Senior Inventory Controller

Roles and responsibilities

To manage the Physical Inventory Department of the IKEA store. Ensure all items in the store are counted in a systematic & planned manner thereby providing better stock availability for the business and also ensuring better data integrity.

What You Will Do

OPERATIONAL

• Plan and coordinate annual and perpetual inventories stock count for the Store.
• Analyze deviation and discrepancies ascertaining a tolerance level for shrinkage.
• Designate the task of updating stock files to Inventory Assistant.
• Review and update the PI SOPs, as well as maintaining consistent stock balances by adhering to strict physical inventory control procedures.
• Act as an interface between the inventory and the goods receiving department thereby monitoring and analyzing the errors arising from the different areas.
• Monitor and maintain KPI’s pertaining to the PI process in order to maintain a track of the areas which directly affect the performance of the Physical Inventory team as well as have an adverse impact on the overall objective of the Team.
  

COMMERCIAL

• Work together with Logistics, Sales, and Communication and Interior Design teams in order to ensure the manual errors binning/posting errors are reduced and the disciplines in the SOPs are followed while transferring stocks to display and selling the same from display.
  

FINANCIAL

• Handle the periodical meetings with the AF Group audit team for the assessment and validation of the
• inventory process of IKEA which includes the existing procedures, business application, documentation and
• final approvals of stock shrinkages after stock take.
• Execute the physical inventory of the store including the Self Serve, Full Serve, Market Hall and Display counts and for overseeing the Recovery counts.
• Analyse the Stock loss figure after all investigations are completed and present to the Logistics Manager, the Store Manager & SMT.
• Convey Stock loss figure to Finance who will present it to the Auditors.
  

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT

• Supervise the Physical Inventory Control team to ensure highest level of work efficiency, and control operational costs.
• Ascertain adequate training and development initiatives to secure quality performance and succession needs
  

Required Skills

Required skills to be successful

• Advanced Computer skills (MS Office packages) and operating systems (Navision)
• Good command of English language
• Good command of Arabic language is a plus.
• Focus on continuous improvement of existing operations

Desired candidate profile

• Inventory Management:

  • Oversee the monitoring and maintenance of inventory levels to ensure adequate stock while minimizing overstocking and stockouts.
  • Ensure accurate inventory tracking using manual methods or inventory management software (e.g., ERP systems).
  • Coordinate with purchasing, sales, and other departments to forecast inventory needs and maintain optimal stock levels.

• Stock Replenishment and Ordering:

  • Analyze sales data, trends, and forecasts to determine when and how much stock to order.
  • Work closely with suppliers and vendors to manage lead times and delivery schedules to ensure timely replenishment of inventory.
  • Place purchase orders and manage the inbound delivery process, ensuring products are received on time and in good condition.

• Inventory Audits and Control:

  • Conduct regular physical inventory counts (e.g., cycle counts, annual audits) to verify the accuracy of recorded inventory levels.
  • Reconcile any discrepancies between physical counts and system records and investigate the root causes of discrepancies (e.g., theft, damage, mismanagement).
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards regarding inventory management.

• Supply Chain Coordination:

  • Collaborate with other departments such as logistics, warehouse, and procurement to streamline the supply chain and ensure that inventory flows efficiently.
  • Work with the logistics team to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods and to optimize warehouse space utilization.
  • Develop and implement strategies for improving supply chain processes and reducing lead times.

• Data Analysis and Reporting:

  • Analyze inventory performance and generate regular reports on key metrics such as turnover rates, stock levels, order fulfillment, and inventory value.
  • Use data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and cost-saving opportunities.
  • Provide senior management with recommendations for optimizing inventory levels, improving processes, and enhancing overall inventory control performance.

• Cost Control and Optimization:

  • Identify opportunities to reduce inventory carrying costs (e.g., storage, insurance, obsolescence).
  • Develop and implement strategies for improving inventory turnover and reducing waste, especially for perishable or time-sensitive products.
  • Work to optimize the balance between supply and demand to avoid the costs associated with excess inventory or stockouts.