A stock controller makes sure a business has the right products, in the right place, in the right quantity, and that the records match what is physically on the shelf. Typical stock controller duties include checking stock levels, placing or recommending orders, receiving deliveries, updating stock systems, running regular counts and audits, investigating discrepancies and reducing waste and shrinkage. In retail and duty-free, accurate stock control has a direct effect on sales, because a product that is in the stockroom but not on the shelf cannot be sold.
This guide explains the role, the KPIs stock controllers are measured on, the skills needed, UK pay and a template you can use.
What does a stock controller do?
The National Careers Service lists checking stock levels and ordering supplies, updating stock records, receiving deliveries and checking paperwork, moving stock into storage, replacing out-of-date items, making sure orders leave on time and carrying out regular inventory checks and audits.
Stock controller duties and responsibilities
- Monitoring stock levels and reorder points on the stock system.
- Raising purchase orders or replenishment requests.
- Receiving deliveries and checking quantities, condition and paperwork against orders.
- Booking stock in accurately and labelling or locating it correctly.
- Running cycle counts and full stocktakes.
- Investigating variances between system and physical stock.
- Managing returns, damages, write-offs and date-coded products.
- Rotating stock using first in, first out (FIFO) or first expired, first out (FEFO).
- Producing stock reports for managers.
- Keeping the stockroom safe, tidy and secure.
KPIs for stock control
| KPI | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Stock accuracy | How closely system records match physical counts |
| Shrinkage | Loss through theft, damage, admin errors or supplier errors |
| On-shelf availability | Share of products available for customers to buy |
| Stock turn | How quickly stock sells and is replaced |
| Delivery processing time | How fast deliveries reach the shop floor |
| Waste and write-offs | Value of expired or damaged stock |
Stock control in airport and duty-free retail
Airport stores face extra challenges: deliveries must pass through security screening, airside storage space is limited, and peak flight banks can empty shelves in an hour. Duty and tax rules also affect how certain goods, such as alcohol and tobacco, are recorded. Good stock controllers plan replenishment around flight schedules and work closely with the loss prevention team. Our article on reducing loss prevention risk in duty-free explains common causes of shrinkage.
Skills and qualities
- Accuracy and attention to detail with numbers.
- Confidence with stock systems, handheld scanners and spreadsheets.
- Organisation and the ability to plan around deliveries and peaks.
- Problem solving when counts do not match.
- Physical fitness for lifting and moving stock safely.
- Clear communication with store managers, buyers and suppliers.
- Forklift or pallet truck licence for warehouse-based roles.
Training and qualifications
There are no set entry requirements, although some employers ask for GCSEs in English and maths. Many stock controllers start as sales assistants or warehouse operatives and move into the role. Apprenticeships include Level 2 Retailer and Supply Chain Warehouse Operative routes.
Stock controller pay in the UK
The National Careers Service gives a typical range of around £21,000 for starters to £30,000 for experienced stock controllers. Hourly pay must be at least £12.71 for workers aged 21 and over from April 2026, rising to £13.21 in April 2027. Night shifts and warehouse roles often carry a premium.
Stock controller job description template
Job title: Stock Controller
Reports to: Store / Operations Manager
Location: [Site]
Hours: [Shift pattern]
Pay: £[rate] per hour
Purpose: To keep stock accurate, available and secure so the business can trade without gaps or losses.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor stock levels and support ordering.
- Receive, check and book in deliveries.
- Carry out cycle counts and stocktakes.
- Investigate and resolve stock variances.
- Manage returns, damages and date-coded stock.
- Keep stock areas tidy, safe and secure.
About you: Accurate, organised and comfortable with stock systems. Retail or warehouse experience preferred.
Struggling with replenishment or stock accuracy?Our stock operations teams support airport and high-volume retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a stock controller do?
Monitors stock levels, receives deliveries, updates stock records, runs counts and audits and investigates discrepancies.
What skills does a stock controller need?
Accuracy with numbers, organisation, confidence with stock systems, problem solving and good communication.
How much does a stock controller earn?
Typically £21,000 to £30,000 a year in the UK, depending on experience and setting.
What is the difference between a stock controller and a stock assistant?
Stock assistants mainly move and replenish stock. Stock controllers are responsible for the accuracy of stock records and reporting.
Stock support from WWSG
WWSG provides stock operations and operations support staff for airport and retail clients. Contact us to discuss your needs.