Inventory control specialists track inventory changes working alongside retail and warehouse workers. They have many responsibilities that vary depending upon employment positions and perform duties including oversight of inventory control where they keep detailed records of any changes in inventory or production and report changes to the proper department. They inspect inventory and take note of any damage or potentially unsuitable products and return defective products back to the supplier or dispose of them according to company standards.
When shipments arrive, inventory control specialists receive and sign for them. They may interact with vendors to ensure shipments are scheduled properly and handle payment for the products when they are received. Inventory control specialists ensure the company's inventory remains sufficient and place orders when products get low, and return items the company does not need. Inventory control specialists need a high school diploma or equivalent work experience and many receive on-the-job training.