Stock Controller

Overview of the Role

The Stock Controller is responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records and ensuring optimal stock availability across raw materials, packaging and finished goods. The role plays a critical part in supporting production, customer service and operational efficiency by managing stock integrity, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring inventory levels align with business requirements.

Working closely with Procurement, Planning, Production, Warehouse, Finance and Customer Service teams, the Stock Controller will monitor stock movements, support inventory optimisation initiatives and provide accurate reporting to enable effective decision-making.

Main Responsibilities

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate stock records across Packaging and Raw Material inventory categories.
• Monitor stock levels vs forecast and highlight potential shortages, excess stock or slow-moving inventory.
• Ensure inventory is managed in line with agreed stock holding and working capital targets.
• Support stock optimisation activities to balance service levels and inventory investment.
• Monitor shelf-life controlled materials and products to minimise waste and obsolescence.
• Assist with production material availability and service continuity.

Stock Accuracy & Control

• Investigate stock discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Manage stock adjustments in accordance with company procedures.
• Conduct regular cycle counts and support periodic stock takes.
• Reconcile physical stock against system inventory records.
• Identify root causes of inventory variances and recommend process improvements.
• Support internal and external audit requirements relating to inventory management.

Reporting & Analysis

• Produce regular periodic stock reports.
• Monitor inventory KPIs including stock accuracy, stock turns, aged inventory and write-offs.
• Analyse inventory trends and identify opportunities to improve stock performance.
• Provide reporting and insight to support operational and financial decision-making.
• Maintain accurate inventory master data within ERP and warehouse management systems.

Collaboration

• Work closely with Purchasing, Production, Warehouse and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate stock receipts, movements and dispatches to meet requirements.
• Support production scheduling by ensuring material availability is visible and accurately reported.
• Assist with management of product launches, delists and inventory transitions.
• Communicate stock-related risks and issues to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Interact with Technical to ensure supplier compliance.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve stock control processes and inventory accuracy.
• Support the implementation of inventory management best practices.
• Contribute to operational improvement projects aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of stock control procedures and work instructions.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications required

Essential

• Previous buying or procurement experience within FMCG, food manufacturing or related industries.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial agreements.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing capability.
• Understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to analyse commodity and market data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Experience purchasing agricultural commodities, proteins, oils or food ingredients.
• Food, pet food or animal feed industry experience.
• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
• Understanding of commodity markets and hedging principles.
• Knowledge of food safety and supplier audit requirements.