Inventory Controller

About Al-Futtaim Group

Founded in the 1930s as a trading enterprise, Al-Futtaim Group has grown into one of the most diversified and forward-thinking privately held businesses in the region, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With a presence spanning five key operating divisions—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare—the Group employs over 35,000 professionals across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Al-Futtaim Group proudly collaborates with over 200 of the world’s most renowned and innovative brands, driving growth and expansion through a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction and adaptability to evolving market demands.

Guided by core values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim Group remains dedicated to enriching the lives and aspirations of customers and communities across the regions in which it operates.

Role Overview

The Inventory Controller plays a pivotal role in ensuring the precision and efficiency of retail inventory management. This position is instrumental in maintaining accurate stock records, minimizing discrepancies, and optimizing operational workflows to mitigate risks and enhance productivity. The Inventory Controller will work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including suppliers, brand teams, and internal departments, to uphold the highest standards of inventory accuracy and financial accountability. This role demands a keen eye for detail, analytical problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. By contributing to strategic business planning and asset management, the Inventory Controller will support the organization’s broader objectives while ensuring seamless inventory operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Tracking and Management: Monitor and control the movement of products in and out of warehouses and retail stores, ensuring accurate documentation of stock inputs and outputs.
• Discrepancy Resolution: Identify and escalate stock discrepancies during receiving processes by initiating Service Request Discrepancy (SRD) reports and coordinating with suppliers or senders until discrepancies are resolved and system records are updated.
• Stock Record Maintenance: Update and maintain stock records in both physical logbooks and digital systems, ensuring all entries reflect real-time inventory status.
• Stock Accuracy Audits: Conduct weekly stock accuracy checks, investigate shortages, and segregate damaged stock. Coordinate the movement of damaged units for system updates and reporting.
• Physical vs. System Reconciliation: Periodically verify physical stock quantities against system records and implement corrective measures in collaboration with brand teams, Management Information Systems (MIS), Area Managers (AM), and Operations Managers (OPM).
• Event Preparation and Stock Counts: Prepare retail stores for marketing events by organizing stock count procedures to facilitate efficient scanning and counting of inventory.
• Inventory Documentation: Accurately record missing barcodes, quality issues, quantity discrepancies, and other inventory characteristics, and communicate updates to the brand team for resolution.
• Operational Support: Be physically present during maintenance activities in the store, often outside regular business hours, to ensure minimal disruption to inventory processes.
• Strategic Contributions: Participate in annual business planning and manage monthly budgets to align inventory operations with organizational goals.
• Procurement and Financial Oversight: Create purchase orders, track invoices, and ensure timely completion of work in accordance with Service Level Agreements (SLA) and invoicing requirements from service providers.
• Asset Management: Oversee the management of non-merchandise assets stored in stock rooms for business-related activities, ensuring proper documentation and utilization.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Inventory Management Expertise: Proven ability to track, report, and manage inventory with precision and efficiency.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Strong analytical skills to identify and resolve inventory-related issues in a fast-paced retail environment.
• Communication Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic to liaise effectively with vendors, delivery personnel, and internal teams.
• Organizational Excellence: Exceptional organizational abilities to coordinate stock movements, audits, and reporting while managing multiple priorities.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Diploma or high school education is required.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years in a retail stock handling role, preferably within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
• Technical Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in handling large shipments and conducting accurate stock counts.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in both English and Arabic to ensure seamless communication with stakeholders.

About Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate

As the real estate development and operations arm of Al-Futtaim, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate is responsible for managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The division specializes in delivering high-quality residential, commercial, retail, tourism, educational, and healthcare developments, catering to the diverse needs of cities and communities. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate plays a vital role in shaping the future of urban landscapes and enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses alike.