Supply Chain Executive in Nottingham

Julian Bowen is a leading UK furniture wholesaler and integrated furniture solutions provider, working with retailers across the UK and Ireland. From its Nottinghamshire headquarters and distribution centre, the company delivers end-to-end services including product design, global sourcing, warehousing, distribution, and customer support. Its extensive portfolio covers bedroom, dining, living, occasional, home office, and children's furniture, combining trend-led styles with timeless designs to deliver strong value. As a family-founded business, Julian Bowen emphasises collaborative culture, long-term partnerships, and responsible business practices. The company is committed to continuous improvement and innovation to support national retailers, e-commerce businesses, buying groups, and independent furniture specialists.

Role Purpose

The Supply Chain Executive plays a key role in ensuring the efficient flow of products from international suppliers through to our UK distribution network. Working closely with the Supply Chain Manager and other team members, you will be responsible for stock planning, overseas purchasing, inbound logistics, supplier communication and continuous improvement initiatives to maintain excellent product availability whilst controlling costs. This is a highly analytical role requiring strong commercial awareness, excellent organisational skills and the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, freight partners and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Stock Planning & Purchasing
  • Analyse daily sales trends, forecasts and stock levels to make informed purchasing decisions.
  • Raise and manage purchase orders using a forecasting system, balancing system recommendations with commercial judgement.
  • Ensure appropriate stock cover is maintained across seasonal peaks, promotional activity and supplier shutdown periods.
  • Monitor supplier lead times and proactively adjust purchasing plans to minimise stock shortages and excess inventory.
  • Manage overseas purchase orders from placement through to final delivery into the UK.
  • Work closely with Sales, Product and Warehouse teams to support product launches and promotional activity.
  • Resolve supply issues proactively to protect customer availability and service levels.
• Shipping, Imports & Supplier Management
  • Act as a contact for inbound freight, shipping and import activities.
  • In partnerships with others coordinate shipments from the Far East, South America and other international suppliers.
  • Liaise with freight forwarders, shipping agents and customs brokers to ensure timely deliveries.
  • Build strong working relationships with suppliers to improve service, lead times and supply reliability.
  • Ensure import documentation is accurate and completed in line with customs requirements.
  • Support supplier performance reviews through KPI monitoring and regular communication.
• Systems, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Maintain accurate purchasing and import records within Sage 200 and other business systems.
  • Assist in the production of regular reports on stock availability, supplier performance, inbound shipments and purchasing activity.
  • Analyse supply chain data to identify trends, risks and opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
  • Support the ongoing development of Slimstock forecasting parameters and purchasing processes.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing costs and improving customer service.
  • Ensure data accuracy across all supply chain systems.
• Operational Support
  • Support inventory management through regular stock reviews and replenishment planning.
  • Assist in managing aged stock and excess inventory.
  • Work collaboratively with Finance to support invoice queries and supplier reconciliations.
  • Provide cover and support for other Supply Chain team members when required.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with company procedures.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience in overseas purchasing and import management.
• Understanding of international freight, shipping and import processes is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret sales, stock and forecasting data.
• Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple deadlines.
• Commercial awareness and problem-solving mindset.

Desirable

• Experience using Slimstock for demand planning and replenishment.
• Sage 200 experience.
• Experience within furniture, homewares, retail or FMCG environments.
• Experience working with global supply chains.

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong analytical thinker.
• Calm under pressure and able to respond quickly to changing priorities.
• Collaborative team player with a customer-focused approach.
• Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.