Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Warehouse Stock Controller

🎯 Role Definition

The Warehouse Stock Controller is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, managing inbound and outbound stock movements, leading cycle counts and stock reconciliations, and partnering with operations, procurement and logistics to ensure optimum stock levels and on-time deliveries. This role requires a detailed, process-driven thinker who uses WMS/ERP systems, analytics and strong communication skills to reduce shrinkage, control stock variance, and support efficient warehouse operations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Warehouse Operative / Picker-Packer
Inventory Clerk / Stock Clerk
Receiving/Shipping Assistant
Logistics Coordinator

Advancement To:

Inventory Control Supervisor / Team Lead
Warehouse Supervisor / Manager
Inventory Manager / Stockroom Manager
Supply Chain Analyst or Demand Planner

Lateral Moves:

Procurement Specialist / Buyer
Quality Control / Compliance Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator / Distribution Planner
Continuous Improvement (Lean) Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Maintain accurate stock levels by performing scheduled and ad-hoc cycle counts, reconciling variances, investigating root causes of discrepancies, documenting findings, and implementing corrective actions to improve inventory accuracy and reduce shrinkage.
Operate and optimize the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and ERP inventory modules (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Manhattan) to record receipts, transfers, adjustments and pick/pack/dispatch transactions with 100% traceability.
Manage inbound receiving processes: verify purchase orders, inspect deliveries for quantity and quality, record goods received notes (GRNs), and coordinate exceptions and short/overage reports with suppliers and procurement.
Supervise outbound processes including order picking, packing, staging, and loading; ensure correct product, quantities, labeling, and carrier documentation to meet customer and carrier requirements.
Control stock locations and layout: assign SKUs to appropriate storage (racking, bulk, bin, cold storage), update slotting recommendations, and manage replenishment to minimize travel time and picking errors.
Lead stock reconciliation and month-end inventory audits, compiling variance reports, presenting reconciliation rationale to senior management, and proposing adjustments consistent with accounting and audit policies.
Investigate and resolve stock discrepancies by reviewing cycle count logs, purchase receipts, returns, transfer records, and system transaction histories, and coordinate physical inspections when necessary.
Implement and enforce FIFO/FEFO and other lot-control procedures, ensuring expiry dates, batch coding, serial numbers and traceability are maintained for regulated or perishable products.
Coordinate returns processing (RMA), quarantine and disposition of damaged or expired goods, documenting root causes and recommending supplier chargebacks, write-offs or corrective actions.
Monitor and report inventory KPIs including stock accuracy, days of inventory on hand (DOH), turns, pick/pack accuracy, on-time shipments, and shrinkage; recommend continuous improvement initiatives based on KPI trends.
Train, coach and supervise warehouse staff on best practices for stock handling, use of barcode/RF scanners, WMS transactions, safety procedures, and quality standards to ensure consistent and repeatable processes.
Schedule and coordinate cycle count programs with minimal disruption to operations, including blind counts, perpetual inventory cycles, and full physical inventories when required.
Manage inter-warehouse transfers and cross-dock activities: plan transfers, update system movements, reconcile discrepancies and optimize transfer frequency and quantities based on demand patterns.
Coordinate with procurement and demand planning to flag low stock, overstock and obsolete inventory; provide data-driven recommendations for order adjustments, stock rationalization, and safety stock optimization.
Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety and customer-specific requirements (e.g., Dangerous Goods, HACCP, cold chain controls), and maintain records for audits and inspections.
Maintain accurate documentation for customs, exports, and bonded/consigned inventory when applicable, ensuring records meet legal and audit requirements.
Use Excel and data tools to analyze inventory trends, forecast short-term demand, prepare variance analyses and provide actionable insights to operations, procurement and finance.
Liaise with carriers, 3PL partners and internal logistics to resolve delivery exceptions, expedite urgent orders, and coordinate special handling or export/import documentation.
Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action plans for repeat inventory issues, collaborating with cross-functional teams (quality, production, procurement) to implement process and system improvements.
Oversee cycle count reconciliations for serialized or lot-traceable items, ensuring accurate serial number recording and enabling product tracebacks when required.
Maintain and calibrate inventory control equipment such as barcode scanners, weigh scales and temperature monitoring devices; coordinate preventative maintenance and replacement schedules.
Prepare and present regular inventory reports, dashboards and variance explanations to warehouse leadership, finance and operations stakeholders to support decision-making and audit readiness.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc inventory and operations projects such as layout redesign, slotting optimization, new SKU introductions, and system migrations (WMS/ERP upgrades).
Assist in vendor performance reviews by providing data on supplier delivery accuracy, quality rejections and returns rates.
Participate in continuous improvement and Lean initiatives to reduce picking travel time, eliminate non-value-added steps and improve overall warehouse throughput.
Provide backup support for outbound shipping scheduling or receiving during peak periods or staff shortages.
Contribute to health & safety committees, conduct safety walkthroughs and support incident investigations as they relate to stock handling and storage.
Support seasonal planning by helping to model inventory impact of promotions, product launches and peak fulfillment windows.
Maintain training materials, SOPs and work instructions for inventory control tasks; update documentation following process changes or audits.
Assist finance with stock valuation questions, write-off approvals and providing documentation for month-end close.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP inventory modules (examples: SAP MM/WM, Oracle WMS, NetSuite, Manhattan, Blue Yonder).
Strong Microsoft Excel skills including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, INDEX/MATCH and basic macros for inventory analysis and reporting.
Experience with barcode/RF scanning systems, mobile data terminals and inventory tagging (serial, lot, batch).
Knowledge of inventory control methodologies: cycle counting, ABC analysis, FIFO/FEFO, safety stock calculations and stock rotation.
Familiarity with shipping & receiving documentation: bill of lading, packing lists, customs paperwork and RMA processing.
Ability to read and interpret stock ledgers, GRNs, pick/pack manifests and inventory transaction logs.
KPI monitoring and data-driven decision making: inventory accuracy, stock turns, DOH, picking accuracy and shrinkage metrics.
Basic understanding of warehouse equipment and material handling (pallet jacks, forklifts) and coordination with certified operators.
Experience with stock reconciliation, variance investigation, root-cause analysis and corrective action planning.
Knowledge of regulatory and quality standards applicable to the product (e.g., temperature-controlled logistics, dangerous goods, food safety/HACCP).
Experience with reporting tools and dashboards (Power BI, Tableau or equivalent) is a plus.
Basic understanding of accounting principles related to inventory valuation, stock adjustments and write-offs.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to processes and reconciliations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional coordination with procurement, operations and finance.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks under deadline pressure.
Leadership and coaching skills to train warehouse staff and enforce standard operating procedures.
Analytical thinker comfortable translating data into practical operational improvements.
Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced distribution environment.
Customer-focused orientation to support internal/external SLAs and improve delivery accuracy.
Integrity and accountability for maintaining accurate stock records and audit trails.
Collaborative team player who can influence and partner with stakeholders across the supply chain.
Time management and organizational skills to plan cycle counts and reconcile month-end inventories.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Preferred Education:

Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Supply Chain Management
Logistics & Distribution
Business Administration
Operations Management
Industrial Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–5 years of progressive experience in warehouse operations, inventory control, or stock management.

Preferred: 3–5+ years managing inventory processes with hands-on use of WMS/ERP systems, demonstrated success leading cycle count programs, and experience implementing inventory control improvements. Certifications such as CPIM, CSCP, Six Sigma/Lean, or OSHA Forklift/Workplace Safety are advantageous.