JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller

Work type: Permanent, full time

Department: Operations

Primary Report: Operations Manager

Location: Mulgrave head office

Salary: $70,000–$95,000 + Super

(depending on experience and capability)

This position has been designed with a structured career progression framework. Depending on experience, capability and demonstrated performance, appointments may be made at different levels within the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator pathway. Progression is based on demonstrated ownership, leadership, planning capability and contribution to continuous improvement, rather than length of service alone.

Works Closely With:

• Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator
• Warehouse & Production Team Leader
• Operations Coordinator
• Sales & Operations Coordinator
• Technical Advisor

Directs:

• Storeperson (technical direction)
• General Hands (warehouse organisation, stock movement and inventory activities)

Position Summary

The Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller is responsible for maintaining the integrity, organisation and continuous improvement of VE Furniture's inventory and warehouse systems.

This role ensures inventory is accurately recorded, logically stored and readily accessible to support customer fulfilment, production and future business growth.

Working closely with the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator, the role ensures warehouse space, inventory locations and production materials are physically prepared before operational activities commence.

The Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller is also responsible for managing inventory throughout its complete lifecycle, including production materials, finished goods, showroom furniture, sample stock, loan furniture and obsolete inventory.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who takes ownership of warehouse standards, enjoys creating order from complexity and continually seeks ways to improve operational efficiency.

Purpose of the Role

To create complete confidence in VE Furniture's inventory by ensuring every item is accurately recorded, correctly located, efficiently stored and actively managed throughout its lifecycle, enabling the warehouse and production teams to operate safely, efficiently and without interruption.

Core Accountability

The Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller is accountable for the integrity, organisation and lifecycle management of VE Furniture's physical inventory system.

This role owns the organisation of the warehouse, ensuring products are accurately stored, correctly identified and physically ready to support production, customer fulfilment and future growth.

Working alongside the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator, this position ensures operational plans can be successfully executed because the warehouse physically reflects those plans.

Success is measured by inventory accuracy, warehouse organisation and confidence in the physical warehouse environment.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To

Operations Manager

Works Closely With

Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator

Collaborates daily to ensure:

• Operational priorities align with warehouse readiness.
• Warehouse space is available for incoming goods.
• Overseas containers and local supplier deliveries are planned before arrival.
• Delivery priorities align with inventory availability.
• Warehouse capacity supports future customer commitments.

Warehouse & Production Team Leader

Supports daily warehouse execution by providing:

• Inventory information.
• Warehouse organisation.
• Picking priorities.
• Production readiness.
• Technical inventory support.

Supports production through:

• Material staging.
• Pre-production picking.
• Component availability.
• Inventory planning.

This Role OwnsInventory Integrity

• Inventory accuracy.
• Cycle counting.
• ERP inventory accuracy.
• Inventory investigations.
• Stock reconciliation.
• Inventory reporting.

Warehouse Organisation

• Warehouse master layout.
• Bin locations.
• Storage optimisation.
• Warehouse presentation.
• Stock identification.
• Warehouse zoning.
• Space utilisation.

Product Lifecycle Management

Management of:

• Raw materials.
• Purchased components.
• Work-in-progress inventory.
• Finished goods.
• New products.
• Superseded products.
• Obsolete stock.
• Clearance stock.
• Donation stock.
• Showroom furniture.
• Sample furniture.
• Loan furniture.
• Returned demonstration stock.

Production Readiness

• Pre-production picking.
• Production staging.
• Component availability.
• Material readiness.
• Manufacturing support.

Warehouse Standards

• Visual management.
• Warehouse organisation.
• Storage standards.
• Housekeeping.
• Product labelling.
• Safe storage.
• Warehouse presentation.

Continuous Improvement

• Warehouse layout.
• Storage efficiency.
• Picking efficiency.
• Inventory processes.
• Space utilisation.
• Warehouse systems.

Warehouse Capacity & Environmental Management

Objective

Maintain sufficient warehouse capacity while ensuring waste, packaging and obsolete inventory are managed safely, efficiently and in accordance with VE Furniture's environmental objectives.

This Role Owns

• Warehouse capacity planning
• Warehouse space utilisation
• Storage consolidation
• Recycling systems
• Waste management
• Packaging recovery
• Obsolete stock disposal
• Environmental reporting
• Warehouse sustainability initiatives

Operating Philosophy

Every day this role asks:

"Can every person find exactly what they need, exactly when they need it?"

Key Responsibilities1. Inventory Control & Accuracy

Objective

Maintain complete confidence in VE Furniture's inventory system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scheduled cycle counts and inventory audits.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and resolve root causes.
• Maintain accurate SAP Business One inventory records.
• Reconcile physical stock with ERP records.
• Monitor inventory trends and recommend improvements.
• Ensure stock movements are accurately recorded.
• Maintain inventory reporting for management.

2. Warehouse Organisation & Space Management

Objective

Create a warehouse where every product has a logical location and every location supports operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the warehouse master layout.
• Allocate and review stock locations.
• Improve warehouse storage efficiency.
• Optimise warehouse space utilisation.
• Ensure products are clearly identified and labelled.
• Maintain warehouse zoning and storage standards.
• Continually improve warehouse presentation and accessibility.

3. Product Lifecycle Management

Objective

Manage inventory throughout its complete lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Manage and maintain:

• Raw materials.
• Purchased stock.
• Finished goods.
• Showroom furniture.
• Sample furniture.
• Loan furniture.
• Obsolete inventory.
• Clearance stock.
• Donation stock.
• Returned demonstration furniture.
• Product recovery
• Component harvesting
• Material recycling
• Packaging reuse
• Sustainable disposal

Recommend inventory write-offs, clearance activities and warehouse rationalisation to management.

4. Production Material Readiness

Objective

Ensure production has everything required before work commences.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate pre-production picking.
• Stage materials before production begins.
• Ensure work orders have complete components.
• Identify shortages before production starts.
• Assist the Production Supervisor in maintaining production flow.
• Maintain organised production staging areas.

5. Warehouse Capacity & Incoming Goods Planning

Objective

Ensure the warehouse is prepared for future stock arrivals.

Responsibilities

• Meet regularly with the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator to review upcoming overseas container arrivals and local supplier deliveries.
• Plan warehouse space before inbound stock arrives.
• Coordinate stock relocations to maximise available storage.
• Prepare receiving areas for container unloading.
• Recommend warehouse layout changes to improve storage capacity.
• Ensure inbound inventory can be received safely and efficiently.

6. Warehouse Standards & Quality

Objective

Maintain a warehouse that reflects VE Furniture's commitment to operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain housekeeping standards.
• Perform warehouse quality inspections.
• Quarantine damaged or non-conforming stock.
• Maintain product identification standards.
• Ensure safe storage practices.
• Support ISO compliance and warehouse audits.

7. Leadership & Technical Support

Objective

Develop warehouse capability and maintain technical inventory standards.

Responsibilities

Provide technical direction to:

• Storeperson.
• General Hands.

Coach team members in:

• Inventory procedures.
• Product identification.
• Correct storage methods.
• Picking accuracy.
• Warehouse standards.

Support the Warehouse Leading Hand through technical inventory expertise.

8. Continuous Improvement

Objective

Improve warehouse performance every month.

Responsibilities

Identify and implement improvements relating to:

• Warehouse layout.
• Inventory accuracy.
• Stock movement.
• Storage density.
• Picking efficiency.
• Warehouse systems.
• Product lifecycle management.

9. Warehouse Capacity Planning & Environmental Management

Objective

Ensure the warehouse remains organised, scalable and environmentally responsible by proactively managing available storage capacity, waste streams and obsolete inventory.

Responsibilities

• Monitor warehouse storage utilisation and identify emerging capacity constraints.
• Work closely with the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator to forecast future storage requirements based on incoming overseas containers, local supplier deliveries and production schedules.
• Regularly review warehouse occupancy levels and recommend consolidation opportunities to maximise available storage.
• Coordinate warehouse reorganisation projects to improve capacity and operational efficiency.
• Activate warehouse space creation initiatives when capacity limits are approaching.
• Collaborate with the Operations Coordinator and CEO to forecast future inventory volume changes and recommend storage strategies that support business growth.
• Coordinate the removal, consolidation or relocation of obsolete and slow-moving inventory.
• Develop and maintain environmentally responsible waste management processes across warehouse operations.
• Coordinate the recycling of cardboard, timber, plastics, steel, pallets and packaging materials wherever practical.
• Ensure disposal of products and packaging is undertaken in the most environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner.
• Monitor waste disposal costs and identify opportunities to reduce landfill through recycling, reuse and improved purchasing practices.
• Recommend initiatives that reduce packaging waste and improve warehouse sustainability.
• Maintain records relating to waste disposal, recycling volumes and environmental improvement initiatives where required.
• Support VE Furniture's Environmental Management System and sustainability objectives.

Work PrioritiesPriority 1

Inventory Integrity

Priority 2

Production Material Readiness

Priority 3

Warehouse Organisation & Capacity

Priority 4

Warehouse Standards

Priority 5

Continuous Improvement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)Inventory

• Inventory Accuracy ≥99%.
• Cycle Count Completion 100%.
• Inventory discrepancies investigated and resolved within agreed timeframes.

Warehouse

• Picking Accuracy ≥99%.
• Warehouse audit compliance ≥95%.
• Warehouse presentation maintained to agreed standards.

Production

• Pre-production picking completed on time.
• No avoidable production delays caused by inventory availability.

Capacity Planning

• Overseas containers and major supplier deliveries planned before arrival.
• Warehouse space prepared prior to inbound deliveries.
• Storage utilisation continuously improved.

Continuous Improvement

• Quarterly warehouse improvement initiatives implemented.
• Warehouse efficiency improvements measured and reported.

Safety

• Zero preventable inventory-related incidents.
• Safe storage compliance.
• Housekeeping standards maintained.

Warehouse Capacity

• Warehouse storage utilisation maintained within agreed operating targets.
• No inbound containers delayed due to insufficient warehouse capacity.
• Warehouse consolidation projects completed as planned.
• Storage capacity reviewed monthly.

Environmental Management

• Recycling rate improved year on year.
• Reduction in landfill disposal costs.
• Warehouse waste streams are correctly segregated.
• Obsolete inventory reviewed quarterly.
• Environmental improvement initiatives implemented.

Decision-Making AuthorityMay Decide

• Stock locations.
• Warehouse organisation.
• Inventory investigation priorities.
• Warehouse consolidation activities.
• Recycling methods.
• Warehouse layout improvements.
• Storage allocation.

Must Consult

Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator regarding:

• Operational priorities.
• Delivery readiness.
• Warehouse capacity.
• Incoming container planning.

Production Supervisor regarding:

• Production material readiness.

Operations Manager regarding:

• Inventory write-offs.
• Major inventory improvement initiatives.
• Capital expenditure.
• Warehouse expansion.
• Major warehouse layout redesign.
• Environmental improvement initiatives.
• Disposal of significant inventory assets.

CEO regarding:

• Long-term warehouse capacity strategy.
• Major warehouse growth planning.
• Significant sustainability initiatives.
• Warehouse infrastructure investment.

Skills & ExperienceEssential

• Minimum 3 years' experience in warehouse operations or inventory control.
• Demonstrated inventory management experience.
• Current LF Forklift Licence.
• Experience using ERP inventory systems (SAP Business One highly regarded).
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving ability.

Desirable

• Manufacturing or distribution experience.
• Lean Manufacturing or 5S knowledge.
• Warehouse optimisation experience.
• Continuous Improvement experience.
• Educational furniture or commercial furniture experience.

Personal Attributes

The successful person will:

• Take ownership of their area.
• Be highly organised.
• Think systematically.
• Value accuracy over shortcuts.
• Enjoy improving systems.
• Coach others patiently.
• Take pride in maintaining high standards.
• Be proactive rather than reactive.
• Build trust through consistency and reliability.

Career ProgressionLevel 1 – Senior Storeperson

Salary Guide: $70,000–$80,000 + Super

Primary Focus

Developing excellence in inventory accuracy, warehouse organisation and production readiness.

Additional Responsibilities

• Cycle counting.
• Warehouse organisation.
• Production staging.
• Showroom and sample inventory management.
• Coaching Storeperson.

Success Looks Like

• Accurate inventory records.
• Well-organised warehouse.
• Reliable production support.
• High warehouse standards.

Key Questions

"Is every item where it should be?"

"Is our warehouse organised today to support the business we are becoming tomorrow?"

Level 2 – Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller

Salary Guide: $80,000–$92,000 + Super

Primary Focus

Optimising inventory systems and warehouse efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities

Everything from Level 1 plus:

• Product lifecycle management.
• Warehouse optimisation.
• Inventory analysis.
• Capacity planning.
• Warehouse KPI reporting.
• Cross-functional planning with the Warehouse Planning & Logistics Coordinator.

Success Looks Like

• High inventory accuracy.
• Improved warehouse efficiency.
• Better space utilisation.
• Reduced inventory-related delays.

Key Question

"How can our warehouse become more accurate and efficient?"

Level 3 – Senior Inventory & Warehouse Systems Coordinator

Salary Guide: $92,000–$105,000 + Super

Primary Focus

Leading the strategic development of VE Furniture's inventory systems and warehouse standards.

Additional Responsibilities

Everything from Levels 1 and 2 plus:

• Warehouse systems ownership.
• ERP inventory governance.
• Long-term warehouse layout strategy.
• Inventory policy development.
• Coaching future inventory team members.
• Leading warehouse improvement projects.
• Supporting ISO compliance and inventory governance.

Success Looks Like

• Inventory systems trusted across the business.
• Scalable warehouse processes.
• Continuous improvement embedded in daily operations.
• A warehouse environment that supports sustainable business growth.

Key Question

"How do we build an inventory system that enables every other part of the business to perform at its best?"

Success in This Role

Success is achieved when the warehouse operates with complete confidence because the inventory can be trusted. Products are accurately recorded, logically stored and readily accessible. Production teams begin work without waiting for materials, warehouse staff spend their time fulfilling orders rather than searching for stock, and showroom, sample and loan furniture are actively managed throughout their lifecycle.

By maintaining a highly organised warehouse, proactively planning for incoming inventory and continuously improving warehouse systems, the Senior Storeperson & Inventory Controller provides the physical foundation that enables VE Furniture to deliver on its commitments. This role plays a vital part in The VE Way by ensuring the warehouse remains organised, scalable and ready to support exceptional customer outcomes.

Pay: $70,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Travel reimbursement

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Mulgrave VIC: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• What are your core values?
• How do you contribute to a positive workplace?
• What do you need to enjoy your workplace?

Education:

• Bachelor Degree (Preferred)

Experience:

• similar: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Licence/Certification:

• Forklift Licence (Required)

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person