Inventory coordinator

An inventory coordinator

Description

Inventory coordinators keep track of products stored in warehouses for transport to stores, wholesalers and individual customers. They inspect the inventory and maintain paperwork and documents.

The duties of an inventory coordinator include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitoring the status of inventory to ensure that it stays within guidelines set by the company
  • Maintaining inventory records, including tracking the cost of goods sold and identifying obsolete inventory items
  • Monitoring the status of incoming goods to ensure that they meet specifications and are delivered on time
  • Updating the inventory database with new or discontinued inventory items as needed
  • Coordinating with vendors to ensure that products ship on time and in proper quantities
  • Calculating inventory levels and reordering products from suppliers when inventory levels are low
  • Controlling inventory costs by keeping track of pricing changes and ordering new inventory when necessary
  • Preparing purchase orders for raw materials and other supplies needed for production
  • Scheduling deliveries of goods, arranging for pick-ups of finished goods from manufacturing facilities, or coordinating the use of third-party delivery services

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to inventory coordinator:

store coordinator
inventory supervisor
inventory associate
inventory control supervisor
stock coordinator
warehouse coordinator
inventory taker
inventory specialist
stockroom coordinator
inventory administrator
warehouse specialist
inventory controller

Working conditions

Inventory coordinators work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing plants. They may work in an office, on the floor of the facility, or in a combination of both.

Many inventory coordinators work full time, but some may work part time, evenings, or weekends, depending on the needs of the employer.

Some inventory coordinators may be required to travel to multiple locations. The work can be physically demanding, and coordinators may be required to lift and move heavy objects. The work can also be stressful, as coordinators must often meet deadlines and work under pressure.

Minimum qualifications

Inventory coordinators are typically required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree in inventory management or a related field. Relevant coursework includes business math, accounting, economics, statistics and computer science.

Inventory coordinators typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the inventory management software the company uses and the inventory management processes the company follows.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Inventory coordinator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

Inventory coordinator career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to inventory coordinator.

sales support assistant
aircraft cargo operations coordinator
engineering assistant
auditing clerk
dry house attendant

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of inventory coordinator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of inventory coordinator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

supply chain assistant
waiting list coordinator
air pollution analyst
mine surveying technician
industrial engineering technician

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of inventory coordinator.

  • Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
  • Inventory management rules: The specific principles and techniques used in order to determine the appropriate level of inventory required.
  • Products coding system: Packaging codes and markings required to implement proper handling procedures for goods.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of inventory coordinator.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of inventory coordinator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Warehouse operations: Know the basic principles and practices of warehouse operations such as goods storage. Understand and satisfy customer needs and requirements while effectively utilising warehouse equipment, space and labour.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of inventory coordinator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Operate warehouse record systems: Operate systems for recording product, packaging, and order information in specific formats and types of record.
  • Develop communication networks with shipping sites: Establish relationships with shipping sites to facilitate the delivery of goods.
  • Order supplies: Command products from relevant suppliers to get convenient and profitable products to purchase.
  • Receive goods: Control documentation, unloading and booking of goods with which the receipt from a vendor or from production is posted.
  • Stack goods: Stack goods and manufactured products into containers without special treatment or procedure.
  • Manage warehouse inventory: Manage warehouse inventory and control storage and movement of warehouse goods. Monitor transactions such as shipping, receiving and putaway.
  • Issue purchase orders: Produce and review the documents needed to authorise shipment of a product from the supplier at a specified price and within specific terms.
  • Oversee stock quality control: Check overall product quality prior to shipment.
  • Advise on efficiency improvements: Analyse information and details of processes and products in order to advise on possible efficiency improvements that could be implemented and would signify a better use of resources.
  • Perform clerical duties: Perform administrative tasks such as filing, typing up reports and maintaining mail correspondence.
  • Handle returns: Manage goods that have been returned by customers, following the applicable goods return policy.

ISCO group and title

4321 – Stock clerks


References
  1. Inventory coordinator – ESCO
  2. Inventory Coordinator Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More – Climb the Ladder
  3. Featured image: Photo by Alexander Isreb
Last updated on December 4, 2022

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