At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels and optimise inventory using data-driven insights.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in the packaging distribution sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth potential and supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational performance while protecting what matters.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory control and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Kingston, Milton Keynes
Package: Basic salary up to £28,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus & flexible benefits package including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays & additional annual leave purchasing scheme)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday–Friday
Sector: Packaging Distribution
About the role
Optimise stock, drive efficiency, and support business performance. At Macfarlane Packaging, we’re in the business of protecting what matters – our people, our customers, and the planet. We’re equally committed to protecting and developing careers, offering a stable, forward‑thinking environment where your contribution is recognised and your progression supported. With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the strength of a market leader with the pace and energy of a commercial, sales‑led business. If you enjoy working with data, driving efficiencies, and playing a key role in operational performance, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.
The Role: Inventory Controller – you’ll take ownership of stock management across our site, ensuring the right products are available at the right time while balancing working capital, space utilisation, and margin. Working closely with procurement, sales, and logistics teams, you’ll use data and insight to forecast demand, manage stock levels, and identify opportunities to improve performance. This is a highly visible, cross‑functional role where accuracy, organisation, and commercial awareness are key.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Manage stock levels across allocated sites, ensuring availability aligns with customer demand and service levels
- Forecast inventory requirements using data and customer insight to optimise stock holding
- Monitor and manage aged, excess, and slow‑moving stock to improve margin and reduce waste
- Raise and manage purchase orders for both standard and non‑standard items
- Expedite orders and resolve supply or cost issues to maintain continuity and control spend
- Maintain accurate inventory records, ensuring strong data integrity across systems
- Manage Goods In schedules and oversee accurate Goods Received Notes (GRNs)
- Support stock holding agreements and ensure purchasing accuracy in line with customer requirements
- Analyse inventory performance and report on key KPIs, identifying areas for improvement
- Work closely with sales, procurement, and logistics teams to align stock planning with customer needs
- Build strong relationships across departments and with suppliers to support effective supply chain performance
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working in an inventory control, stock management, or supply chain role
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with confidence working with data and Excel
- Excellent attention to detail and a structured, organised approach
- Ability to prioritise and manage workload in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross‑functionally
- Proactive mindset with the ability to identify issues and implement solutions
- Comfortable managing a large SKU range across multiple product categories
- Experience using ERP or stock management systems
Desirable
- Previous experience in a distribution or logistics environment
- Understanding of inventory management principles and KPIs
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays
- Additional holiday purchasing scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Flexible benefits package including healthcare options
- Employee assistance programme to support wellbeing
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Employee discounts across major retail and leisure brands
- Annual volunteering day
- Long service awards and recognition schemes
Your Future with Us
We’re committed to helping our people grow. With structured development pathways, access to industry‑recognised training (including CIPS), and genuine opportunities for progression across the wider group, you’ll be supported to develop your career within a business that values continuous improvement and internal mobility.
Equal Opportunities
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of your age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.
Inventory Controller - Data-Driven Stock Optimiser in Milton Keynes employer: Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Kingston, Milton Keynes. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide structured career pathways, ongoing training opportunities, and a flexible benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and wellness support. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and recognition of your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Controller - Data-Driven Stock Optimiser in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Macfarlane Packaging, their values, and their approach to inventory management. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your data skills! Since this role is all about optimising stock using data, brush up on your Excel and analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive efficiencies and improve performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Macfarlane Packaging.
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Controller - Data-Driven Stock Optimiser in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your analytical skills and any relevant inventory control experience to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about inventory management and how your previous experiences align with our needs. Be specific about how you can drive efficiencies and support business performance.
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since this role is all about data-driven stock optimisation, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with Excel and any ERP systems you’ve used. We want to see how you can leverage data to forecast demand and manage stock levels.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Group UK Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Inventory Controller, you'll be working with data daily. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data to optimise stock levels in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to forecast demand and manage inventory effectively.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with Macfarlane Packaging's operations and values. Knowing how they protect their customers and the planet will help you align your answers with their mission. Be prepared to discuss how your role can contribute to their goals of efficiency and performance.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires strong cross-functional collaboration. Think of instances where you've successfully worked with procurement, sales, or logistics teams. Highlight your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively, as this will be crucial for managing stock and resolving issues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios involving aged or slow-moving stock and how you would handle them. Demonstrating a proactive mindset and your approach to implementing solutions will impress the interviewers.
