Inventory Manager

Role Summary

• The Inventory Manager oversees stock from receipt to sale, return or disposal.
• The role is responsible for keeping physical stock and system records aligned, supervising the inventory team, and promptly escalating shortages, unexplained stock movements and breaches of inventory procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify incoming goods against purchase orders and delivery notes. Check quantities, product condition, batch details and expiry dates before accepting and recording deliveries.
• Ensure all receipts, transfers, returns, damages, write-offs and stock adjustments are documented and entered into the inventory system. Confirm that adjustments have the required approval and supporting records.
• Conduct routine cycle counts and coordinate full stocktakes. Reconcile physical counts against system balances and investigate discrepancies with the relevant teams.
• Promptly report shortages, unauthorised stock removals and unresolved discrepancies through the designated reporting channel. Escalate issues that remain unresolved and track corrective actions to closure.
• Maintain records of vendor samples and promotional stock, including receipt, approved use and final disposition.
• Monitor stock levels, identify fast-moving and slow-moving items, and flag replenishment needs to Procurement before stockouts occur.
• Apply first-expiry, first-out rotation where relevant. Identify near-expiry, expired and damaged products and coordinate approved returns, markdowns or disposal.
• Supervise inventory officers, assign daily tasks, and train the team on receiving, counting, stock handling and recordkeeping procedures.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports on stock accuracy, shortages, write-offs, near-expiry items and outstanding discrepancies.

Performance Measures

• Accuracy of inventory records against physical stock counts.
• Timely completion of scheduled stock counts and reconciliation reports.
• Timeliness of discrepancy escalation and follow-up.
• Compliance with stock movement approvals and documentation.
• Stock losses from shrinkage, expiry and damage.

Qualifications and Experience

• OND, HND or Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Accounting, Logistics or a related field.
• Relevant practical experience may be considered.
• At least two years of experience in inventory or stock control, preferably in a supermarket, retail or FMCG environment.
• Experience conducting stocktakes, reconciling discrepancies and using inventory or POS software and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgement, and the ability to supervise a team and communicate issues clearly.