Inventory Controller

VB Distribution; Darwen; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

VB Distribution is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to oversee stock accuracy and movement within our UK warehouse network. You will maintain records, monitor stock levels, and ensure ERP/WMS data aligns with physical stock, supporting efficient operations and accountability.

The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to investigate discrepancies, perform regular stock counts, and generate clear inventory reports for management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–5 years in inventory control or reconciliation.
• Experience in warehouse, wholesale, distribution, or FMCG preferred.
• Proficient in Excel and inventory reporting.
• Experience with ERP/WMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate inventory records across all warehouse locations.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure all movements recorded in ERP/WMS system.
• Track stock received, dispatched, transferred, returned, damaged, and adjusted.
• Ensure stock allocated to designated locations and bins.
• Monitor stock availability and identify discrepancies or unusual stock movements.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly stock counts; cycle counts and full stocktakes.
• Reconcile physical stock against system records.
• Investigate stock discrepancies, shortages, overages, variances.
• Report discrepancies to the Warehouse Manager and assist with corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of all stock adjustments and reconciliation activities.

Skills

Inventory control

ERP/WMS proficiency

Excel

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication and reporting

Tools

ERP/WMS systems

Job description

The Inventory Controller is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, monitoring stock movements, conducting stock counts, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring the physical stock within the warehouse matches the inventory recorded in the company’s system.

The role is critical to maintaining stock accuracy, operational efficiency, and accountability across all warehouse inventory activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records across all warehouse locations.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure all inventory movements are correctly recorded in the ERP/WMS system.
• Track stock received, dispatched, transferred, returned, damaged, and adjusted.
• Ensure stock is correctly allocated to designated locations and bins.
• Monitor stock availability and identify discrepancies or unusual stock movements.
• Conduct daily, weekly, and monthly stock counts as required.
• Perform cycle counts and full physical stocktakes.
• Reconcile physical stock against system records.
• Investigate stock discrepancies, shortages, overages, and inventory variances.
• Report discrepancies to the Warehouse Manager and assist with corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate records of all stock adjustments and reconciliation activities.

3. Warehouse Operations & Controls

• Ensure all stock movements are supported by appropriate documentation.
• Verify inventory quantities and product codes during receiving and dispatch processes.
• Monitor damaged, expired, obsolete, or slow-moving stock.
• Ensure proper stock identification, labelling, and storage.
• Maintain inventory traceability and accurate location records.

4. System & Reporting

• Update and maintain inventory data within the ERP/WMS system.
• Prepare inventory reports, stock variance reports, and stock movement summaries.
• Monitor inventory accuracy KPIs.
• Maintain organised records of stock counts, adjustments, and investigations.
• Support management with inventory analysis and reporting.

5. Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure inventory procedures and warehouse controls are followed.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of inventory and company records.
• Identify weaknesses in stock control processes and recommend improvements.
• Support internal and external stock audits.
• Report any suspected stock loss, unauthorised movements, or inventory irregularities immediately.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 4 - 5 years of experience in inventory control, warehouse stock management, or inventory reconciliation.
• Experience working within a warehouse, wholesale, distribution, or FMCG environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of stocktaking, inventory reconciliation, and stock control procedures.
• Experience using ERP/WMS systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and inventory reporting.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies and identify root causes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a warehouse team.
• Strong accountability and integrity.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory accuracy percentage.
• Stock discrepancy and variance levels.
• Completion of scheduled stock counts.
• Timely investigation and resolution of stock discrepancies.
• Accuracy of inventory system updates.
• Reduction in stock losses and inventory errors.
• Compliance with inventory control procedures.