At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inventory strategy and optimisation across two UK sites, using data to drive improvements.
- Company: Join Arvato, a leading global 3PL service provider in supply chain management.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on logistics excellence and shape supply chains globally.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management, strong analytical skills, and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Company Description
Arvato is an innovative and leading global 3PL service provider in supply chain management and e-commerce.
With 20,000 team members at over 100 locations, we focus on the Consumer Products, Tech, Healthcare, Automotive and Publisher industries.
You will work in an environment built on collaboration, respect, commitment and curiosity, where you can grow, contribute your ideas, and make an impact.
Be part of the team that delivers logistics excellence and shapes supply chains globally.
Working at Arvato means: Together, we’re on it.
Job Description
We’re looking for an experienced Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation Manager to join Arvato and take ownership of inventory strategy and optimisation across two of our UK sites.
This is much more than a traditional inventory management role.
We’re looking for someone who is highly analytical, commercially minded and forward-thinking, who can use data and insight to shape how we manage, store and move stock both now and in the future.
You’ll take a strategic view of inventory requirements, planning up to 12 months ahead, while working closely with Operations, Engineering, Solutions and other key stakeholders to determine the most effective ways of managing our stock.
A key part of the role will be challenging the status quo — looking at whether processes should be automated or manual, where stock should be positioned within the warehouse, how we can optimise capacity and storage, and how our inventory operation can continuously improve.
- What you’ll be doing
- Develop and implement inventory strategies across two Arvato sites.
- Lead long-term inventory planning, forecasting and stock analysis, looking up to 12 months ahead.
- Analyse stock profiles, volumes, demand and capacity to identify future operational requirements.
- Use data and commercial insight to recommend the most effective manual, automated or hybrid picking solutions.
- Assess stock location and warehouse slotting to optimise space, efficiency and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve inventory accuracy, availability, productivity and cost.
- Lead the development and implementation of inventory best practice across both sites.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and support a culture of data-led decision making.
- Identify opportunities to standardise processes and improve inventory performance across the wider operation.
- Lead and develop the site’s Inventory Supervisors, providing direction, coaching and support.
- Work collaboratively with Operations, Engineering, Solutions, IT and other stakeholders on operational and strategic projects.
- Produce meaningful analysis and insight for senior stakeholders, turning complex data into clear recommendations.
- Challenge existing processes and identify opportunities for innovation, automation and optimisation.
- Monitor key inventory KPIs and develop action plans where performance can be improved.
Qualifications
We’re looking for someone who is analytical, curious and commercially aware, with the confidence to challenge existing ways of working and influence decisions at all levels.
You’ll ideally have experience in
- Inventory management, supply chain planning, logistics optimisation or warehouse optimisation.
- Analysing large and complex datasets and turning them into actionable recommendations.
- Long-term inventory or capacity planning.
You’ll need strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent Excel/data analysis capability and the ability to communicate your findings clearly to both operational and senior stakeholders.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who doesn’t simply accept “that’s how we’ve always done it.” You’ll be someone who wants to understand the data, challenge the process and find a better way of doing things.
- Warehouse layout, stock location, slotting or space optimisation.
- Continuous improvement and process optimisation.
- Assessing automation and operational solutions.
- Managing and developing teams.
- Working across multiple sites or complex logistics operations.
At Arvato, you’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on how our operations work.
This is a role where your analysis and recommendations will directly influence inventory strategy, warehouse utilisation, automation, operational efficiency and future capacity planning.
You’ll work across two sites, giving you the opportunity to influence best practice on a wider scale and play a key role in the continued development of our supply chain operation.
If you’re an analytical supply chain professional who enjoys solving complex problems, planning ahead and turning data into better ways of working, we’d love to hear from you.
- Additional Information
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays with the option to purchase up to an additional 5 days
- Pension contribution
- A life assurance policy that pays out 4 x Salary
- Employee Assistance Programme that provides you with confidential support, information, and advice to help you
- Employee Discount Scheme through Benefit Hub
- Free Parking
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation Manager in Birmingham employer: Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Colchester, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. With a focus on hands-on support and a commitment to employee well-being, the company offers competitive benefits and opportunities for professional advancement, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation Manager in Birmingham
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Bertelsmann, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory & Supply Chain Optimisation Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Bertelsmann. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Bertelsmann and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bertelsmann
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Bertelsmann.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Bertelsmann
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Bertelsmann might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!