What does Inventory Control do?

Inventory Control professionals monitor inventory to maintain proper stock levels and typically work in the warehouse or storeroom, physically counting items or organizing stock. This position generally also involves administrative work, including generating reports, reconciling inventory counts and communicating with vendors and in-house contacts.

Inventory Control impacts a company’s financial health and ability to meet consumer or client demand by keeping warehouses organized and products available for purchase.

Inventory Control skills and qualifications

Inventory Control positions require a combination of hard and soft skills. Soft skills such as organization, communication, time management and attention to detail are beneficial. Proficiency with spreadsheets or inventory platforms to track and report on stock levels may also be nice to have.

When creating an Inventory Control Clerk job description or interviewing candidates, consider including these specialized skills:

• Proficiency with company-preferred inventory management software, such as SAP or Oracle
• Ability to analyze data to identify trends and accurately forecast sales demand
• Familiarity with supply chain dynamics, including demand patterns and lead times, and how economic conditions affect procurement
• Clear communication with vendors, department heads and other collaborators
• Problem-solving ability to help identify comparable product swaps for backordered items and resolve supply chain issues

Inventory Control experience requirements

On-the-job training may be ideal for candidates with stockroom, warehouse or retail experience, especially those who are detail-oriented and comfortable learning new systems. Some employers may prefer Inventory Control applicants with relevant experience in inventory control, supply chain management or logistics.

Inventory Control education and training requirements

A typical job description for Inventory Control focuses less on formal education and more on skills-first hiring. Quality candidates may be familiar with important software and possess excellent time management skills. You may also prefer a candidate with experience in inventory, either as an Inventory Associate or Warehouse Associate.

Optional industry certifications include Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) and the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program, offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Inventory Control job description doesn’t quite match your needs, consider reviewing these job descriptions for similar positions:

• Inventory Manager
• Inventory Specialist
• Warehouse Manager

Inventory Control job description FAQS

What is the main focus of Inventory Control?

Inventory control focuses on when, where and how much inventory is used and needed. That includes overseeing when inventory will come in, where that product comes from, where it goes and how much needs to be ordered. A quality inventory professional can generally answer those questions for each item, project and supply chain.

Is Inventory Control an entry-level job?

Inventory Control roles may be considered entry-level depending on the size of your company or if the employee reports to an Inventory Manager or Warehouse Manager. If Inventory Control Clerks have little oversight, they may need more experience or certifications demonstrating relevant knowledge and skills.

Who needs Inventory Control?

You may hire Inventory Control if you own a warehouse, factory or other commercial facility housing tangible assets. Inventory Control can also assist with rapid company growth by managing large amounts of inbound and outbound stock.

Is Inventory Control a physically active position?

Inventory Control positions may require moving heavy objects if workers spend time in the warehouse or at the docks reviewing and accepting deliveries. Your job description may list physical mobility if it’s needed for your open position. Consider using inclusive phrasing, such as “move” instead of “walk” and “travel up and down stairs” rather than “climb stairs.”