Senior Stock Controller - Hospitality/Coffee shops/Food & Bev Industry - Retail FMCG Industry - Gauteng

Introduction

A High end Restuarant/Cafe are seeking an experienced, highly analytical and detail-oriented Senior Stock Controller to take responsibility for the overall management, control, reporting and optimisation of inventory across multiple stores and operational sites.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring accurate stock records, maintaining optimal inventory levels, reducing wastage and shrinkage, investigating stock variances and supporting operational teams with effective stock planning and control.

This role is ideally suited to a candidate with experience in hospitality, restaurant, food and beverage, FMCG or high-volume retail environments , particularly within multi-site operations.

JHB

GAAP Pos Experience

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and control inventory levels across multiple stores and central facilities.

• Monitor stock movements, usage, variances, wastage and shrinkage.

• Conduct and coordinate regular stock counts, audits and cycle counts.

• Investigate stock discrepancies and implement appropriate corrective actions.

• Analyse stock variances and identify underlying trends or operational issues.

• Manage supplier ordering processes and coordinate stock replenishment.

• Ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained while avoiding unnecessary overstocking.

• Produce accurate stock, cost and variance reports for management.

• Maintain accurate inventory records and stock valuations.

• Support operational teams with stock planning and forecasting.

• Manage and monitor stock transfers between operational sites.

• Ensure compliance with stock management policies, procedures and internal controls.

• Train and support Store Managers and operational teams on stock processes and controls.

• Drive continuous improvement within stock management systems and processes.

• Work closely with Finance and Operations to improve stock accuracy and cost control.

• Identify opportunities to reduce wastage, minimise shrinkage and improve stock efficiency.

• Participate in month-end stock processes, audits and operational projects.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in stock control, inventory management, procurement or supply chain administration.

• At least 2 years’ experience in a senior or supervisory stock control role .

• Experience within a high-volume, fast-paced operational environment.

• Previous experience managing stock across multiple stores or operational sites will be highly advantageous.

• Strong understanding of inventory management principles, stock controls and stock valuation.

• Experience in stock variance analysis and discrepancy investigation.

• Experience conducting and managing stock audits and cycle counts.

• Experience coordinating supplier ordering and stock replenishment.

• Strong commercial understanding of food cost, beverage cost and stock management principles will be advantageous.

• Johannesburg-based or willing to commute reliably.

• Reliable transport and willingness to travel between operational sites as required.

• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Additional South African languages will be advantageous.

Essential Technical Skills

Candidates must demonstrate strong experience in

• Inventory management and stock control.

• Stock variance analysis and investigation.

• Stock audits and cycle count management.

• Supplier ordering and procurement coordination.

• Stock reporting and data analysis.

• Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and data analysis.

• Inventory Management Systems.

• GAAP Point of Sale (POS) systems.

• Google Workspace.

Advantageous Systems Experience

Experience with any of the following will be beneficial

• GAAP

• Pilot

• Sage

• Pastel

• Power BI

Key Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate

• Highly analytical thinking.

• Exceptional attention to detail.

• Strong organisational and planning skills.

• A methodical and disciplined approach to work.

• Excellent problem-solving ability.

• Strong numerical and data analysis skills.

• Proactive and self-motivated behaviour.

• Assertiveness and confidence when dealing with operational teams.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• High levels of accountability and ownership.

• The ability to work effectively under pressure.

• Strong time-management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.

• High levels of integrity and ethical standards.

Most Challenging Aspect of the Role

A key challenge will be balancing stock availability with strict stock-holding targets while minimising wastage, shrinkage and unnecessary inventory across multiple operational sites.

The successful candidate must be able to identify trends, investigate discrepancies, analyse data and implement practical solutions proactively to improve stock accuracy and operational performance.

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to

Operations Manager / Group Financial Manager

Works closely with

• Operations Team

• Store Managers

• Finance Department

• Suppliers

Management Responsibilities

Where applicable, the Senior Stock Controller will be responsible for:

• Providing guidance and supervision to Stock Controllers and Stock Administrators.

• Overseeing stock processes across multiple stores and operational sites.

• Training and supporting Store Managers and operational teams on stock procedures and controls.

• Ensuring consistent implementation of stock management processes across all relevant locations.

Working Environment

This position operates within a fast-paced, operational environment where accountability, collaboration, accuracy and continuous improvement are essential.

The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the stock control function, work proactively with multiple stakeholders and contribute to improving operational efficiency and financial performance.

Working Hours

Monday to Saturday , with flexibility required according to operational requirements.

Standard working hours: 07:00 – 16:00

Additional hours may occasionally be required during

• Stock takes

• Audits

• Month-end processes

• Operational projects

• Other business-critical requirements

Travel Requirements

Regular travel between stores and operational sites will be required. The successful candidate must have reliable transport and be comfortable working across multiple locations.

Additional benefits and incentives may include

• Discretionary annual bonus based on business and individual performance.

• Potential discretionary performance-based incentives linked to stock variance targets, cost-saving initiatives, operational improvements and KPI achievement.

• Study assistance or bursary support may be considered at management discretion and subject to business requirements.

• Annual remuneration and performance review.

Leave entitlement will be in accordance with applicable legislation and company policy.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, commercially aware Senior Stock Controller with strong experience in managing inventory within a multi-site, high-volume environment.

They will be comfortable analysing large volumes of stock data, investigating discrepancies, challenging operational processes and implementing practical improvements. They should be confident working independently while maintaining strong relationships with Operations, Finance, Store Management and Suppliers.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced stock control professional looking to take ownership of a senior, operationally involved inventory management role.

Package & Remuneration

Remuneration and Benefits

Salary: R30,000 – R35,000 CTC per month, dependent on experience and qualifications.