Stores Executive

A Store Executive is responsible for the daily operational management of a retail store or a warehouse facility. The role typically bridges the gap between ground-level staff and management, ensuring inventory accuracy, customer satisfaction, and sales efficiency. 

Key Responsibilities In the air-conditioning and HVAC industry as of 2026, a Stores Executive manages the specialized inventory required for climate control projects, including high-value equipment like chillers and VRV units, as well as critical consumables like refrigerants. This role is vital for ensuring that field installation and service teams have the necessary components to meet strict project deadlines. 

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Management: Track stock levels, maintain inward and outward registers, and coordinate with suppliers for timely restocking.
• Operational Oversight: Handle day-to-day activities such as opening/closing the store, managing cash registers, and ensuring store cleanliness and organization.
• Documentation & Reporting: Prepare daily, weekly, or monthly sales and inventory reports; manage Goods Receipt Notes (GRN) and material requisitions in systems like ERP or SAP.
• Customer Service: Address customer inquiries, handle complaints, and manage returns to ensure a positive shopping experience.
• Staff Supervision: Train and guide store staff, delegate tasks, and monitor performance to meet sales targets.
• Audit & Compliance: Conduct regular physical stock verification (audits) and ensure adherence to safety, health, and security standards. 

Core Skills Required

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel), POS systems, and inventory management software (ERP/SAP).
• Leadership: Ability to motivate a team and handle high-pressure environments independently.
• Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyze sales data to identify buying trends and forecast future inventory needs.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills for effective interaction with customers, team members, and vendors. 

Educational & Experience Requirements

• Experience: Entry-level roles may require 0–2 years, while senior positions typically seek 3–6 years of experience in retail, warehouse, or material management
• Technical Inventory Control: Track and manage HVAC-specific materials such as compressors, copper piping, ductwork, and specialized valves.
• Refrigerant Compliance: Ensure proper storage and handling of refrigerants (e.g., R-32, R-1234yf) in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Project Support: Coordinate material deliveries to various sites, ensuring that "first-time fix rates" are maintained by providing the correct spares for service calls.
• Documentation & SAP: Maintain accurate records of material receipts (GRN), issues, and returns using ERP systems like SAP or specialized HVAC inventory software.
• Audit & Maintenance: Conduct quarterly physical audits of high-value assets and spare parts to prevent stockouts or overstocking.
• Vendor Coordination: Follow up with suppliers for timely delivery of project-critical components and handle material rejection or return processes. 

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Product Knowledge: Deep familiarity with HVAC components such as AHUs, FCUs, thermostats, and Building Management Systems (BMS).
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in MS Excel and experience with ERP/SAP modules for material management.
• Analytical Ability: Ability to calculate load requirements (sizing) to ensure the correct parts are issued for specific installations. 

2026 Industry Trends for Stores Executives

• Smart Inventory: Increasing use of IoT-connected sensors to track stock levels in real-time within the warehouse.
• Sustainability Focus: Managing the transition away from high-GWP refrigerants like R-22 toward eco-friendly alternatives as per new 2026 environmental standards.
• Predictive Replenishment: Utilizing AI-driven diagnostics to forecast when specific spares will be needed based on maintenance schedules. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Inventory Accuracy: Maintaining a target of >98% accuracy during stock audits.
• On-time Delivery: Ensuring materials reach site locations within specified timelines to avoid project delays.
• Cost Control: Reducing waste and optimizing procurement costs for high-volume consumables like insulation and ducting.