Stock Controller
Also advertised as: Inventory Analyst, Inventory Controller, Stock Administrator, Stock Controller, Stock Coordinator
Monitors stock levels and movements to keep inventory accurate and available.
What the job involves
Stock controllers track goods in and out of a warehouse or store, investigate discrepancies and reorder items before they run out. You use stock management software to keep records precise and work closely with warehouse and buying teams. Accuracy directly affects whether customers can get what they want in stock.
Typical responsibilities
- Monitor stock levels across sites or systems
- Investigate and correct stock discrepancies
- Raise purchase orders to replenish stock
- Conduct regular stock counts and audits
- Report on stock accuracy and wastage
Common employers
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Retailers
- Manufacturers
- Wholesalers
Pay, hours and working environment
Typical pay
£20,000 – £24,000 a year
With experience
£26,000 – £32,000 a year
Typical hours
37.5 to 40 hours, may include shift patterns
Working environment
Warehouse or office, some manual handling
Remote working
on_site
Demand for this work
steady
Pay ranges are indicative guidance drawn from advertised UK vacancies and published careers information. They are not an offer, and actual pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Skills and qualifications
Core skills
- Numeracy
- Inventory systems
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Basic reporting
Transferable skills you may already have
- Warehouse or retail experience
- Spreadsheet use
- Organisation
Requirements employers ask for
- Numeracy
- Inventory systems
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Basic reporting
- GCSEs including maths and English
Useful but not essential
- Warehouse or retail experience
- Spreadsheet use
- Organisation
- Level 3 Supply Chain qualification
Helpful qualifications
- Level 3 Supply Chain qualification
Ways into this career
A degree is only one route. Where an apprenticeship, work-experience or qualification route exists, it is listed here alongside the academic option.
Apprenticeships and work-based routes
- Supply Chain Practitioner (Level 3)
Degree and college routes
- Related subject: Business studies
- Related subject: Maths
Where this career can lead
next
Inventory Manager
next
Supply Chain Analyst
next
Warehouse Operations Manager
The good parts and the hard parts
What people enjoy
- Clear structured daily tasks
- Route into wider supply chain roles
- In demand across many sectors
What people find hard
- Can be repetitive counting and checking
- Accountable when stock does not add up
Common questions
- Do you need a degree to become a stock controller?
- No. As well as degree routes, this career can be entered through an apprenticeship or by building experience and qualifications on the job. not_required
- How much does a stock controller earn in the UK?
- Typical advertised pay runs from £20,000 to £24,000 a year, rising towards £32,000 with experience. Figures are indicative guidance rather than an offer.
- What skills transfer into this career?
- Skills that transfer well include Warehouse or retail experience, Spreadsheet use, Organisation.
Related careers
Supply Chain Planner
Forecasts demand and plans stock so products arrive where they are needed without excess.
Warehouse Manager
Runs a warehouse operation: people, stock accuracy, safety and despatch performance.
Warehouse Operative
Picks, packs, loads and moves stock accurately and safely in a warehouse.
Freight Forwarder
Arranges the movement of goods internationally by sea, air, road or rail on behalf of clients.
Customs Declarations Clerk
Prepares and submits customs declarations for goods entering or leaving the UK.
Procurement Assistant
Supports the buying of goods and services a business needs to operate.
Where this information comes from
- National Careers Service
- Institute for Apprenticeships
Last reviewed 14 September 2026.
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