At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inventory strategy and optimise supply chain performance for Bonnier Books UK.
- Company: Join a dynamic publishing company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, flexible working, and 28 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a lively team with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the publishing industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Reporting to: CCO
Location: 5th Floor, HYLO, 105 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8LZ
Working pattern: Hybrid - minimum of two days per week in the office; up to three days per week working from home
Department: Inventory & Operations
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on experience
Duration: Twelve-month fixed-term contract
General Summary
We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused head of inventory to lead inventory strategy and supply chain performance across Bonnier Books UK on a twelve-month maternity cover basis. Responsible for overseeing inventory management, stock strategy, and operational performance across the business. The role provides strategic direction and decision‑making support across reprints, stock planning, availability, and wider supply chain activity, while ensuring strong day‑to‑day operational delivery through the Inventory & Operations team. Working closely with Publishing, Sales, Production, Finance, and Distribution, the successful candidate will drive stock optimisation, cost control, process improvement, and service performance, while ensuring continuity across key operational workflows and business‑critical projects.
Key responsibilities
- Lead inventory management, with accountability for stock optimisation, print strategy, and overstock/remainder management
- Ensure strong title availability and efficient stock flow from print through to customer fulfilment
- Oversee operational cost management and identify opportunities to improve efficiency across the supply chain
- Monitor and improve operational performance across distribution and fulfilment, ensuring effective delivery during key trading periods
- Act as the senior escalation point for inventory and supply chain issues, driving timely resolution and informed decision‑making
- Drive process improvement, reporting enhancements, and systems development across inventory and supply chain workflows
- Support key operational and strategic initiatives, including POD, ASR, cost optimisation, and international stock management
Qualifications and Experience
- Strong experience in inventory management, supply chain, or stock operations
- Experience within publishing, retail, FMCG, or another product‑led environment
- Strong analytical, forecasting, and reporting capability
- Experience managing supplier relationships, operational budgets, and cost control
- Ability to prioritise effectively and operate confidently in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across teams
- Experience leading, developing, and supporting teams
- Knowledge of distribution, warehouse operations, and print supply chains would be advantageous
- Experience delivering process improvement or operational change initiatives would be beneficial
- Commercially aware, highly organised, and detail‑oriented
- Proactive, collaborative, and calm under pressure
Company Benefits
- Private health insurance
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Lively social committee hosting regular events
- Group Life cover - including 24-hour GP service
- Company-funded gym membership for all trade staff
- Comprehensive staff training and mentorship programmes
- Flexible working and flexible hours from day one of employment
- Additional holiday allowance accrued for long service – and a full bonus week of holiday to celebrate your 10th year at BBUK
- Enhanced family leave - with equal six months’ paid leave for all new parents
- Employee assistance programme available to all employees and their families
- Dedicated volunteering hours each year to support charities promoting literacy and reading for pleasure
- Cycle to work scheme with bike storage and changing facilities on‑site at our London HQ
- Wellbeing programme and daily benefits such as fresh fruit and porridge in the office
Head of Inventory (Interim) employer: Bonnier Books UK
Bonnier Books UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a hybrid working model, comprehensive benefits including private health insurance, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to training and mentorship, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects in the publishing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Inventory (Interim)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the publishing and inventory management sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its inventory strategies. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in stock optimisation and supply chain performance. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on your achievements in inventory management and operational efficiency, and be ready to discuss how you can drive improvements at Bonnier Books UK.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Head of Inventory role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Inventory (Interim)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Inventory role. Highlight your experience in inventory management and supply chain performance, as well as any relevant achievements that align with our needs at Bonnier Books UK.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this interim position. Share specific examples of how you've driven stock optimisation and improved operational performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since strong analytical and forecasting capabilities are key for this role, don’t forget to mention any tools or methods you’ve used to analyse inventory data and make informed decisions in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bonnier Books UK
✨Know Your Inventory Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of inventory management and supply chain processes. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past, especially those that led to stock optimisation or cost control. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical capabilities by discussing how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Bring examples of forecasting or reporting you've done, and be ready to explain how these efforts improved operational performance. This is crucial for a role that requires strong analytical skills.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves working closely with various departments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence stakeholders and resolve issues collaboratively. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where your communication skills made a difference in a project.
✨Be Ready for Process Improvement Discussions
Expect questions about process improvement and operational change initiatives. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've successfully led such initiatives in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and any measurable outcomes that resulted from your efforts, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
