Stock Control Assistant
Job Description:Stock control assistants keep track of stock levels and make sure there are enough supplies to meet customer demand.
Job Category:What you will do:
On a typical day you could:
- 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
Skills:
You’ll need:
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- customer service skills
- physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
- active listening skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- concentration & organisational skills
- the ability to sell products and services
Entry Requirements:
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
Apprenticeship
You could start by doing a retailer or warehouse operative intermediate apprenticeship.
Work
You could work in a shop, parts department or distribution depot and move into stock control through internal promotion.
Direct Application
You’ll usually need school qualifications 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.
Working Hours and Environment:
You could work in a stock room or in a warehouse.
Career Path & Progression:
You could become a stock supervisor or manager. In these jobs, you would lead a team, forecast stock levels and work closely with suppliers.
You could also work as a retail buyer, looking at consumer trends and selecting which products your company will sell.