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:
Retail & Consumer

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 skills)
  • 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
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

To become a stock control assistant, you do not typically require specific subjects. However, having a good general education is important. Here are some subjects that can be helpful and skills that are relevant for this role:

  1. Mathematics: Basic mathematical skills are essential for managing and tracking inventory, performing calculations, and analysing stock levels.
  2. English: Good communication skills are important for recording and reporting inventory data, as well as for effective communication with colleagues and superiors.
  3. ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software and inventory management systems is crucial for maintaining accurate records of stock.
  4. Business Studies or Economics: Courses related to business and economics can provide valuable insights into inventory management principles and supply chain concepts.
  5. Science: While not mandatory, science subjects can be helpful in understanding the properties of certain items, especially in industries where specialized knowledge is required, such as pharmaceuticals.

Post School

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:

Your typical working hours could be variable.

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.