The Stock Controller is responsible for ensuring the accurate, complete and timely processing of Inventory losses and gains in SAP and validations of movements posted by the plant. These stock movements include production order processing, goods receipts, product disposal and transfers to subcontracting vendors and 3rd party locations. The Stock Controller provides the lubricant plants with accounting and SAP guidance and training and is also responsible for the accurate and complete reporting of loss/Gain balances to various stakeholders on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
Activities include but not limited to
Oversee inventory management and stock reconciliation at the Lubricants Manufacturing Plant in Durban.
Manage inventory across all third-party warehouses located in Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg, and Bloemfontein.
Coordinate and supervise stock levels, inventories, and reconciliations for all third-party suppliers, including consignment and subcontracting stock locations.
Responsible for inventory management and reconciliation for all depots as well as consignment stock locations.
Provide accounting and SAP guidance including training to business personnel
Reconcile all stock movements, investigate discrepancies, and ensure that any losses or gains are identified and reported to the appropriate personnel for correction at the plant.
Assist various functional units in correcting stock movements, including processing write-ins and write-offs as needed.
Provide training and refresher sessions on stock control techniques and management across various locations.
Develop stock control reports for functional heads to reduce errors in stock processing transactions
Collaborates and works closely with Lubricants Manufacturing Plant (LMP) & 3rd Party Vendors to strengthen inventory controls, mitigate control gaps and recommend process improvements Area and Regional Level within the required timelines set for the respective levels.
Stock Counts and Physical Inventory Management
Schedule and coordinate physical stock counts at all locations, including the Manufacturing Plant and secondary warehouses.
Oversee pre-stock count preparations and post-stock count activities.
Coordinate the input of physical stock levels into SAP.
Produce variance reports with commentary and submit it to relevant personnel.
Post final physical stock levels in the system.
Provide regular stock control reports (losses, gains, and inventory), at least monthly.
Systems & Procedures
Maintain written stock control procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy across the stock system.
Analyze physical processes in the plant and promote improvements to enhance stock control.
Identify necessary changes in SAP and collaborate with IT for implementation.
Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with critical stock control activities and recommend corrective actions when required.
Operational Excellence & Compliance
Adhere to and ensure compliance with all operational excellence standards and expectations.
Utilize the Loss Prevention System (LPS) to understand and address stock variances, driving effective and sustainable solutions.
Perform regular loss prevention observations and address Near Loss/Loss Incidents.
Prepare for all audits/assessments.
Develop and deliver timely, periodic reports for various management levels to highlight and monitor issues.
Maintain close communication with Production and Logistics Supervisors, providing recommendations for improvement in stock control performance.
Ensure all processes are documented, recorded, and controlled in accordance with ISO 9001 management systems.
Create connections with people that add value to the business.
Know what needs to be achieved and motivate others to contribute their best.
Professional Qualification and Certifications:
Tertiary qualifications (Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain)
Work Experience:
Sound experience with stock/inventory controlling, management
Working knowledge of reporting tools (SAP, MS applications)
Good understanding of the lubricants business
Ability to work with large data sets
Ability to produce high quality presentations
Knowledge and skills:
Strong financial acumens, Business skills
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
Stock Controlling and Management
Planning and Aligning
Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
Application deadline:
06 April 2026
Astron Energy is one of the leading suppliers of petroleum products in South Africa through its vast network of approximately 850 service stations.
Astron Energy owns and operates the country’s third-largest crude oil refinery, with a capacity of 100,000 barrels a day. The refinery, located in Milnerton, Cape Town, produces petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, bitumen gas and other speciality products.
The company’s Durban-based Lubricants Manufacturing Plant has world class blending and base oil storage capabilities, through which it markets and exports high-quality products to consumers across the country and to key African markets.
Astron Energy has a Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating against the amended Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice. The company has committed to protecting people and the environment and to driving sustainable economic growth in South Africa through its social investment programmes in health, education and economic development.
