Inventory Controller

Watchmaker Genomics; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Inventory Controller to manage inventory levels, coordinate orders, and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should be motivated, organized, and have expertise in inventory management. Responsibilities include monitoring stock, conducting audits, and collaborating with various departments. Requirements include a relevant diploma and 2-5 years of experience in a similar role. This is a full-time, onsite position, offering a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years experience as an Inventory Controller in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in biotech and a start-up environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Manage inventory for diagnostic kits, reagents, consumables, and finished goods.
• Perform physical stock counts and investigate stock discrepancies.
• Coordinate regularly with procurement, production, quality assurance, and logistics teams.

Skills

Excellent knowledge of inventory management software

Understanding of inventory management practices

Good analytical thinking

Strong communication skills

Collaboration and negotiation abilities

Time management skills

Education

Diploma or degree in Supply Chain/Warehouse Management

Job description

Overview

Position: Inventory Controller

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Department: Supply Chain

Location: Salt River, Cape Town (onsite)

Experience: Diploma or degree in a relevant field (Supply Chain/Warehouse Management), 2-5 years experience as an Inventory Controller in a manufacturing environment.

Position description

Watchmaker is inviting applications for the full-time position of Inventory Controller based in Cape Town, South Africa. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced working environment and contribute directly to our company culture and success. The position provides an opportunity to manage the inventory for our company by coordinating orders and deliveries, performing regular inventory audits and analysis, and forecast supply and demand requirements to maintain consistent stock levels.

To ensure success as an inventory controller, you should be highly motivated, organised and have detailed knowledge of supply chain management software and practices. A top-notch inventory controller will be able to accurately forecast inventory requirements and possess excellent logistical abilities.

Responsibilities

Inventory Control & Stock Management

• Monitor and control inventory levels to ensure optimal stock availability while minimizing excess and obsolescence, and expiry risk
• Process reservation & BOM requests in line with production and planning requirements
• Manage inventory for diagnostic kits, reagents, consumables, raw materials, and finished goods
• Track batch numbers, lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiry dates in compliance with ISO requirements
• Perform physical stock counts, cycle counts, export checks and reconciliations; investigate & resolve any stock discrepancies and escalate any issues to line manager
• Implement and maintain FIFO / FEFO principles across all inventory categories
• Manage quarantine, released, rejected, and expired stock in accordance with approved quality procedures
• Prepare and submit inventory reports including stock valuation, aging, expiry risk, and usage trends.
• Forecasting supply and demand requirements to ensure stock availability
• Coordinate regularly with procurement, production, quality assurance, warehousing, and logistics teams
• Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, processes, and cost efficiency.

System & Documentation Management

• Perform accurate inventory records within ERP / inventory management systems (electronic and/or manual) to reflect all inventory movements
• Ensure all inventory, material handling, and operational documentation is completed daily and maintained in compliance with GDocP standards
• Maintain systematic, accurate, and easily retrievable inventory and material handling records
• Inform line manager of consumable usage and minimum stock level risks in line with defined safety and buffer stock requirements

Receiving Operations

• Perform physical receiving of goods in accordance with approved SOP's & GDocP standards
• Verify all deliveries against documentation, including quantities, batch/lot numbers, expiry dates, and packaging integrity

Picking, Packing & Cold Chain Support

• Pick materials accurately in accordance with approved pick lists, SOPs, and training requirements
• Ensure all pick lists are completed correctly and orders are checked by the Supervisor where required
• Proactively plan and ensure availability of cold packs, packaging components, and materials for packing operations
• Ensure cold rooms, freezers, and storage areas are clean, organised, and compliant at all times
• Communicate timeously with line management regarding packaging or material replenishment needs.

Skills and Requirements

The candidate should have at least a diploma or degree in a relevant field (Supply Chain/Warehouse Management), 2-5 years experience as an Inventory Controller in a manufacturing environment. Experience in biotech and a start-up environment is highly desirable.

• Excellent knowledge of inventory management software
• Understanding of inventory management practices such as ABC analysis and cycle counting.
• Good analytical and logistical thinking abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exceptional collaboration and negotiation abilities
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Education and Experience

• Diploma or degree in a relevant field (Supply Chain/Warehouse Management)
• 2-5 years experience as an Inventory Controller in a manufacturing/warehousing environment

Application Requirements

To apply for the position, please submit the following in a PDF format on watchmakergenomics.com:

• Letter of motivation (upload where it says cover letter)
• Resume or Curriculum vitae, highlighting relevant qualifications and experience

Applications without a Letter of Motivation will not be considered. Applicants must be South African or be eligible to work in South Africa and already possess the necessary work permits or visas, or be able to obtain them before responding to this vacancy.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit it by 13 February 2026. Please note that this position may close earlier if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

If selected to participate in the interview process, the names and contact information of three professional references who are able to assess your suitability for the position in terms of the specified requirements will be requested. We will also request a current payslip.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE

We are only accepting direct applications for this position. We are not working with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters will not be considered and will be deemed the property of Watchmaker Genomics

SOUTH AFRICA - WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Watchmaker Genomics is committed to being an equal opportunity employer and creating a culturally diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, or veteran status or any other characteristics as protected by applicable law.

All applicants will be asked if they are currently eligible to work in South Africa. South African citizens are preferred.

This position may be subject to pre-employment checks, including driving history check, drug screening and a background check for any convictions directly related to its duties and responsibilities. All pre-employment checks will comply with all applicable laws.