Inventory Operative

Insight Employment; Nether Heyford; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Employment are seeking a full-time Inventory Operative for a client based in Nether Heyford, Northampton. The role focuses on maintaining stock accuracy, investigating discrepancies, verifying goods-in receipts and carrying out random checks across picking and packing.

You will work with a fast-growing FMCG importer and e-commerce business, using a data-driven approach to ensure correct stock handling, accurate records and effective problem resolution in a busy warehouse environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in warehouse operations, inventory control or stock checking.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical approach.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies and resolve issues.
• Proficient with WMS, handheld scanners, and basic Excel.
• Good numeracy, record-keeping and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a busy warehouse.
• Willingness to challenge errors constructively.

Responsibilities

• Investigate stock discrepancies and stock shortages.
• Carry out physical stock checks and compare with WMS.
• Review stock movements to identify errors.
• Resolve issues within defined authority levels.
• Record investigation findings and outcomes for audit trail.
• Identify causes of errors and suggest improvements.
• Check goods-in receipts against purchase orders and WMS.
• Verify product codes, quantities, and expiry dates where applicable.
• Investigate shortages, over-deliveries, and incorrect products.
• Ensure stock is labelled and stored correctly.
• Liaise with goods-in and relevant departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Keep on-hold stock until discrepancies resolved and release authorised.
• Provide timely feedback to team leaders.
• Monitor recurring errors and highlight areas for checks.

Skills

Warehouse operations

Inventory control

Attention to detail

Numeracy

Record-keeping

Communication

Independent working

Prioritisation

Constructive challenge

Tools

WMS

Handheld scanners

Excel

Job description

Insight Employment are seeking a full-time Inventory Operative for a client of ours based in Nether Heyford, Northampton.

Due to the location, you would need to have your own transport or live locally.

The Client

Is a fast-growing FMCG importer and e-commerce business, operating across leading online marketplaces and retail channels. They work with a broad portfolio of brands, combining strong commercial capability with a data-driven approach to buying, trading, and growth. Their focus is on building scalable, high-performing categories through strong supplier partnerships, efficient operations, and a results-led culture.

Role purpose

To maintain stock accuracy and support warehouse quality by investigating stock discrepancies, resolving inventory issues, verifying goods-in receipts, and carrying out random checks across picking and packing. The role helps ensure stock is received, stored, picked and despatched accurately, with clear records of issues and corrective actions.

Key Responsibilities

Inventory investigation and issue resolution

• Investigate stock discrepancies, missing stock, incorrect locations, stock shortages and unexpected stock balances.
• Carry out physical stock checks and compare findings against warehouse management system (WMS) records.
• Review stock movements and transaction history to identify where errors have occurred.
• Resolve issues within agreed authority levels, escalating unresolved or recurring problems to the relevant manager.
• Record investigation findings, actions taken and outcomes to provide a clear audit trail.
• Identify common causes of errors and recommend practical improvements to prevent repeat issues.

Goods-in receipt checks

• Check goods-in receipts against purchase orders, delivery paperwork and WMS records.
• Verify product codes, quantities, condition and, where applicable, batch numbers and expiry dates.
• Investigate shortages, over-deliveries, incorrect products, damaged goods and booking-in errors.
• Confirm received stock is correctly labelled, recorded and put away in the correct location.
• Liaise with goods-in colleagues and relevant departments to resolve receipt discrepancies.
• Keep affected stock on hold where required until discrepancies have been resolved and release authorised.

Random picking and packing checks

• Carry out random checks on picked orders to confirm the correct products and quantities have been selected.
• Check packed orders for accuracy, product condition, suitable packaging and correct labels.
• Record errors and arrange corrections before despatch wherever possible.
• Provide timely feedback to team leaders so issues can be addressed with the relevant colleagues.
• Monitor recurring errors and highlight products, locations or processes requiring additional checks.

Stock accuracy and control

• Complete scheduled cycle counts, targeted stock checks and recounts.
• Check stock locations for mixed products, incorrect labels, unrecorded stock and damaged items.
• Support investigations into replenishment errors, picking shortages and customer-reported discrepancies.
• Ensure inventory adjustments are supported by evidence and authorised before processing.
• Maintain accurate records of checks, discrepancies and outstanding actions.

Communication, standards and safety

• Work closely with goods-in, picking, packing, replenishment and despatch teams to resolve issues promptly.
• Provide clear handovers on open investigations and stock awaiting action.
• Follow warehouse procedures, safe working practices and housekeeping standards.
• Handle stock carefully and report damage, hazards or unsafe practices.

Skills and experience

• Previous experience in warehouse operations, inventory control or stock checking.
• Strong attention to detail and an organised, methodical approach.
• Ability to investigate discrepancies and follow issues through to resolution.
• Confidence using a WMS, handheld scanners and basic Excel.
• Good numeracy, record-keeping and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise tasks in a busy warehouse.
• Willingness to challenge errors constructively and work with colleagues to improve accuracy.

Key performance measures

• Stock accuracy and completion of planned inventory checks.
• Timely investigation and resolution of discrepancies.
• Completion and quality of goods-in, picking and packing checks.
• Accurate investigation records and compliance with adjustment authorisation procedures.
• Reduction in repeat errors and overdue outstanding Issues and

Authority and accountability

The Inventory Operative is responsible for identifying, investigating and documenting inventory issues, and correcting them within agreed permissions. Stock adjustments, write-offs and release of held stock must follow the relevant approval process.

Shift/Hours

Monday - Friday 09:00am - 17:00pm

Rate

£15.00 per hour