sites.
- Wholesale, e-commerce and logistics businesses.
- Hospitality, healthcare and food-service operations.
- Any organisation managing physical inventory.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly or through recruitment agencies.
- A CV setting out stock and systems experience is usually requested.
- Screening checks numeracy, systems knowledge and right to work.
- Interviews explore accuracy, processes and problem-solving.
- Onboarding covers the specific stock systems and procedures.
Documents involved
- A job description listing systems and stock responsibilities.
- An employment contract or assignment terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Right-to-work and identity checks as required.
- An onboarding checklist covering systems and procedures.
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