Stocker: What is the cost of hiring?

What is a stock controller?

A stock controller manages and monitors a company’s inventory to ensure stock levels are accurate, sufficient and aligned with operational needs. They track goods from delivery through storage to sale or use, maintaining detailed records and addressing discrepancies. In many businesses, stock controllers also use inventory-management systems to log data and support decision-making.

Why recruit a stock controller?

Stock controllers help businesses that manage large volumes of inventory improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profitability. By maintaining accurate records and overseeing storage systems, they ensure stock is available when needed without over-ordering, to help meet sales and sustainability goals. Employers may need to recruit a stock controller if they face frequent inventory discrepancies, difficulties fulfilling orders or challenges with excess stock and forecasting.

Contributions of a great stock controller:

• Monitoring stock levels and placing orders to maintain supply
• Conducting regular stocktakes and handling discrepancies efficiently
• Implementing and maintaining efficient stock-rotation systems
• Using inventory-management systems to track data and support forecasting

Defining your recruitment needs for a stock controller

To define your recruitment needs for a stock controller, consider the size of your inventory, the volume of stock movements and the level of reporting your business requires. The focus may be solely on physical stock control or could also involve ordering, supplier liaison and forecasting. Specialist knowledge can be valuable in certain contexts, such as handling perishable goods, hazardous materials or using warehouse-management systems.

Most stock controllers are employed full-time or part-time but temporary or seasonal contracts may be required during peak trading periods, such as the festive season in retail. 

Similar positions sometimes confused with stock controllers include:

• Stocker or store clerk: handles the physical movement and organisation of products in retail, storerooms or warehouses
• Inventory manager: oversees the inventory process at a higher level, often managing teams and policies
• Inventory specialist: focuses on analysing stock data, identifying trends and supporting procurement decisions

Another common name for this role is inventory clerk.

What are the types of stock controllers?

While the role of a stock controller is generally consistent, specific duties can vary depending on the type of business and its inventory-management needs. In large warehouses or manufacturing plants, stock controllers often work as part of a team, focusing on a specific product line or area. In smaller businesses, they may cover a broader range of tasks, including purchasing, supplier communication and stock planning. Some stock controllers work primarily with physical goods in a storeroom, while others focus more on administrative tasks such as data entry and reporting.

When writing your stock controller job description, consider including some or all of the following keywords to improve the visibility of your job posting. These are the most popular search terms leading to clicks on stock controller jobs, according to Indeed data:

• Warehouse
• Retail
• Stock controller
• Farm
• Animal
• Farm worker
• Administrator
• Admin
• Animal care
• Warehouse operative

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Where to find stock controllers?

To find the right stock controller for your business, consider trying out a few different recruitment strategies:

• Industry job boards: posting vacancies on logistics, supply chain or retail job boards can help reach candidates with relevant experience who actively follow sector trends
• Networking events and trade shows: attending events related to retail, warehousing or logistics can help you meet potential candidates and promote your business
• Recruitment agencies: specialist agencies for the logistics or retail sectors can connect you with stock controllers who have proven skills in inventory management and stock control systems
• Post your job online: try posting your stock controller job on Indeed to find and attract quality stock controller candidates.

Skills to look for in a stock controller

A successful stock controller candidate will typically have the following skills and competencies, which may be gained through a variety of experiences, training or education:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with inventory management software and stock control systems
• Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects, such as boxes
• Problem-solving abilities to resolve discrepancies quickly
• Teamwork and communication skills for liaising with colleagues, suppliers and logistics partners

Writing a stock controller job description

Now that you know the key skills, salary expectations, popular jobseeker search terms and recruitment insights for a stock controller, you are ready to write a job description.

A stock controller job description typically includes a compelling summary of the job, a detailed list of duties and responsibilities and the required and preferred skills for the position. You may also want to include information about your company culture, benefits and perks to attract candidates to your open role.

Ready to get started? See our full guide for writing stock controller job descriptions.

Interviewing stock controller candidates 

Strong candidates for stock controller positions will be confident answering questions regarding:

• Experience with stock control systems and inventory management software
• Approaches to identifying and resolving stock discrepancies
• Methods for managing stock levels to avoid shortages or overstocking
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations in storage and warehouse environments
• Strategies for prioritising tasks during busy or high-pressure periods

Need help coming up with interview questions? See our list of stock controller interview questions for examples (with sample answers).