Stock Controller (Walkerville, GP, ZA)

About the Role:

The Stock Controller ensures every movement of raw materials, packaging, toys, semi-finished and finished goods between the warehouses and production is accurately recorded, so that physical inventory and SAP quantities always balance. The role safeguards inventory accuracy through real-time SAP transactions, cycle counts and stock investigations, while upholding Ferrero Quality, Health & Safety and FIFO standards.

Main Responsibilities:

Inventory Control & SAP

• Record accurately in SAP the movement of stock from the packaging, raw material and semi-finished warehouses to production (WIP), and of finished and semi-finished goods from production to the respective warehouses.

• Process all transactions in real time and keep them up to date daily.

• Capture manual records into SAP at the earliest opportunity after system downtime.

• Keep physical stock and SAP balances aligned, and support reconciliations and stock investigations.

• Ensure inventory adjustments are authorized before processing, then verify the reconciliation afterwards.

• Investigate discrepancies and escalate unresolved variances.

Stock Counts & Monitoring

• Perform daily cycle counts and monthly stock counts, including weekends where required.

• Flag stock counted three times without physically moving, to keep obsolete and slow-moving stock to a minimum.

• Monitor stock ageing and minimum stock levels, and alert the Warehouse Manager early to prevent out-of-stock situations.

• Ensure all stock is correctly identified and labelled according to current procedures.

Receiving Operations

• Check, verify and receipt incoming deliveries (raw materials, packaging, toys and semi-finished products) against delivery documentation.

• Ensure stock is packed away in the correct locations.

• Keep accurate receiving records, and assist with incoming deliveries and peak periods.

• Coordinate with Production to ensure materials are always available.

Warehouse Operations

• Apply FIFO consistently in all stock locations so Production always works with the oldest stock first.

• Store stock in line with Ferrero Quality standards.

• Maintain housekeeping according to GMP and 5S principles, and support efficient use of space.

• Support picking, replenishment and dispatch where required.

• Work alongside the shift forklift driver and operate equipment when operationally necessary.

Team Coordination

• Allocate and coordinate daily tasks with forklift drivers and warehouse assistants on shift.

• Coach colleagues on SAP procedures, labelling and inventory accuracy.

• Report to the Warehouse Supervisor / Manager on shift performance and issues.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Comply with Ferrero Quality Standards, Health & Safety, HACCP, GMP and company policies.

• Maintain a safe working environment.

• Participate in internal and external audits.

• Complete and retain warehouse documentation accurately for audit purposes.

Key Performance Indicators

• Inventory accuracy (physical vs SAP)

• Cycle count completion and variance resolution

• Timeliness of SAP postings

• FIFO, labelling and housekeeping compliance (GMP/5S audits)

• Receiving accuracy and turnaround time

• Safety and quality audit outcomes

The above describes the essential functions and requirements of the role and is not an exhaustive list of all duties.

About You:

Minimum Requirements

Education

• Matric (Grade 12) certificate.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years' stock control experience in a manufacturing, FMCG or warehousing environment.

• Minimum 2 years' hands-on SAP experience (IM and MM; exposure to SD and WMS advantageous).

Licenses

• Valid forklift and/or reach truck license (candidates without one may be trained, but it is a strong advantage).

• Valid (PPT) license.

Skills & Competencies

• Sound working knowledge of SAP inventory transactions.

• Intermediate Excel (pivot tables, lookups, reconciliations) and basic data analysis.

• Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy.

• Problem solving and investigative ability.

• Good communication and customer service skills.

• Awareness of continuous improvement practices (5S, GMP).

• Leadership potential and willingness to develop into a supervisory role.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Will work in refrigerated rooms (13°C and/or 4°C); suitable protective clothing is provided.

• Occasionally required to lift heavy loads.

• Willingness to work shifts, overtime and weekends when required.

What We Offer:

Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.

About Ferrero:

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.

DE&I at Ferrero:

Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding. Find out more here.