At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage stock levels and optimise inventory to meet customer demand.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Up to £28,000 salary, 27 days holiday, flexible benefits, and career development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with ongoing training and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills, attention to detail, and experience in supply chain preferred.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Wakefield
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
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.
The Role:
As our 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
- Some previous experience working within a purchasing/procurement or supply‑chain related role (preferred but not essential)
- 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)
Why Join Macfarlane?
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both professionally and personally, including:
- 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.
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 in Wakefield employer: Macfarlane
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Wakefield. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through structured development pathways, ongoing training opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and wellness support. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued and career progression is actively encouraged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Controller in Wakefield
✨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 thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements effectively.
✨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 Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Inventory Controller role. Highlight any relevant experience in stock management, procurement, or supply chain roles. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data and forecasting, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical prowess. Mention specific tools or methods you’ve used to manage inventory or improve performance. We love numbers!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about inventory management and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we want to feel your enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Inventory Controller, you'll be working with data and KPIs all the time. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to forecast demand or manage stock levels. Bring examples of how you’ve improved inventory performance.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you fully understand what the role entails. Familiarise yourself with inventory management principles and think about how your previous experience aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working cross-functionally, be prepared to demonstrate your communication skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with procurement, sales, or logistics teams. Highlight how you built relationships to improve supply chain performance.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
