What does a typical inventory control job description entail? Whether the specific title is inventory control clerk, specialist, manager, or coordinator, this vital position is usually responsible for ensuring an accurate and adequate quantity of product in a given organization.
In a nutshell, this person manages the inflow and outflow of product through the organization. Inventory control work is often performed in a distribution center environment, but this job can be found in regular retail and corporate office environments as well.
Each inventory control job description may involve different types of essential functions. Required job tasks often depend on the specific work environment and the employee’s level of experience.
If you work in inventory control, however, your job description likely includes some combination of the following responsibilities:
- Perform counts and ensure all inventory is accounted for and reported according to company policy
- Maintain adequate inventory levels to meet customer demand
- Investigate and correct discrepancies in reported quantities and locations of all inventory
- Assess inventory output on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis to identify trends in productivity
- Manage cycle counts of product inventories on a regular basis
- Lead others in safe work practices, especially when in a distribution center environment
- Monitor delivery schedule and customer orders
- Place and receive orders in a timely and accurate manner
- File claims when defective products are discovered
- Coordinate with customer service and logistics departments
- Check date-sensitive products for expiration and facilitate removal or transfer of product as needed
- Perform process and system testing and track performance by area to locate and solve problems in data integrity, productivity, and efficiency
- Train other employees in asset inventory management
- Establish trusted relationships with suppliers to ensure quality service and cost-effective deals
Working in inventory control requires a high school diploma at minimum. Some college is often preferred. Knowledge of retail or distribution center operations, strong analytical and math skills, and an understanding of administrative/clerical software and inventory management software are especially helpful.
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This post was originally published in 2017 and was updated July 9, 2018.