Senior Inventory Clerk

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.