Stock control assistant

Stock control assistants keep track of product levels and make sure there are enough supplies to meet customer demand.

Also known as: Stores assistant, stock supervisor, supply chain assistant

• Starter salary£21,000 a year
• Experienced£30,000 a year
• Typical hours37 to 42 a week

What you'll do

As a stock control assistant, you could:

• check stock levels and order new supplies
• update stock information on computer systems
• receive deliveries and check labelling and paperwork is correct
• move stock into storage with a powered pallet or forklift truck
• replace out of date items on shelves and racks
• make sure orders are sent out on time
• handle customer queries online, over the phone and in person
• carry out regular inventory checks and stock audits

Working environment

You could work in a stock room, in a warehouse or at a store.

Your working environment may be physically active.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a stock control assistant

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Apprenticeship

You could start by applying for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Retail Service, Supply and Administration Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
• Retailer Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship

Work

You could look for work in a shop, supermarket, parts department or distribution depot and move into stock control through training and promotion.

Direct application

You can apply directly for seasonal or permanent jobs. There are no set entry requirements though some employers may ask for GCSEs in maths and English.

Experience in retail or warehouse work could be helpful.

Employers will give you training on how to use computerised stock management systems when you start.

Foundation apprenticeship

You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.

If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:

• have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
• are in care or have been in care
• are in prison or have been in prison

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

Career path and progression

You could become a stock supervisor or shift manager. In these jobs, you would lead a team, forecast stock levels and work closely with suppliers.

You could also work as a retail buyer, looking at consumer trends and selecting products for your company that you think will sell well.

With further training, you could move into supply chain management.

Guides for this industry

• Warehouse & Light Industrial: pay, interviews and getting started →

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