At a Glance
- Tasks: Support inventory management and optimise supply chain operations for a better railway.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a leader in safe and efficient transportation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and up to 28 days annual leave.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the railway while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Analytical skills, experience with Excel, and knowledge of supply chain management.
The predicted salary is between 32432 - 32432 £ per year.
Who We Are
Join Our Team at Network Rail! Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
About the role
Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain. This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway. SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving - making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule.
Vacancy type: This role is a 12 month secondment/fixed-term contract post with the potential to extend or become permanent (unless a suitable redeployee is identified).
Location: This position is based at The Quadrant, Milton Keynes (3 days per week in the office).
Hours: 35 hours per week with hybrid working and occasional travel for site visits. Flexible working arrangements can be considered.
Salary range: £32,432 per annum.
Closing date: 29 September 2026. Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.
You will need to complete a supporting statement addressing how you meet the essential criteria, please complete this as part of the application process and add this to your CV in ONE document. Applicants who do not complete this statement will not be shortlisted.
At Network Rail you will have a clear development path, access to training and enjoy a range of employee benefits, such as:
- up to 28 days annual leave
- rail travel subsidies
- a range of pension options
- flexible and agile working arrangements
- discounts on shopping, gym memberships and much more.
Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:
- Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'
- Changing a physical feature of our workplace
- Providing extra equipment or assistance
- Alternative document formats can be made available.
The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in a Competency Based Interview. Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.
Your experience and skills
What are the key accountabilities in this role?
- Engage with and support the Inventory Manager, Regional Distribution Centre teams, customers and other departments within Logistics and Supply Chain Operations to understand future business strategies and develop inventory stocking principles to support the associated supply and demand plan.
- Analyse the metrics for stockouts, overstocks and demand/item changes to track, periodically review and report actual business performance to assist with efficient supply chain operations.
- Collect, review, and analyse category and supplier data for an allocated discipline engaging in regular category reviews to lead changes to the inventory strategy.
- Provide analysis, guidance, support and quantified progress reports on business improvement initiatives which will include the financial impact of changes in performance to support management with key supply chain decisions.
- Maintain effective relationships with customers and suppliers through day-to-day activities and query management to support supply contracts achieving the most cost-effective delivery of goods.
- Maintain sustainable inventory holding at lean and efficient levels, whilst retaining control and availability of inventory up to and beyond the KPI levels expected so that stock is available when customers need it.
- Resolve daily queries within the allocated discipline from Regional Distribution Centre teams, customers and other departments within Logistics and Supply Chain Operations to support the overall supply chain operation.
- Review minimum and maximum stocking levels and locations so that the right level of stock is held in the right place.
- Review and implement changes to ordering setup during periods of change or supply issues to minimise the impact on deliveries of stock to customers.
What are the essential skills and experience we're looking for?
- Analytical, numeric and problem solving skills.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables and v-lookups.
- Experience of Enterprise Resource Planning supply chain management systems.
- Knowledge of the supply chain.
- Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisational skills.
- Accreditation in a subject requiring mathematical or scientific competence or experience in a similar analytical role.
We would also like, but it's not essential:
- Knowledge of contract and supplier management.
Key Information
- Number of Positions: 1
- Contract Type: Fixed-Term
- Hours: Full Time
- Location: The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes
- Geographical Area: South East England (Not inside M25)
- Closing Date: 29-SEP-2026
- Job Category: Business, Commercial and Project Management
- Function: Route Services
- Asset: SCO - Supply Chain Services
- Organisation: NJ Infrastructure Materials & Operations (618714)
Inventory Controller (12 month Fixed-Term Contract / Secondment) in Milton Keynes employer: NETWORK RAIL
Network Rail is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the UK. The supportive culture and commitment to maintaining accurate data ensure that your role as a Data & SharePoint Support Specialist is both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Inventory Controller (12 month Fixed-Term Contract / Secondment) in Milton Keynes
✨Get to Know the Local Scene
Temporary roles in logistics and supply chain often rely on local connections. Visit local businesses or warehouses and introduce yourself! You'd be surprised how often work is filled through word of mouth, so put yourself out there.
✨Leverage Industry Events
Look for trade shows, logistics expos, or supply chain seminars happening in your area. These events are goldmines for networking and often feature companies looking for temporary staff. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Be Ready to Flex Your Skills
In temporary roles, employers want people who can easily adapt. Brush up on your knowledge of inventory management systems or logistics software—anything that can show you're ready to jump in right away. It will make you stand out!
✨Apply through Our Website!
Don't forget to check our listings at StudySmarter! We often have great temporary roles in logistics and supply chain that you can apply for directly. Getting your application in through our site is a solid step towards landing your next gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Inventory Controller (12 month Fixed-Term Contract / Secondment) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Logistics Know-How:When applying for a Inventory Controller (12 month Fixed-Term Contract / Secondment) in logistics and supply chain, make sure to highlight your relevant skills such as inventory management, procurement knowledge, and experience with logistics software. Tailor your CV to show any specific projects or coursework you've completed that relate to the field—specifics matter!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, it's important to showcase your flexibility in your cover letter. Employers want to know that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to changing priorities, so share examples of previous roles where you've shown this adaptability.
Include Certifications and Training:If you have any relevant certifications like a Forklift License or training in supply chain management, make sure these are front and centre in your application. They really can set you apart in the logistics field, especially for a temporary role where employers may prefer someone who's ready to jump straight into the task at hand.
Why You Want This Role:In your cover letter, express why you're interested in this temporary position at NETWORK RAIL. Use it as a chance to show your enthusiasm for the logistics field and how this experience will help you grow professionally. Remember, it’s about more than just the job—show us you're keen to learn and make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at NETWORK RAIL
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on fundamental supply chain concepts, like inventory management and logistics strategies. Since this is a temporary role, having a quick grasp of these basics can set you apart and show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you solved logistics challenges. Interviewers love hearing how you approached issues like delays or order discrepancies, so come prepared with a couple of solid examples that highlight your critical thinking skills.
✨Stay Flexible and Open-Minded
As a temporary candidate, we need to demonstrate adaptability. Be prepared to discuss how you can quickly integrate into different teams and handle diverse tasks. This can really showcase your potential to thrive in a fast-paced environment like logistics.
✨Get Familiar with Logistics Tools
Familiarise yourself with common supply chain management software, such as SAP or Oracle. Mentioning these tools during your interview can impress your interviewer at NETWORK RAIL and demonstrate your readiness to engage with their systems right away.
