Supply Chain and Inventory Planner in Darwen

The Supply Chain & Inventory Planner is responsible for supporting the effective planning, ordering, distribution and control of stock across the business. The role works closely with Procurement, Sales, Marketing, Stores, Warehouse, Finance, suppliers and distributors to maintain stock availability, manage inventory levels and resolve supply issues. The post holder will use sales history, forecasts and stock data to support purchasing decisions, new product launches and actions on slow-moving stock, while ensuring delivery and invoice discrepancies are identified and recovered promptly.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Stock Ordering & Supply Coordination

• Manage the ordering and distribution of stock in line with agreed sales, stock and availability plans.
• Agree lead times, production timescales and delivery dates with suppliers, ensuring all required purchasing and shipping documentation is completed accurately.
• Identify production constraints, supply difficulties, shortages and potential delays, taking prompt action and escalating risks where necessary.
• Liaise with suppliers, distributors and internal teams to maintain continuity of supply and communicate changes to expected delivery dates.

Sales, Forecasting & Inventory Planning

• Prepare and maintain sales and stock plans in conjunction with Procurement and relevant commercial teams.
• Plan sales forecasts and stock requirements for new ranges, considering lead times, seasonality, launch plans and expected demand.
• Control stock levels against agreed forecasts and inventory targets, balancing product availability with cash and stockholding risk.
• Analyse historical sales and report on the performance of new product lines, highlighting trends, risks and recommended actions.
• Monitor slow-selling, ageing and excess stock and coordinate appropriate actions with Sales, Marketing and Procurement.

Delivery, Invoice & Cost Reconciliation

• Ensure supplier invoices, purchase orders and deliveries are accurately matched and investigate any discrepancies.
• Record shortages, non-deliveries, damages and incorrect charges, ensuring claims or credit requests are raised and tracked to resolution.
• Maintain clear records of stock costs that have not been delivered and work with Finance and suppliers to recover the value promptly.

Stakeholder & Supplier Collaboration

• Liaise effectively with Marketing, Stores, Warehouse, Finance, suppliers and distributors to align stock plans and resolve operational issues.
• Provide clear updates on stock availability, delivery changes, supply risks and recovery actions to relevant stakeholders.
• Accompany senior team members on visits to manufacturers and suppliers to develop an understanding of production processes, capacity and supply constraints.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain a comprehensive and accurate library of product, supplier, sales, stock, forecast and delivery data.
• Produce regular reports on stock performance, forecast accuracy, supply risks, new line performance and slow-moving inventory.
• Support continuous improvement of forecasting, ordering, supplier management and inventory control processes.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Previous experience in supply chain, inventory planning, purchasing, procurement, merchandising or demand planning.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret sales, stock and forecast data.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable working with ERP, stock management, reporting or business intelligence systems.
• Good commercial awareness, with an understanding of stockholding, availability, margin and working capital impacts.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple suppliers, products and priorities.
• Confident communication and stakeholder management skills across operational and commercial teams.
• Ability to identify risks, solve problems and take ownership of issues through to resolution.
• Experience within FMCG, retail, wholesale, manufacturing or distribution is advantageous.
• Experience of international suppliers, freight or import processes is desirable.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrate professionalism and consistency in what you say and do in order to build trust.
• Take responsibility for actions within your remit, demonstrating ownership and following issues through to completion.
• Work collaboratively across departments and consider how plans and decisions affect colleagues and wider business performance.
• Carefully consider the financial and operational implications of stock and supply decisions, providing timely advice and practical solutions.
• Use data and commercial judgement to prioritise actions, challenge assumptions and make balanced recommendations.
• Reflect on performance, seek feedback and support continuous improvement in supply chain and inventory planning processes.
• Adapt plans and priorities in response to new information, supplier changes and evolving business requirements.

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