At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock planning, ordering, and distribution to ensure smooth supply chain operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a thriving supply chain environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Work with diverse teams and develop valuable industry insights.
- Why this job: Make an impact by optimising inventory and ensuring product availability.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or inventory planning and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
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.
Supply Chain and Inventory Planner in Darwen employer: Flavour Warehouse
Vapestore is an excellent employer that prioritises teamwork, innovation, and excellence in a vibrant retail environment. Located in Eastbourne, we offer our Retail Sales Assistants a supportive work culture with opportunities for personal growth, competitive benefits including a company pension, employee discounts, and a cycle to work scheme. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and fosters a passion for the vaping industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supply Chain and Inventory Planner in Darwen
✨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 Flavour Warehouse 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 Flavour Warehouse!
✨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 Flavour Warehouse 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 Supply Chain and Inventory Planner in Darwen
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 Flavour Warehouse:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Flavour Warehouse. 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 Flavour Warehouse
✨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 Flavour Warehouse.
✨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 Flavour Warehouse 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 Flavour Warehouse. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
