Inventory Operative

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

The Inventory Operative is responsible for…