At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning, inventory control, and logistics in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and manufacturing business in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and clear career progression.
- Why this job: Be a key driver of change and grow into an Operations Manager role quickly.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing/engineering with strong MRP/ERP knowledge required.
- Other info: Collaborate with a supportive team and senior leadership for continuous improvement.
Are you a materials or supply chain professional with a passion for planning, systems, and operational excellence? We are hiring for a Planning and Inventory Lead to join a leading engineering and manufacturing business based in Portsmouth. This is a hands-on, strategically vital role for someone ready to own planning, materials management and logistics while driving continuous improvement across the site. Most importantly, this role comes with a defined progression plan into an Operations Manager position within months.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Implement and refine MRP/ERP planning processes, transitioning manual planning into system-driven workflows
- Lead production planning, inventory control, and logistics, ensuring materials availability aligns with production schedules
- Analyse data to drive forecasting, cost optimisation, and improved delivery performance
- Drive improvements in demand planning, stock accuracy, and production readiness
- Ensure all goods in/out operations meet commercial and compliance standards (export, customs, CofC)
- Collaborate with supply chain and customer service to ensure seamless order fulfilment
- Provide leadership to a small but capable team, setting goals, coaching, and growing talent
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience in a manufacturing/engineering environment ideally in a high-reliability or technical product setting
- Strong working knowledge of MRP/ERP systems with experience improving planning and inventory processes
- Confident in demand forecasting, analytics, and translating data into actions
- A natural problem solver and process improver with a hands-on attitude across production, planning, and logistics
- Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams with energy and clarity
- Experience working to ISO9001/AS9100 standards would be highly desirable
Why Join?
- Be the key driver of change as the business transitions its planning and materials control
- Join a forward-thinking and growing engineering business
- Work in a collaborative team, with support from senior leadership
- Defined career pathway into Operations Manager role within months
- Competitive salary, bonus scheme, private healthcare, and more
If you’re looking for a role where you can roll up your sleeves, build smarter processes, and grow into a senior operational leader, this is your opportunity. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Planning and Inventory Lead employer: Reevr Talent Ltd
Contact Detail:
Reevr Talent Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning and Inventory Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with MRP/ERP systems commonly used in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Understanding these systems will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to mastering the tools essential for the Planning and Inventory Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing examples of how you've improved planning or inventory processes in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced and the strategies you implemented to overcome them, as this will highlight your hands-on attitude.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing fields, especially those who have experience in planning and inventory management. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current projects and challenges related to supply chain and inventory management. Being knowledgeable about their operations will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning and Inventory Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in materials management, planning, and logistics. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise with MRP/ERP systems and your ability to drive improvements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for operational excellence and how your background aligns with the role. Mention your problem-solving skills and your experience in leading teams, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention how you improved inventory accuracy or optimised production schedules, as this will resonate with the hiring team.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with demand forecasting and data analysis. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you successfully implemented changes that led to improved performance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reevr Talent Ltd
✨Showcase Your MRP/ERP Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience with MRP and ERP systems during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've improved planning and inventory processes in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share instances where you've successfully solved complex problems in a manufacturing or engineering environment. This will show your hands-on attitude and ability to drive continuous improvement.
✨Emphasise Leadership Experience
Since this role involves leading a small team, be ready to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Discuss how you've set goals, coached team members, and contributed to their professional growth.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO9001 and AS9100 standards, as they are highly desirable for this position. Being able to discuss how you’ve ensured compliance in past roles will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to quality.