Inventory clerk job description template

Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Inventory Clerk maintains accurate physical and electronic inventory records across all storage and warehouse locations at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. Operating on the warehouse floor and at inventory receiving stations, this role receives incoming shipments, reconciles stock receipts against purchase orders, and coordinates internal material distributions. The role verifies physical inventory counts against tracking system data to detect discrepancies and minimize shrinkage. By keeping materials organized, labelled, and accessible, the Inventory Clerk ensures operational continuity and timely order fulfillment for internal teams and external customers.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Receiving and Inbound Verification (20%)

• Inspect all incoming freight, parcels, and palletized shipments for physical damage, seal integrity, and correct container counts before signing shipping manifests.
• Reconcile packing slips and bills of lading against approved purchase orders to confirm part numbers, quantities, and unit specifications.
• Log verified receipts into [HRIS_NAME] or the inventory tracking system within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] of physical receipt to maintain real-time inventory visibility.
• Reject damaged or incorrect deliveries immediately, document discrepancies on the receiving paperwork, and notify [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].

2.2 Stock Put-Away and Storage Management (15%)

• Move accepted stock from receiving staging zones to designated shelf, rack, or bin locations using assigned manual handling equipment.
• Affix barcode labels, stock-keeping unit (SKU) tags, and bin location markers according to standard labelling procedures.
• Store inventory according to first-in, first-out (FIFO) standards, temperature parameters, and weight restrictions to prevent product damage or expiry.
• Consolidate open cartons and maintain clear, unobstructed storage aisles in compliance with facility safety standards.

2.3 Inventory Tracking and Cycle Counting (20%)

• Execute scheduled cycle counts across assigned warehouse bays, stockrooms, and staging areas in accordance with the count calendar.
• Reconcile physical inventory counts against electronic records to verify stock levels and identify discrepancies.
• Investigate root causes of inventory variances, including mispicks, unrecorded transfers, or damaged stock, and submit findings to [SUPERVISOR_TITLE].
• Support full physical inventory audits by counting stock, tagging counted lots, and entering verified counts into the inventory ledger.

2.4 Order Picking, Staging, and Material Issuance (15%)

• Pick stock items accurately against pick lists, transfer requisitions, or customer work orders.
• Verify SKU numbers, batch codes, and quantities prior to moving items to the packing or production staging areas.
• Record internal stock disbursements, transfers, and disposals immediately in the inventory tracking software to maintain real-time perpetual inventory records.
• Stage packed items in designated shipping zones, ensuring staging tags are clearly visible.

2.5 Returns Processing and Quarantine Management (10%)

• Inspect returned materials, warranty items, and customer returns for damage, wear, and completeness.
• Place unverified, damaged, or expired stock into the designated quarantine area with clear status tags to prevent inadvertent restocking or distribution.
• Process vendor return authorizations (RMA) and prepare return packaging as directed by [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].
• Record write-offs, return-to-vendor (RTV) shipments, and scrap disposals following written approval from [OWNER_OR_MANAGER].

2.6 Warehouse Upkeep and Equipment Inspection (10%)

• Conduct daily pre-use safety inspections on manual pallet jacks, hand trucks, rolling ladders, and step stools.
• Clean receiving docks, storage bays, and packing stations daily, removing discarded pallets, shrink wrap, and cardboard.
• Report damaged storage racking, lighting failures, or dock door malfunctions to [SUPERVISOR_TITLE] immediately.
• Maintain stock organization to support safe material flow and rapid retrieval across all inventory zones.

2.7 Occupational Health, Safety, and Compliance (10%)

• Adhere to provincial occupational health and safety standards, safe lifting practices, and warehouse safety rules at all times.
• Wear all mandatory personal protective equipment, including [REQUIRED_PPE], during all assigned shifts.
• Maintain Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) compliance by ensuring all chemical products display legible labels and stored Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) remain current.
• Report all near misses, safety hazards, and workplace injuries to [SUPERVISOR_TITLE] immediately.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Inventory Clerk Qualification Matrix

4. Competencies

Inventory Clerk Competency Framework

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical and environmental demands described below represent those required to perform the essential duties of this role successfully. [ORGANIZATION_NAME] provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable human rights legislation.

Physical and Environmental Demands Table

5.2 Performance Measures

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

5.3 Career Path

• Typical Prior Roles: Warehouse Worker, Material Handler, Shipping/Receiving Assistant, Retail Stock Associate, Order Picker.
• Typical Next Roles: Senior Inventory Specialist, Warehouse Team Lead, Logistics Coordinator, Purchasing Assistant, Inventory Control Supervisor.

6. Acknowledgement and Acceptance

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for the Inventory Clerk position at [ORGANIZATION_NAME]. It is not an exhaustive inventory of all tasks that may be assigned. [ORGANIZATION_NAME] reserves the right to amend duties, responsibilities, and work assignments with reasonable notice to meet operational needs.

Employee Name (Print):    ___________________________________________________

Employee Signature:       ___________________________________________________

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY):       ___________________________________________________

Manager Name (Print):     ___________________________________________________

Manager Signature:        ___________________________________________________

Date (DD-MMM-YYYY):       ___________________________________________________

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