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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock control and optimise inventory levels to meet customer demand.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Up to £26,000 salary, 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a collaborative environment with real growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in inventory control and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive workplace focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £26,000 (rising in April) plus bonus and flexible benefits including up to 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme).
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.
At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most – our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. Our focus on service, sustainability and continuous improvement creates a collaborative and supportive workplace where careers can grow.
With over 75 years of industry expertise, we combine the stability of a market leader with a fast-moving, commercially focused environment. We value teamwork, accountability and continuous learning, offering genuine opportunities for development and progression.
The Inventory Controller Role
As Inventory Controller at our Sudbury site, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate stock control and optimising inventory levels to meet customer demand while supporting working capital and margin objectives.
You will manage forecasting, replenishment and stock accuracy across a wide product range, working closely with procurement, logistics and sales teams to ensure availability, minimise excess stock and improve overall supply chain performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Forecast stock requirements and manage replenishment to maintain optimal availability.
- Take ownership of stock levels across allocated sites, balancing service, space and working capital.
- Monitor aged and slow-moving stock, identifying actions to reduce excess and improve margin.
- Maintain accurate inventory records and ensure system data integrity.
- Raise and manage purchase orders for standard and non-standard stock items.
- Expedite orders and resolve delivery or cost issues with suppliers.
- Maintain strong product knowledge including pack quantities, pallet configurations and volumes.
- Manage Goods In schedules and confirm Goods Received Notes (GRNs).
- Manage stock holding agreements and ensure purchasing aligns with customer commitments.
- Maintain and analyse stock databases, identifying opportunities for optimisation.
- Work closely with sales, procurement, logistics and management teams to align inventory with customer demand.
- Support cross-site collaboration with other Regional Distribution Centres.
- Monitor and report on stock KPIs, identifying areas for improvement in availability, margin and stock turn.
- Ensure purchasing and stock processes comply with company policies and standards.
What You Will Bring
- Experience working in a fast-paced stock control, inventory or supply chain environment.
- Strong numerical, analytical and data interpretation skills.
- Good Excel and general systems competency.
- Ability to manage large numbers of SKUs across varied product types.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
- Confident communicator, comfortable working cross-functionally.
- Proactive, detail-focused and able to work on your own initiative.
- Good understanding of inventory management principles.
- Two or more years’ experience in an Inventory Controller or stock-focused role.
What You Will Get
- 25 days holiday (rising to 27 with service) plus bank holidays.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Free parking at many sites.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Extensive training, development and progression opportunities.
- Health and dental cover options.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies.
- Long service awards.
- Eye care support for DSE users.
Your Future with Us
Macfarlane Packaging is a business where internal progression and mobility are actively encouraged. Through structured development pathways, in-house expertise and leading external training partners, we support colleagues in building long-term careers, including access to leadership and professional qualifications such as ILM and CIPS.
How To Apply
We are reviewing applications promptly and aim to hold interviews soon. Please click Apply to submit your up-to-date CV. If you do not hear from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team.
Inventory Controller in Sudbury employer: Macfarlane Packaging
Contact Detail:
Macfarlane Packaging Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Controller in Sudbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission of protecting what matters. Tailor your answers to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in inventory control and how it aligns with the company's goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Controller in Sudbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Inventory Controller role. Highlight your experience in stock control and inventory management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant skills like Excel proficiency and data analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values at Macfarlane Packaging. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage inventory effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Inventory Controller, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your data interpretation abilities and be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed stock levels or improved inventory accuracy.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Familiarise yourself with the basics of supply chain management. Be prepared to talk about how you’ve collaborated with procurement, logistics, and sales teams in previous positions. Showing that you understand the bigger picture will impress interviewers and highlight your teamwork skills.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since good Excel competency is a must for this role, make sure you're comfortable with functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. You might even want to prepare a quick demonstration of your skills if asked during the interview.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
Being proactive is crucial in inventory management. Think of instances where you took the initiative to solve problems or improve processes. Share these stories during your interview to showcase your detail-focused approach and ability to work independently.
