Stock Controller/Stores Assistant

Stock controllers/stores assistants are responsible for the reception, checking and storage of the products, tools or parts needed for businesses to operate. They work in the stores or stock departments of a wide range of businesses, including manufacturing, assembling and servicing operations and wholesale and retail distribution, as well as stores departments of large organisations, such as hospitals or the armed forces, and in shops and businesses.

They are responsible for the reception, checking and storage of the products, tools or parts. Stock controllers may also be responsible for ordering and maintaining stock levels.

They normally work around 37 to 39 hours per week, which may include shifts and weekends. Overtime work is quite common and part-time jobs are available. Most storerooms are clean, tidy and well lit. The work may involve accepting deliveries outside in all types of weather, standing up, climbing ladders, lifting heavy goods, operating machinery, such as forklifts, powered stackers and movers, or being seated to use a computer. Boots and overalls or uniform are normally standard issue.

Salaries range from around £12,000 to about £30,000 a year.

A stores assistant should:

• be able to complete paperwork legibly
• have good numeracy skills
• have an eye for detail
• be able to follow safety and security procedures
• have good communication skills
• have good computer skills.

There are opportunities for stores assistants across a wide range of industries and sectors, including manufacturing, engineering, distribution, motor vehicle, aerospace, the armed forces, retail and electronics.

No formal academic qualifications are required to work as a stores assistant, although GCSEs in English and maths together with ICT skills are likely to be required for a training scheme or Apprenticeship in warehousing and storage. The Diplomas in construction and the built environment, engineering, information technology, retail business or manufacturing and product design may be relevant for this work.

New stores assistants often train on the job, working towards qualifications such as NVQ Levels 1 to 4 in business and administration. Assistants working in warehousing may be able take the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK's Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Logistics and Transport.

Promotion opportunities vary according to the size of the company. Promotion to stores supervisor, and then on to stores manager, may be possible, especially in larger companies.

Further details