At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing and inventory for over 6,000 products while collaborating with suppliers.
- Company: Established leader in industrial controls and automation with 40+ years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a growing company.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and make a real impact in inventory management.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing, stock management, and strong Excel skills required.
Our client is an established specialist in industrial controls and automation with over 40 years of industry experience. They are currently looking for a Purchasing and Inventory Manager to join their hardworking and dedicated team in St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex.
The ideal candidate will possess demonstrable experience within purchasing, have previous hands-on experience using a stock management, inventory planning or inventory optimisation system, as well as experience of managing a sizeable and varied product or SKU portfolio. You will possess strong Microsoft Excel skills, have good numerical and analytical ability, possess excellent organisation skills and attention to detail as well as strong communication and relationship-building skills.
As a Purchasing and Inventory Manager you will take responsibility for purchasing and inventory management across a product portfolio of more than 6,000 SKUs, with the range continuing to grow as the business develops. You will take ownership of day-to-day purchasing, help ensure the company maintains the right levels of stock, work closely with international suppliers and logistic partners, and produce meaningful stock and purchasing analysis to support commercial decision-making.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and qualities:
- Demonstrable experience within purchasing
- Previous hands-on experience using a stock management, inventory planning or inventory optimisation system
- Experience managing a sizeable and varied product or SKU portfolio
- Possess strong Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience producing, developing and interpreting management reports
- Have good numerical and analytical ability
- Possess excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
- Have strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to deal with suppliers, including international suppliers
- Have previously worked with courier, freight and logistics providers
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and follow actions through to completion
Desirable Skills and Experience:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central experience
- Previous experience using Eazystock
- Experience within industrial automation, electrical products, engineering or a technical distribution environment
- Experience purchasing or importing products from international suppliers
- Experience developing, purchasing, inventory or stock management KPIs and reports
Your duties as a Purchasing and Inventory Manager would be:
- Managing the day-to-day purchasing of stock and products from UK and International suppliers
- Taking ownership of inventory management across a growing portfolio of more than 6,000 SKUs
- Raising and managing purchase orders, ensuring orders are accurate and placed within appropriate timescales
- Monitoring outstanding purchase orders, supplier lead times and expected delivery dates
- Working closely with suppliers to resolve delivery, availability, pricing and supply issues
- Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key suppliers
- Liaising closely with courier companies, freight providers and other logistics partners
- Monitoring stock levels and helping ensure the appropriate balance between product availability and stock investment
- Using the stock management software to support stock planning, forecasting and purchasing decisions
- Producing and continually developing monthly stock management reports
- Analysing stock movements, purchasing trends, slow-moving stock, excess inventory and potential stock shortages
- Using Excel extensively to analyse data and turn it into clear, useful management information
- Working closely with the sales team to understand changing demand, customer requirements and future stock needs
- Maintaining accurate purchasing, supplier and product information with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, together with associated offline supplier price lists and pricing data
- Supporting supplier price reviews and purchasing negotiations
- Monitoring supplier performance, including delivery reliability, lead times and service levels
- Maintaining and taking ownership of established purchasing and stock management processes
- Identifying practical opportunities to improve purchasing processes, stock control, reporting and operational efficiency
- Contributing to the ongoing development of systems and procedures as the company grows
Salary: £38,000 - £42,000 per annum depending on experience
Hours: Full Time
Permanent
Location: St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex
Purchasing and Inventory Manager in Saint Leonards-on-Sea employer: ASL Recruitment Ltd
As a local Housing Company, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that empowers our employees to thrive. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to community engagement, our Business Support & Marketing Officer will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of housing in Bexhill. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the opportunity to work closely with key stakeholders in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing and Inventory Manager in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like ASL Recruitment Ltd and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at ASL Recruitment Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like ASL Recruitment Ltd keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing and Inventory Manager in Saint Leonards-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ASL Recruitment Ltd:This is your chance to really connect with the team at ASL Recruitment Ltd. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at ASL Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with ASL Recruitment Ltd.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show ASL Recruitment Ltd that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at ASL Recruitment Ltd. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
