Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager

Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager

Full-Time 50000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Nosy Crow

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage inventory, freight, and distribution for a leading children's publishing company.
  • Company: Join Nosy Crow, an award-winning independent publisher focused on children’s books.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work, and generous employee discounts.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the world of children's publishing while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Strong inventory management experience and excellent analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.

  • Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager
  • Nosy Crow Ltd – Senior
  • Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager

Nosy Crow is a multi-award winning, independent children’s publishing company with operations in both the UK and the USA.

We make child-focused, parent-friendly children’s books for ages 0-12.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join as our Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager working across both our UK and US lists.

Purpose of the Job

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager is responsible for managing inventory, freight and distribution across Nosy Crow’s UK and US businesses.

Using data, forecasting and market insight, the role balances stock availability with effective working capital management, while ensuring the efficient and cost-effective movement of stock from manufacture through to customer delivery.

The role also manages the Inventory Assistant and works closely with colleagues, distribution centres and external partners across the UK and US.

Key responsibilities and tasks

  • Lead the management of inventory across our UK and US businesses, using data, forecasting and sales trends to optimise stock availability while minimising excess inventory and working capital
  • Analyse stock performance and demand, identifying risks and opportunities and making recommendations on reprints and other stock decisions
  • Manage our operational relationships with third-party distribution centres, ensuring effective communication, accurate stock information and timely resolution of issues
  • Work closely with UK and US sales teams to manage direct deliveries, special fulfilment requirements and other stock-related needs
  • Lead the management of international freight across air, sea and land, ensuring stock is moved efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with customer and distribution centre requirement
  • Manage relationships with freight partners, including reviewing service levels and KPIs, negotiating rates and addressing underperformance
  • Make effective freight decisions based on cost, lead times, service requirements and business priorities, while monitoring freight spend
  • Identify and implement improvements to inventory, freight and distribution processes, systems and reporting
  • Lead regular UK and US stock meetings, providing analysis, highlighting stock and availability risks and ensuring agreed actions are followed through
  • Line manage, coach and develop the Inventory Assistant.

Key skills, characteristics and capabilities

  • Strong inventory management experience, including stock analysis, forecasting and managing stock availability and excess inventory.
  • Good knowledge of international book publishing distribution; UK and US distribution experience would be an advantage.
  • Experience of international freight and logistics, including working with freight forwarders and third-party distribution centres.
  • Strong analytical and numerical skills, with excellent Excel skills and the ability to turn data and trends into practical recommendations.
  • Good commercial judgement, with an understanding of the balance between stock availability, customer service, cost and working capital.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy operational environment.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
  • Effective people management skills, with the ability to coach, delegate and support development.
  • Excellent attention to detail, combined with a practical, can-do approach and willingness to muck in when needed.

The successful candidate will have the right to live and work in the UK. This is a hybrid role working 3 days per week in our office near to London Bridge.

The salary range for this role is £50,000 – £55,000 depending on experience.

  • Christmas closure
  • Summer hours
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Critical Illness cover
  • Enhanced maternity/paternity/partner/adoption leave
  • Season ticket loans
  • Up to 80% off RRP for Nosy Crow book purchases

Please let us know, if you are comfortable doing so, whether or not there are any reasonable adjustments that we should consider that would help during the recruitment process.

Nosy Crow is a Disability Confident, committed equal opportunities employer.

We believe that employing a diverse workforce is an important factor in success and make recruiting decisions based on applicants’ experience and skills.

We welcome applications from all members of society irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage or civil partnership.

Applications are treated with due confidentiality.

Nosy Crow is a member of the Living Wage foundation.

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Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager employer: Nosy Crow

Nosy Crow is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to grow in the children's publishing industry. With a commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as enhanced parental leave, cycle to work schemes, and opportunities for remote working, all while being located near London Bridge. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating meaningful books for children, where your contributions are valued and your professional development is supported.

Nosy Crow

Contact Details:

Nosy Crow Recruitment Team

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Inventory, Freight and Distribution Manager

Inventory Management
Stock Analysis
Forecasting
International Freight and Logistics
Third-Party Distribution Management
Analytical Skills
Excel Skills