The Inventory Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy and governance of inventory across the distribution centre through effective inventory control processes, stock reconciliation, inventory reporting and compliance with company policies and procedures.

The role is accountable for maintaining accurate inventory records through robust inventory management practices, cycle count programmes, variance investigations and system controls. Working closely with Warehouse Operations, Planning, Manufacturing, Finance and Customer Service, the Inventory Controller ensures inventory accuracy supports operational efficiency, customer service and financial integrity.
The incumbent drives continuous improvement by strengthening inventory controls, analysing stock variances, improving inventory visibility and ensuring compliance with inventory governance standards across the warehouse operation.
Key Responsibilities

Inventory Governance
• Develop and maintain effective inventory control processes that ensure inventory accuracy and integrity.
• Ensure inventory transactions comply with company policies, procedures and governance standards.
• Maintain effective inventory controls that minimise stock losses and inventory risks.
• Ensure inventory records accurately reflect physical stock holdings.
• Monitor inventory compliance and implement corrective actions where required.
• Support internal and external audit requirements relating to inventory.
• Promote disciplined inventory management practices across warehouse operations.

Inventory Accuracy & Stock Control
• Monitor inventory accuracy through ongoing stock verification and reconciliation activities.
• Investigate inventory variances and implement corrective actions to improve stock integrity.
• Ensure accurate recording of stock movements across all warehouse transactions.
• Analyse inventory trends and identify opportunities to improve stock accuracy.
• Monitor damaged, obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
• Collaborate with Warehouse Operations to improve inventory handling practices.
• Maintain agreed inventory accuracy performance standards

Cycle Counts & Stock Verification
• Develop and manage the site's cycle count programme.
• Ensure cycle counts are completed accurately and within agreed schedules.
• Validate inventory count results and investigate material variances.
• Coordinate full stock counts in accordance with company requirements.
• Identify recurring inventory discrepancies and recommend process improvements.
• Monitor completion of inventory verification activities.
• Ensure inventory adjustments are authorised and processed correctly.

Inventory Reporting & Analytics
• Develop daily, weekly and monthly inventory performance reports.
• Monitor inventory KPIs and identify trends requiring management attention.
• Analyse inventory movements and provide recommendations to improve stock performance.
• Prepare inventory variance reports with root cause analysis.
• Support operational decision-making through accurate inventory reporting.
• Maintain inventory dashboards and reporting tools.
• Provide meaningful inventory insights to operational management.

Systems & Inventory Administration
• Ensure inventory transactions are processed accurately within ERP and Warehouse Management Systems.
• Maintain inventory master data to support accurate reporting.
• Validate inventory transactions and investigate system exceptions.
• Ensure inventory records remain current and complete.
• Support integration between warehouse operations and inventory systems.
• Promote accurate inventory documentation and record keeping.
• Maintain inventory control documentation and procedures.

Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with inventory control policies and company standards.
• Monitor inventory risks and implement appropriate preventative controls.
• Investigate inventory losses and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure inventory documentation supports regulatory and audit requirements.
• Promote compliance with safety, quality and operational standards.
• Support inventory-related audit activities.
• Maintain high standards of inventory governance.

Continuous Improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory processes and stock control practices.
• Support warehouse optimisation initiatives through improved inventory management.
• Analyse inventory trends to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Promote standardisation of inventory control practices.
• Support automation of inventory reporting and reconciliation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across inventory management.
• Foster a culture of inventory excellence.

People Leadership & Stakeholder Management
• Lead, coach and develop the Inventory Clerk to achieve high levels of performance.
• Allocate work priorities and monitor performance against agreed objectives.
• Build collaborative relationships with Warehouse, Planning, Manufacturing and Finance teams.
• Provide inventory guidance and support to operational stakeholders.
• Promote accountability and continuous improvement within the Inventory function.
• Support employee development and capability building.
• Foster a collaborative and customer-focused working environment.

Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management or a related discipline.
• Working knowledge of inventory management principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge of ERP and Warehouse Management Systems.

Ideal Qualifications
• Degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics.
• SAP Warehouse Management certification.
• APICS CPIM or equivalent qualification.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Inventory Management certification.

Minimum Experience
• Minimum 5 years' experience in inventory control, warehousing or logistics.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in an inventory supervisory role.
• Experience managing inventory accuracy programmes.
• Experience conducting cycle counts and stock reconciliations.
• Experience using ERP and Warehouse Management Systems.
• Experience analysing inventory data and preparing management reports.
• Experience supporting operational audits.

Ideal Experience
• Beverage or FMCG industry experience.
• Multi-site distribution experience.
• SAP Warehouse Management experience.
• Exposure to automated inventory management systems.
• Experience implementing inventory improvement initiatives.
• Experience working within a unionised environment.

Core Competencies
• Inventory Management
• Inventory Governance
• Stock Control
• Cycle Counting
• Inventory Reconciliation
• Inventory Reporting
• ERP Systems
• Warehouse Management Systems
• Inventory Analytics
• Root Cause Analysis
• Continuous Improvement
• Compliance