Role Description

Entry requirements

There are no set requirements. You’ll need good computer skills to keep records systems up to date. You’ll also need to be good with numbers and able to work as part of a team.

Previous experience in stock control, retail or office admin would be helpful.

You could get into this job by doing a supply chain, retail or warehousing apprenticeship.

Skills required

You’ll need:

good communication skills
customer service skills
good time management
the ability to work quickly under pressure
a high level of attention to detail

What you'll do

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

processing orders
making sure paperwork is correctly filled out
checking stock levels and ordering new stock
updating stock information on computer systems
receiving deliveries
making sure orders are despatched on time
answering customer enquiries online, over the phone and face-to-face
carrying out spot checks and audits
Your job may also include other duties like forklift driving or serving customers over the counter.

You’ll work in places like shops, warehouses and distribution centres.

Salary

Starter: £13,500 to £18,000

Experienced: £20,000 to 23,000 (supervisors)

Highly Experienced: up to £30,000 (managers)

These figures are a guide.

Working hours, patterns and environment

You’re likely to work shifts if you’re in a warehouse or distribution centre. You’ll have more regular hours if you’re in a shop or other retail outlet.
 
You may have to work in low temperatures in some jobs, for example in a frozen food warehouse, but your employer will supply you with suitable clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a stock supervisor or manager. At this level, 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 which products your company will sell.