Make an impact in this varied dual role
We are looking for an organised and customer-focused Stock Controller/Internal Sales Assistant to join our Leeds branch. This varied dual role offers the opportunity to combine accurate stock management and administration with building strong customer relationships, generating repeat business and identifying additional sales opportunities.
You will help ensure Company procedures for administration, stock control and security are followed, while working within agreed pricing and margin structures. Collaborating with colleagues across other branches and Group companies, you will play an important part in maintaining a safe, efficient operation and delivering the high standard of service our customers expect.
About Howarth Timber & Building Supplies
Established in 1840, Howarth Timber Group is the UK’s largest privately owned timber company. From our family-owned roots, we have grown into a nationwide business employing more than 1,000 people across the Group, with 37 merchant branches serving over 50,000 customers. Our knowledgeable local teams, commitment to excellent customer service and investment in training and development are central to our success.
Key responsibilities
• Take ownership of stock levels across the Leeds branch, keeping products available to meet customer demand and maximise sales.
• Keep stock information accurate and up to date across stocked, non-stock and special-order lines, including BIN locations, material bookings and the auto-reorder system.
• Turn stock data into action by identifying shortages, discrepancies, overstocks, slow sellers, wastage risks and obsolete materials.
• Help protect branch profitability by investigating discrepancies, reducing stock shrinkage and supporting accurate perpetual inventory counts.
• Plan and prioritise stock-control activity with confidence, working closely with internal teams, other branches and external suppliers.
• Deliver a first-class customer experience in person, over the phone and by email, offering helpful product advice and dependable service.
• Build lasting customer relationships, spot additional sales opportunities and maximise sales and margin wherever possible.
• Bring products to life by working with suppliers and the wider branch team to support effective displays and promotions.
• Use your intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills to analyse information, maintain accurate records and support sound commercial decisions.
• Play your part in maintaining a safe, compliant and successful branch by following Company policies, health and safety requirements and undertaking other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.
What you’ll need
• Previous experience in stock control, inventory management, internal sales or a similar commercial role.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret stock data, investigate discrepancies and take effective action.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence using stock-management and ordering systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to maintaining accurate stock and administrative records.
• A proactive, organised approach, with the ability to plan, prioritise and work confidently on your own initiative.
• A customer-focused mindset with confident communication skills in person, by telephone and by email.
• Commercial awareness and the confidence to identify sales opportunities while working within agreed pricing and margin structures.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to build positive working relationships with customers, colleagues, other branches and suppliers.
• A strong commitment to safe working practices, Company procedures and delivering high standards of customer service.
• Availability to work full-time, Monday to Friday inclusive, plus alternate Saturday mornings from 8 am until 12 noon.
What we offer
We’re proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026! 🎖
As a family-owned business, we want our colleagues to feel valued and supported. Our benefits include:
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• 31 days’ holiday, including bank holidays.
• The option to buy up to five additional days’ annual leave or sell up to three days each year.
• Colleague referral bonus scheme: receive a £500 bonus when someone you refer for an HGV Driver role successfully completes their probationary period. Terms and conditions apply.
• Length-of-service awards.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Company sick pay.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline and access to counselling, legal, debt and life-management support.
• Generous colleague discount at our merchant branches.
• Access to BenefitHub, offering discounts and savings across a wide range of retailers, products and services.
• One fully paid volunteering day each year.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
How to apply
If you combine strong stock-control and analytical skills with a commercial, customer-focused approach, we would be pleased to hear from you. To apply, please email your CV to Marc Fisher, Branch Manager, at mfisher@howarth-timber.co.uk.