Inventory Control Manager (Luxury)

Based in the Safe Room at the flagship store, the Inventory Control Manager leads the Inventory Control function for the UK business. The role oversees stock integrity, team performance, safe room security, and all inventory control processes. Managing the Inventory Control Specialists, you ensure that stock movement, storage, auditing, and reporting are executed to the highest standard. You are responsible for exceptional data accuracy, proactive variance management, and alignment across Finance, Operations, Production, and Retail. This is a hands‑on management role requiring strong organisation, analytical capability, accountability, and care when handling high‑value goods.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stocktake Management
  • Organise and lead regular stocktakes across all business areas, including Retail, Workshop, and Production.
  • Own the preparation, distribution, and maintenance of all stocktake files and related software (e.g. ERP outputs, Excel count sheets).
  • Produce stocktake variance reports, investigate discrepancies end‑to‑end, and ensure corrective actions are taken.
  • Analyse trends, identify root causes, and drive process improvements to reduce variances and stock loss.
  • Continuously refine stocktake methodology, count procedures, and reconciliation processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and auditability.
  • Proactively identify operational weaknesses and propose solutions that reduce stock loss and administrative overhead.
  • Maintain clear audit trails for all variance investigations, stock adjustments, and stock movements, ensuring documentation is complete, accessible, and audit‑ready.
  • Lead post‑stocktake review sessions, presenting findings, variances, recommended adjustments and process improvements to leadership.
• Team Management
  • Lead, support, and develop the team of Inventory Control Specialists.
  • Set daily priorities and ensure all tasks are executed to exceptional standards, with a focus on accuracy, process compliance, and service to the wider business.
  • Create a positive, collaborative environment that empowers team members to excel.
  • Train team members on SOPs, inventory processes, stock handling standards, safe room protocols, ERP usage, and investigative best practice.
  • Conduct performance management, ongoing coaching, and hiring as required.
  • Foster cross departmental relationships to ensure seamless workflows.
• Daily Process Oversight
  • Develop a strong, practical understanding of all Jessica McCormack SOPs and ensure full compliance within the Inventory Control team.
  • Act as first point of contact for all daily interactions within the Safe Room and for business partners requiring stock support.
  • Allocate and organise daily workflow for the Inventory Control team, balancing urgent requests with long‑term tasks.
  • Manage incoming queries from across the business, delegating appropriately while ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Oversee all inventory transactions, ensuring timely and correct processing on our stock management system across all store locations and departments.
  • Ensure correct handling, logging, and storage of all stock and client‑owned items.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact across departments for all stock‑related queries, escalations, and process clarifications.
  • Maintain operational excellence in stock movement processes including picking, replenishment, transfers, events stock, loans, B2B and B2C orders, and packaging.
• Safe Room Security & Organisation
  • Maintain compliance with physical security processes, safeguarding high‑value items.
  • Keep a clean, organised and efficient safe room, ensuring health & safety compliance.
  • Understand, implement and monitor security protocols, escalating any issues.
  • Plan team shift rota, ensuring safe room coverage during all operational hours.
• Data Accuracy, Reporting & Analysis
  • Ensure accurate inventory records across ERP, company files, and physical stock.
  • Conduct ongoing data validation, reconciliation, and cycle count analysis to maintain exceptional stock accuracy.
  • Produce monthly inventory reports for Operations and Finance, including insights on variances, shrinkage trends, and risk exposure.
  • Carry out regular reporting into negative stock, open transfers and other known causes of variance, proactively resolving issues to maintain accuracy.
  • Work alongside Sales Administration to maintain accurate stock records for repairs, repurposed items and special orders.
  • Use Excel (including pivot tables, advanced formulas, dashboards) to build and maintain reporting tools.
  • Maintain and update SOPs and process documents for the Inventory Control function.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years’ experience in inventory management, stock control, or operations within retail or luxury environments.
• Experience managing a team in a high accuracy, high accountability environment.
• Strong command of ERP systems and advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, formulas, dashboards; experience with macros beneficial).
• Exceptional organisational skills with rigorous attention to detail.
• Ability to investigate variances from both data and operational perspectives.
• Strong communication skills, able to collaborate with senior stakeholders.
• Experience handling high value goods with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and maintain a calm, solutions focused approach.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• A natural leader who inspires confidence and high performance.
• Meticulous, analytical, and process driven with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable being both hands on and strategic.
• Demonstrates integrity and discretion when handling valuable stock and confidential information.
• Strong numerical and data‑handling accuracy skills.
• Able to prioritise effectively under pressure.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and proactive mindset.
• Great initiative and can‑do attitude.
• Able to follow strict SOPs and compliance requirements.
• Able to physically handle delicate and high value items with care.