What Does a Stock Room Clerk Do?
A stock room clerk is responsible for managing the receipt, storage, and distribution of inventory within a business or warehouse environment. They ensure that stock levels are properly maintained, items are correctly labeled, and materials are stored in an organized, accessible manner. Stock room clerks play a vital role in the day-to-day efficiency of operations by making sure supplies are available where and when they’re needed.
This role is often physically active, requiring regular lifting, walking, and handling of various products or supplies. It also involves the use of inventory tracking systems, basic documentation, and routine stock audits. Whether supporting a retail store, a manufacturing facility, or a healthcare provider, Stock room clerks are essential to keeping operations running smoothly by maintaining control and oversight of material flow.
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Stock Room Clerk Core Responsibilities
- Receive incoming stock and verify accuracy against packing slips or purchase orders
- Organize and store inventory in designated stockroom locations
- Maintain real-time inventory tracking using digital or manual systems
- Pull and prepare materials for shipment or internal distribution
- Perform routine cycle counts and inventory audits to ensure accuracy
- Communicate inventory discrepancies or shortages to supervisors
- Maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the stockroom
- Assist with restocking shelves or production areas as needed
- Follow all safety procedures for handling and storing materials
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Inventory tracking software proficiency (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Excel)
- Understanding of shipping and receiving procedures
- Basic math skills for inventory counts
- Ability to operate pallet jacks or forklifts (where applicable)
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Reliability and punctuality
- Organizational and time management abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
Forklift certification (required for roles involving forklift operation)
Recommended certifications may include OSHA safety training or inventory management courses.
Stock Room Clerk Preferred Qualifications
- 1+ years of experience in a stockroom, warehouse, or shipping/receiving role
- Experience using barcode scanning systems
- Familiarity with ERP or WMS platforms
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds consistently
- Knowledge of workplace safety and material handling standards
National Average Salary
Stock room clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Stock Room Clerk is:
$33,994
Stock Room Clerk Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a stock room clerk. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1: Retail Stock Clerk
Retail Stock Clerks are responsible for managing the flow of merchandise from delivery to the sales floor. They support retail operations by organizing stockrooms, tracking inventory, and ensuring items are properly shelved and labeled for customer purchase.
Responsibilities
- Receive and inspect incoming merchandise
- Organize stockroom inventory for quick access and replenishment
- Tag and label products with pricing and SKU data
- Refill sales floor shelves as needed
- Maintain cleanliness and safety of stock areas
- Assist with inventory counts and product returns
- Communicate stock shortages to management
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with point-of-sale and inventory software
- Ability to handle stock replenishment procedures
- Basic math and product labeling accuracy
Soft skills
- Attention to detail
- Good communication with retail teams
- Time management and multitasking
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous retail or stockroom experience
- Ability to lift 30–50 lbs frequently
- Understanding of visual merchandising principles
Example 2: Manufacturing Stockroom Associate
Manufacturing Stockroom Associates manage inventory that supports the production process. They track materials, deliver parts to the assembly line, and ensure inventory records remain accurate to keep operations running without delays.
Responsibilities
- Receive raw materials and verify accuracy against orders
- Issue materials to production lines as needed
- Maintain orderly and labeled inventory in warehouse bins or shelves
- Record stock movements in ERP or inventory management systems
- Conduct routine cycle counts
- Package finished goods for distribution
- Coordinate with production supervisors for supply needs
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with ERP/WMS platforms
- Ability to read packing slips, production orders, and inventory logs
- Forklift operation (where applicable)
Soft skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Team-oriented and proactive
- Detail-focused inventory tracking
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- Forklift certification
Recommended: OSHA 10-hour general industry training
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years in a manufacturing or warehouse environment
- Familiarity with lean inventory or 5S principles
Example 3: Warehouse Materials Clerk
Warehouse Materials Clerks are essential to efficient operations in distribution centers and third-party logistics (3PL) facilities. They handle goods from receiving to outbound shipments, ensuring inventory accuracy and timely deliveries.
Responsibilities
- Receive shipments and inspect for accuracy and damage
- Organize materials in bins or racks by SKU or lot number
- Pull inventory for orders and assist with packing
- Maintain real-time records of incoming and outgoing inventory
- Operate forklifts or pallet jacks as needed
- Help with periodic physical inventory counts
Requirements
Hard skills
- Forklift and material handling equipment operation
- Use of barcode scanners and inventory systems
- Shipping and receiving knowledge
Soft skills
- Dependable and punctual
- Physical stamina and safety awareness
- Adaptability to a fast-paced setting
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Certifications
- Forklift certification
Recommended: OSHA warehouse safety training
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in logistics or warehouse environments
- Familiarity with cross-docking or zone picking systems
Example 4: E-commerce Fulfillment Stock Clerk
E-commerce Fulfillment Stock Clerks support order fulfillment operations in online retail businesses. They manage picking, packing, and restocking duties to ensure customer orders are processed quickly and accurately.
Responsibilities
- Pick inventory from stock for order fulfillment
- Restock shelves with returned or incoming merchandise
- Prepare items for packing and shipment
- Maintain SKU accuracy in fulfillment software
- Ensure packaging meets quality standards
- Support same-day or next-day shipping goals
- Flag low stock levels for replenishment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with fulfillment platforms (e.g., ShipStation, Shopify)
- Order picking and packing experience
- Basic IT literacy for scanning and tracking orders
Soft skills
- Speed and precision under time constraints
- Ability to work in repetitive tasks efficiently
- Clear communication within fulfillment teams
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in e-commerce or fulfillment warehouse
- Familiarity with returns processing and reverse logistics