JOB TITLE                       :    Brand Inventory Controller

Department                    :    Operations 

Reporting to                   :    Brand Planner

Direct reports                :    None

Key customers              :    Suppliers, Logistics, Brand Teams

Main purpose   :           The Inventory Controller is responsible for executing the stock allocation processes, maintaining inventory accuracy within the merchandise system, and supporting stock control processes across the retail network.

The role ensures that system stock balances align with physical inventory levels and assists with store stock takes, investigations, and inventory reconciliation to maintain strong inventory governance

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 1: STOCK ALLOCATION

• Load new Allocations to system provided by Junior Planner
• Ensure Allocation correctly integrates with 3PL and is visible in their Order well
• Ensure allocations are despatched from warehouse within SLA and escalate to Outbound co-ordinators any exceptions
• Ensure Retail Leads are alerted where stock is delivered and not systematically received by stores
• Ensure balanced distribution of stock across the retail network.
• Allocate new stock to Ecommerce Location

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 2: REPLENISHMENT

• Load Replenishment Allocations into System provided for by Junior Planners
• Ensure Replen Allocation correctly integrates with 3PL and is visible in their Order well
• Ensure replen allocations are despatched from warehouse within SLA and escalate to Outbound co-ordinators any exceptions
• Ensure Retail Leads are alerted where stock is delivered and not systematically received by stores
• Ensure balanced distribution of stock across the retail network.
• Allocate replenishment stock to Ecommerce Location

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 3:  INVENTORY ACCURACY

• Work with Planners/Junior Planners to ensure that the systematic inventory levels across all warehouse locations are aligned between the systems (SAP/M24)
• Ensure that Shopify and SAP inventory levels for Stores are aligned and that SIT locations reflect only stock that is in transit. (including 3PL_RRIT)
• Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies between systems, warehouse, and stores.
• Monitor and maintain stock integrity across all channels.
• Manage inter-store transfers and stock balancing with Inventory Controllers

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 4: MISSING SALES TRANSACTIONS

• Ensure that all transactions (Sales Orders/Invoices and Credits) created in Shopify are reflected in SAP and align.
• Ensure that any errors in alignment with Shopify and SAP are rectified and transactions replayed
• Ensure issues where no immediate error is identified are escalated to the Business Solutions team for investigation

   COMPETENCY PROFILE

(Skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes, and behaviours that are required to do this specific job well)

 KEY LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES

(Behaviours that enhance the desired culture, values and the pursuit of the core purpose of the business

• VALUES:

• We believe in the power of brands and growing brands responsibly.
• We believe in developing and building our teams for the benefit of all stakeholders.
• We believe in continuous investment into our people and our business platforms.
• We care deeply about our environment and our people.

• LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS

• Strategic Communication: Clearly communicates goals, strategies, and updates to the team and stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams (e.g., buying, marketing, supply chain) to ensure alignment on plans.
• Decision-Making: Makes informed, timely decisions based on data and strategic objectives.
• Conflict Resolution: Addresses conflicts or disagreements constructively and promptly within the team or with stakeholders.
• Mentorship & Development: Provides coaching and development opportunities to team members to enhance their skills and career growth.
• Stakeholder Management: Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, buyers, and senior management).
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for team performance, ensuring that goals and objectives are met.
• Adaptability: Adjusts to changing business conditions, market trends, and team dynamics.
• Empathy: Demonstrates understanding of team needs and challenges, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Influence & Negotiation: Effectively influences others and negotiates to achieve the best outcomes for the business.

TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES

(Specific technical, functional, and professional skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes and aptitudes that are required to be able to do this particular job well relative to the delivery of the Main Purpose and Key Accountabilities

• Merchandise Planning: Expertise in creating, managing, and optimizing merchandise plans that align with business goals and customer demand.
• Sales Forecasting: Ability to accurately forecast sales trends and demand patterns using data and market analysis
• Inventory Management: Proficiency in managing inventory levels, optimizing stock turnover, and reducing overstock or stockouts.
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budgeting, margin analysis, and financial performance tracking for merchandising activities.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Strong analytical skills to interpret sales data, track KPIs, and generate actionable insights for decision-making.
• Supply Chain Coordination: Understanding of supply chain processes to ensure timely product delivery and alignment with sales forecasts.
• Product Assortment Strategy: Ability to select and manage product assortments that meet customer needs while optimizing profitability.
• Retail & E-commerce Integration: Experience in integrating retail and e-commerce strategies to drive unified merchandising outcomes across channels.
  • Pricing & Promotion Strategy: Competence in setting pricing strategies, managing markdowns, and planning promotional activities to maximize sales.
  • Software Proficiency: Expertise in merchandise planning software, spreadsheets (Excel), and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
  • Vendor Management: Knowledge of managing supplier relationships, negotiating terms, and ensuring product availability.
• Trend Analysis: Ability to identify market trends and consumer behaviour insights to inform planning decisions

• MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  Education
  

  Tertiary qualification in Retail, Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Mathematics, or a related field

       Experience

• 3+ years’ experience in a retail head office environment, with exposure to:

• Inventory control, stock allocation, replenishment, or store planning

• Practical experience working with system stock management, including:
• Inventory reconciliations
• Stock investigations
• Store and warehouse stock movements
• Advanced Excel ability

Industry Knowledge

• Working knowledge of retail inventory processes, including allocation, replenishment, stock availability, and weeks of cover.
• Understanding of inventory accuracy and system alignment between ERP, e‑commerce platforms, warehouses, and stores.
• Awareness of how inventory discrepancies impact store performance, availability, and trading results.
• Familiarity with retail ERP environments (SAP or similar) and basic e‑commerce inventory integration principles