Purchasing Control Workers spend their days:

• Reviewing requisition orders for accuracy and verifying what materials, equipment, and stock are unavailable from current inventories
• Sourcing and gathering price quotes from catalogues and suppliers and preparing purchase orders
• Calculating the cost of orders and charging or forwarding invoices to appropriate accounts
• Processing purchases (if required)
• Contacting suppliers to schedule deliveries and troubleshooting problems such as missed deliveries or damaged product
• Preparing and maintaining purchasing files, reports and price-lists

Inventory Control Workers spend their days:

• Monitoring inventory levels as materials, equipment and stock are issued, transferred within the company or sold to customers using manual or computerized inventory systems
• Creating inventory reports, recording the quantity, type and value of materials, equipment and stock on hand, using manual or computerized inventory systems
• Preparing requisition orders to replenish materials, equipment and stock, including packaging materials
• Maintaining stock rotation and disposing of and accounting for outdated stock
• Entering data for production scheduling, stock replenishment/relocation and inventory adjustments
• Reconciling physical inventories with computer counts

Although requirements of applicants will vary by company, the following may apply:

• A high school diploma
• Training in purchasing or inventory management is considered a strong asset and may be required by some companies
• Training in computerized inventory systems may be required or provided by the company

Compensation depends on many factors, including the company, location, level of experience, and expected duties. Typically, workers who can perform purchasing control duties or both roles will receive higher compensation.

Benefits vary but often include (at minimum) basic medical, vision and dental coverage. Other benefits, such as vacation, pension, and profit-sharing, depend on the company and its compensation model.

Salary range coming soon.

Purchasing and Inventory Control Workers may start their careers or enter into the industry in other warehouse positions. Working directly with the inventory provides them with the experience and skills needed to move into other roles such as Materials Handlers or Shippers and Receivers.