What does an inventory control clerk do? What are their main functions and what are the necessary attributes and education needed to succeed in this career? An inventory control clerk manages the distribution of parts and materials out to a company’s manufacturing or distribution channels. Their main function is to ensure that the materials and parts specified in a given bill of materials, work order and shipping document, are properly allocated. They must coordinate between incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure inventory levels are properly counted for and addressed. While not necessarily directly involved in purchasing decision making, they still require the ability to work within the framework of an inventory and procurement department. As such, they must be adept at working with in