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Stock control assistant

Alternative titles for this job include Stores assistant, stock supervisor, supply chain assistant

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

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

40 to 42 a week

You could work

between 6am and 10pm on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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 a Retailer Level 2, or Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Level 2, Intermediate Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

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

Direct Application

You may need GCSEs in English and maths to apply directly for some jobs. Experience in retail or warehouse work could give you an advantage, though employers often provide training on the job.

It's useful to have some IT skills or experience of using online stock management software.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • active listening skills
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a stock control assistant, you could:

  • check stock levels and order new stock
  • update stock information on computer systems
  • receive deliveries and check paperwork is in order
  • move stock with a forklift truck
  • make sure orders are despatched on time
  • answer customer enquiries online, over the phone and in person
  • carry out spot checks and audits

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could become a stock supervisor or 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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Royal Navy - Supply Chain Logistician Apprentice (Submariner) (Supply Chain Warehouse Operative)

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire

The Royal Navy - Supply Chain Logistician - Supply Chain Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400 a year Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for Warehousing

  • Provider: DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
  • Start date: 01 January 2025
  • Location: Dudley
Find courses near you

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