Store Keeper

Roles and responsibilities

A Store Keeper is responsible for managing inventory, organizing stock, and ensuring that the storage areas are well-maintained and secure. Store Keepers play a crucial role in the supply chain and inventory management system of businesses, warehouses, retail stores, or manufacturing facilities. They are responsible for tracking stock levels, receiving new shipments, managing stock rotation, and maintaining proper records of goods received and dispatched.

Key Skills of a Store Keeper:

1. Inventory Management

• Stock Control: Ensuring that inventory levels are accurately tracked and maintained. This involves keeping an eye on stock levels, anticipating restocking needs, and preventing overstocking or understocking.
• Stock Rotation: Managing the movement of goods (often following the FIFO—First In, First Out—method), ensuring older stock is used or sold first, and preventing items from expiring or becoming obsolete.
• Replenishment: Monitoring stock levels and placing orders with suppliers or requesting restocks from the warehouse or central inventory when necessary.

2. Organizational Skills

• Efficient Storage: Arranging stock in a neat and logical manner for easy access. This includes categorizing items, labeling them, and ensuring that items are stored in the correct location.
• Inventory Tracking: Keeping an accurate, up-to-date inventory log that can be referred to at any time to verify stock levels, item conditions, or reorder needs.

3. Attention to Detail

• Inspection and Quality Control: Ensuring that incoming and outgoing goods are in good condition and meet quality standards. This involves inspecting goods for damage or expiration, especially for perishable items.
• Accurate Record-Keeping: Keeping detailed records of stock levels, orders, deliveries, and returns. Any discrepancies between physical stock and system records should be reported immediately.

4. Physical Stamina and Strength

• Heavy Lifting: Depending on the type of business, a storekeeper may need to lift heavy boxes, organize large amounts of stock, or move goods within the storage facility.
• Manual Handling: Storing and organizing products efficiently, ensuring that the stock is easily accessible and safe to handle.

5. Communication and Teamwork

• Coordinating with Other Departments: Communicating regularly with purchasing, sales, and warehouse teams to ensure smooth operations and accurate stock management.
• Customer Interaction: In some retail settings, storekeepers may interact with customers or sales staff, providing information about stock availability or helping with inventory-related queries.

6. Technology Skills

• Inventory Management Software: Familiarity with computerized inventory systems (e.g., ERP, SAP, or custom software) for tracking and updating stock levels, processing orders, and generating reports.
• Barcode Scanning: Knowledge of using barcode scanners for stock tracking, shipment processing, and ensuring accurate record-keeping.

7. Problem-Solving

• Inventory Discrepancies: Being able to identify and resolve discrepancies between physical inventory and system records, investigating causes for missing or damaged items, and adjusting records accordingly.
• Handling Stock Shortages or Overstocks: Quickly managing unexpected shortages or surpluses, working with other departments to resolve supply chain issues.

Desired candidate profile

Key Responsibilities:
Inventory Management: Track and maintain records of incoming and outgoing inventory, ensuring accuracy in stock levels.

Stock Organization: Organize and label items within the storage area, making sure all materials are easily accessible and clearly identified.

Quality Inspection: Inspect incoming goods to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications before storing.

Order Fulfillment: Prepare and dispatch items based on department requests, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment.

Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive records of inventory transactions, including receipts, returns, and disposal of damaged items.

Loss Prevention: Implement security measures to prevent theft, damage, or loss of inventory.

Stock Replenishment: Monitor stock levels and inform the procurement team when supplies need replenishment.

Safety Compliance: Ensure adherence to safety protocols within the storage area, maintaining a clean and hazard-free environment.

Inventory Audits: Conduct regular stock audits and reconcile with records to maintain inventory accuracy.

Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent; additional certification in inventory management is a plus.

Prior experience in a storekeeping or inventory management role.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Ability to lift and move heavy items as required.