Stock Controller

Surface Talent; Middleton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Surface Talent is seeking a capable Stock Controller to own stock planning, inventory accuracy and warehouse operations in Middleton. You will forecast demand, manage reorders, and supervise goods in and goods out to meet strict customer deadlines.

You will lead a small warehouse team, ensure ERP/WMS data integrity, and drive cost savings through supplier negotiations and efficient stock control. The role demands a calm, data-driven leader who can keep stock levels aligned with production

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Stock Controller, Inventory Manager or Warehouse Supervisor.
• Strong numerical and data-analysis skills.
• Experience leading and developing a warehouse team.
• Knowledge of ERP/WMS systems and stock control processes.

Responsibilities

• Forecast supply and demand to balance stock with no overstocking or stockouts.
• Set and monitor safety stock levels and reorder points.
• Run stocktakes and inventory audits and explain variances.
• Keep ERP/WMS data accurate and current.
• Oversee goods in and goods out and ensure on-time despatch.
• Lead and develop the stock room team and maintain site safety.

Skills

Stock forecasting

Team leadership

Data analysis

Inventory control

Tools

ERP/WMS

Job description

Our client is a leading manufacturer of industrial equipment. They manufacture and ship to tight customer deadlines, they carry the stock and components to do it, and they want one person accountable for the whole flow from purchase order to despatch.

You will own stock planning, inventory accuracy, goods in, goods out, purchasing and the warehouse team. The ideal candidate will combine strong data-driven forecasting with practical, hands-on leadership to ensure our supply chain operates seamlessly.

Stock planning and control

• Forecast supply and demand to hold the right stock, with no overstocking and no stockouts.
• Set and monitor safety stock levels, reorder points and min/max boundaries.
• Run stocktakes, cycle counts and inventory audits, and chase down every variance until it is explained.
• Keep the ERP/WMS accurate and current so the numbers on screen match the numbers on the shelf.

Purchasing and cost optimisation

• Source and evaluate suppliers on quality, price and reliability.
• Negotiate pricing, contract terms, bulk discounts and payment terms with existing and new vendors.
• Benchmark costs through regular market and supplier reviews, and bring savings opportunities forward.

Goods in and goods out operations

• Oversee receipt of incoming goods: checks against purchase orders, quality inspection and safe storage.
• Supervise picking, packing and despatch so customer orders leave complete and on time.
• Coordinate with suppliers, freight forwarders and couriers on delivery and collection schedules.
• Resolve the problems that come with the territory: damaged shipments, late deliveries, supplier discrepancies.

Team leadership and management

• Manage, motivate and schedule the stock room and warehouse team day to day.
• Keep the site safe, clean and productive, with full compliance with Health & Safety regulations.

What our client is looking for

• Proven experience as a Stock Controller, Inventory Manager or Warehouse Supervisor, with genuine stock planning responsibility rather than counting alone.
• A track record of managing and developing a team.
• Strong working knowledge of a modern WMS or ERP system.
• Confident with numbers: demand forecasting, variance analysis and reporting.
• Clear communicator, well organised, and calm when the day does not go to plan.