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Inventory and Supply Officer

Also known as Stock Clerk.

Inventory and supply officers receive and dispatch goods, manage stock levels and record stock movement.

Inventory officers normally manage the level of stock held by a company, while supply officers (a more senior position in large companies) are usually responsible for the coordination of purchasing, warehousing and inventory functions.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become an inventory control manager or supply manager.

TASKS

Inventory and supply officers may perform the following tasks:

prepare purchase orders
receive, store and issue goods
manage stock levels and distribute supplies from stock
maintain stock records using manual or computerised systems
prepare inventories
be responsible for, and check supply invoices against purchase orders
prepare reports on adjustments to inventories, spoilt or damaged stock and changes in stock location
find sources of supply and obtain quotes from suppliers
price incoming goods, estimate the cost of requisitions or value of stock and store articles
coordinate purchasing, warehousing and inventory functions
get rid of surplus assets and obsolete stock

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy clerical and administrative activities
good planning and numeracy skills
a methodical approach to work
good communication skills
aptitude for working with computer systems
able to pay attention to detail

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Purchasing Officer - plans and schedules the delivery of goods and services for industrial, commercial or government establishments. They contact suppliers to obtain information on price, quality and delivery capabilities for the goods or services required, and meet with sales representatives from the various suppliers to compare their products and companies.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an inventory and supply officer without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in business, purchasing or transport and logistics. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become an inventory and supply officer through a traineeship in Purchasing or Logistics.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Business Services or Transport and Logistics Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Inventory and supply officers are employed in hospitals and government agencies, and in construction, defence, manufacturing, mining, service, transport, wholesale and retail firms.

Increased use of computers and automation in inventory and stores management has affected the nature of inventory and supply work, with many businesses moving towards a single, automated warehousing operation focusing on just-in-time delivery, rather than a number of smaller stores that maintain large amounts of stock.