Stock Controller in Leeds

Do you enjoy using data to solve real business problems, but also want to get out from behind the screen and understand what is happening in practice? At Armaflo, we are looking for a commercially minded Stock Controller who can combine strong analytical ability with a practical, hands-on approach. This is not a role for someone who simply maintains records or reports on what has already happened. We want someone who will take ownership of inventory performance, challenge assumptions, investigate issues properly and help us make better decisions. Your work will support our commitment to supply certainty, helping customers keep projects moving while improving stock efficiency, reducing waste and releasing working capital.

About Armaflo: Armaflo supplies first-fix products and support solutions to mechanical and electrical contractors across the UK. Our promise is simple: supply certainty during first-fix M&E. That means no excuses, no delayed despatches and no unexpected back orders on our core product range. We are a growing, ambitious business with a practical culture. We value people who take ownership, think commercially, communicate clearly and are willing to get involved. If something can be improved, we expect people to speak up, help shape the solution and follow it through.

About the role: As Stock Controller, you will take responsibility for improving the accuracy, availability and commercial performance of our inventory. You will analyse stock trends, demand patterns, usage and purchasing data to identify risks and opportunities. You will work closely with Warehouse, Sales, Operations and Finance to ensure stock decisions are based on accurate information and a clear understanding of customer demand. You will also spend time in the warehouse investigating discrepancies, understanding how products move through the business and identifying where processes can be improved. We need someone who is as comfortable discussing stock on the warehouse floor as they are building reports in Excel.

Main responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate inventory records across all product ranges.
• Monitor stock availability and highlight potential shortages before they affect customers.
• Analyse demand, stock turnover, purchasing history and product performance.
• Support replenishment and purchasing decisions with clear, timely data.
• Identify slow-moving, obsolete and excess stock and recommend practical actions.
• Investigate stock discrepancies and identify root causes rather than simply correcting numbers.
• Lead regular cycle counts and support full stock takes.
• Produce inventory reports, dashboards and meaningful management information.
• Monitor stock value and help balance availability with working capital.
• Work with Sales to understand changes in customer demand, projects and opportunities.
• Work with Warehouse teams to improve stock handling, location accuracy and transaction discipline.
• Review current processes and introduce simpler, more reliable ways of working.

What we are looking for: We are looking for someone who is bright, curious and commercially aware. You will naturally ask questions, test assumptions and look beyond the surface of a problem. You will need to be highly analytical, but you must also be practical. You should be willing to walk into the warehouse, inspect the stock, speak to the people doing the work and understand what is really happening before reaching a conclusion.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in stock control, inventory management, supply chain analysis or inventory planning.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel ability, including PivotTables, Lookups and large data sets.
• Experience using an ERP or inventory management system.
• A good understanding of stock availability, turnover, excess inventory and working capital.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high standard of accuracy.
• The ability to communicate clearly across different departments and levels.
• The confidence to challenge decisions and processes constructively.
• Strong organisation, ownership and follow-through.
• A practical mindset and willingness to take responsibility for outcomes.
• Experience within wholesale, distribution, manufacturing or logistics would be useful, although mindset and capability matter most.

What we offer: Genuine ownership of inventory performance. Direct access to senior leaders and decision-makers. Freedom to recommend and implement improvements. Ongoing development as the business grows. The opportunity to shape systems and processes. A supportive team that values initiative and practical ideas. A role with visible impact on customer service, cash flow and profitability.

Our culture: Armaflo is a fast-moving SME where people are expected to take responsibility and help each other succeed. We work hard, but we also believe work should be enjoyable and relationships should be straightforward. We keep learning, improving and looking for better ways to work. We communicate clearly and remove unnecessary complexity. We care about accuracy, quality and doing the job properly. We focus on what can be done and take action to solve problems. We build positive working relationships and recognise success together. This role offers more than routine stock control. It is an opportunity to influence how a growing business manages one of its most important assets. If you are highly analytical, commercially switched on and prepared to get hands-on when needed, we would like to hear from you.