Inventory Control Specialist Job Description

An inventory control specialist, also known as an inventory management specialist, is a business administration professional that is responsible for maximizing an organization's profit, with regards to inventory, by keeping track of the movement of an organization’s products, as well as monitoring orders, deliveries and shipments.

Inventory control specialists must oversee the movement of inventory units, within a single location or between multiple locations, in order to prevent inventory levels from becoming too high (as this ties up capital, and causes inventory to become obsolete with time), or from becoming so low that the operational needs of the company cannot be met.

Competent and efficient inventory control specialists are also concerned with controlling the various costs associated with the inventory: the total capital invested in the inventory, the tax burden created as a result of the cumulative value of the inventory, the administrative costs of maintaining excessive inventory, and other costs.

Inventory Control Specialist Job Duties

• Oversee the accurate monitoring, ordering and storage of inventory

• Supervise receiving staff during deliveries, or receive deliveries directly 

• Confirm that delivered goods match purchase order specifications of quantity, condition, model number, etc.

• Adhere to strict accounting procedures when inputting essential data on all materials handled

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise and support inventory control clerks

• Liaise with shipping and receiving managers to ensure the necessary items are in stock

• Develop and implement comprehensive inventory policies and procedures in order to properly manage the flow of supplies and merchandise

• May take inventory manually and enter orders in a computer system on an as-needed basis (in smaller companies)

Who Creates Jobs for Inventory Control Specialists?

Inventory control specialists are employed by small, medium and large organizations that maintain an inventory. They are mostly hired on a permanent, full-time basis by the following types of organizations:

• Municipal, provincial/state and federal government departments

• Supply chain management consulting companies

• Construction and manufacturing companies

• Medium and large retailers

• Small, medium and large distribution companies

• Hospitals and health care institutions

• School boards

• Colleges and universities

Getting Certified as an Inventory Control Specialist

Many employers do not require inventory control specialists to be certified, although becoming certified is recommended, as it demonstrates that you have the knowledge base and competency necessary to do the job effectively. It also demonstrates your commitment to the profession.

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) offers the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation to qualified candidates who successfully complete a comprehensive examination. This certification is recognized internationally.

Experience Needed to Become an Inventory Control Specialist

The level of experience needed to become an inventory control specialist is entirely determined by the employer, and may vary from job to job. Some inventory control specialists may enter the role immediately after graduation, while others may have to first work entry-level jobs in logistics, procurement and inventory, or as junior-level or assistant inventory control specialist.

Those that are hired into entry and junior-level positions typically have to complete a period of on-the-job training prior to earning senior-level responsibility. This training allows the employee to gain experience in areas such as reading stock numbers, counting inventory, entering information into a computerized record-keeping system, managing outgoing inventory, purchasing raw materials, and other areas.